means of a
dissolute teller, a boon companion at the gaming-table. But Colonel
Dumont, in arranging his affairs for their final settlement, had sent
Jaspar for a statement of his bank account at an unusual time. Jaspar,
who, in the illness of his brother, had managed all his business,
immediately discovered the forgery. Without disputing its genuineness,
he ascertained who had presented it, and traced the deed to the
attorney, and thus obtained a hold upon him which was peculiarly
favorable to the execution of his great purpose.

"You see I have not laid myself open to your fire without fortifying my
position," said Jaspar, enjoying, with hearty relish, the discomfiture
of the lawyer. "Now, no more of _honor_ to me. I have kept your secret
for my own interest, and now you will keep mine from the same motive."

"But I _dare_ not do this thing," replied Maxwell, keenly sensitive to
the weakness of his position; "I lack the ability."

"You have signed the colonel's name once very well; perhaps you can do
it again," sneered Jaspar, who had no mercy for an unwilling servant.

"It will not be for your interest or mine that I should do it," returned
Maxwell, determined, if possible, to avoid committing himself.

"Why not?" said Jaspar.

"My frequent visits to Bellevue would subject me to suspicion. I am
known. Another would not be suspected. If I clear myself, I shall clear
you at the same time. I can procure a person who will accomplish all in
safety."

"Think you I will trust another man with the possession of the secret?"

"I shall compromise my own safety by writing the will, as you propose."

"True,--who is this person?"

"His name is--" and Maxwell hesitated; then a severe fit of coughing
apparently prevented his uttering the name--"his name is Antoine De
Guy."

"Do I know him?"

"You do, I think,--a kind of _street_ lawyer,--you must have met him at
the Exchange."

"What looking man is he?"

"About fifty years of age," replied Maxwell, more thoughtful than the
simple description of a person would seem to require,--"rather
corpulent, black hair and whiskers, intermixed with gray,--dresses
old-fashioned, and always looks rusty."

"I do not remember him,--De Guy--De Guy," said Jaspar, musing; "no, I do
not know him. Are you confident he can be trusted?"

"Perfectly confident. I pledge my own safety on his fidelity," replied
Maxwell, not a little satisfied at gaining his point,--for he had a
point, and