"It is so hard to be poor and out of work. To think of Mary and the
four children without food or clothing! Why, I was so desperate at times
that I would have murdered for money! What was the life of one rich,
useless old man to that of my Mary and our starving children? But I was
not to be a murderer. No, old Pierre Lanier saved me from that crime.
Bad as he is, that must be said in his favor. How scared the old rascal
was when I fired! He spoke so strangely. Said: 'My good man, you are
surely mistaken, but what can I do for you? Here are some coins, all I
have with me, but come along and you shall have more.' I had fired at
him, but missed my aim. There was no one in sight in that deserted part
of Calcutta. I mistrusted his motives, but needing money, went with him.
He stopped, and we sat down on a deserted bench by the side of an old
vacant house. What a sly, insinuating old villain he was! Telling me
that there must be some reason for my strange action in shooting, but
that he would help me if I trusted him.

"I told him of my poverty and helpless family. He seemed to pity us, and
said: 'I do not blame you in the least. I admire your spirit. What can
you do?'

"I told him that my former work had been bookkeeping, but that I had
been discharged for dishonesty, through the connivance of another
employe, who stole the money and turned suspicion on me.

"Old Pierre Lanier then became very sympathetic. I could make a neat
little fortune and provide for my family's immediate wants without
committing murder. He would commit any crime before those depending on
him for support should suffer. If I would come with him, we would talk
it over.

"I expressed fear that he would surrender me to the police.

"'Is not your revolver full of cartridges? Here, take my pistol. Soon as
you see me attempting any treachery, shoot to kill. My good friend, I
have use for you. If you can serve me, your family shall be well cared
for, and I will find more money for you to-night.'

"With this strange assurance, so positively stated, I went with him. We
entered his room, and the lights were turned on. Bringing pen, paper,
and ink, he sat down by a table and wrote several names.

"'Please copy these just like originals.'

"I did as requested.

"'Good! Now these,' handing me paper with other signatures.

"'Very good! Please copy the body of the papers.'

"Then he told me of his wish to procure conveyances, purporting to come
from the