u, however, I am a poor man, and my power is
limited."

Godfrey remained silent.

"What can have happened to agitate you thus? What have you done that can
warrant such dreadful words? Sit down, cousin. You look faint. Good
Heavens! how you tremble. What can occasion this terrible distress of
mind?"

"I shall be better presently. Give me a glass of brandy, Tony, to make
me speak steadily. I never felt nervous before."

His teeth chattered audibly and prevented him from speaking further.
Anthony gave him the stimulant he desired. It seemed to possess some
miraculous power. Godfrey rose from his chair, and coming quite close up
to his cousin, he said with apparent calmness:

"Anthony, I have committed forgery."

Anthony recoiled backward. He caught the table convulsively to keep
himself from falling, as he gasped out:

"This is too dreadful! Oh, my poor uncle! Thank Heaven, you are spared
the agony of this. Godfrey, Godfrey, what could induce you to perpetrate
such a crime?"

"Necessity. But don't torture me with questions. I am punished enough
already. The deed is done and the forfeit must be paid. Haman Levi, the
Jew, in whose name the check was drawn, has detected the fraud.
Fortunately for me he is a rascal, a man without any principle, in whom
avarice is a more powerful feeling than justice. He knows that he will
gain nothing by hanging me; but something considerable by a compromise
that will save my life. The sum drawn by me was for three hundred
pounds. Haman came to me this morning, and told me that if I paid him
four hundred down within twelve hours he would acknowledge the order,
and stop the prosecution; but if I refused to comply with his terms, the
law should take its course. I have no money, Anthony. I know not where
or how to obtain such a large sum in the given time, and if I suffer
this day to expire, the season for mercy is past. Rescue me, Anthony,
from this frightful situation--save me from a death of shame--and the
rest of my life shall be devoted to your service!"

"Alas, Godfrey, I have already borne your shame, and though your victim
has pronounced me innocent, the world considers me guilty. What can I do
in this dreadful business? I have no money. And my cousin who might,
perhaps, for my sake have helped you in this emergency, left us last
night, and will be some weeks absent."

"You have a father--a rich father, Anthony!" said Godfrey, writhing in
despair. "Will you not go to him and