MR. HALL'S DISCOMFITURE.
The paper which John had discovered among the rubbish in the stove
was a half sheet of foolscap, which was covered with imitations of
Mr. Berry's handwriting, the words occurring being those of the note
of hand which Hall had presented for payment. The first attempts were
inexact, but those further down, with which pains had evidently been
taken, were close copies of Mr. Berry's usual handwriting. This of
course John could not know, not being familiar with his uncle's hand,
but his aunt confirmed it.
"It is clear," said John, "that Mr. Hall has forged the note which he
presented against my uncle's estate."
"What a wicked man," said Mrs. Berry, "to seek to defraud me and my
poor fatherless children! I never could have suspected him."
"It was the love of money, aunt. He thought you would not detect the
fraud."
"I should not but for you, John. How lucky it was you came! Now tell me
what I ought to do."
"Is there a lawyer in the place?" asked John.
"Yes; there is Mr. Bradley."
"Then, aunt, you had better send for him, and ask his advice."
"I will do so; I think that will be the best way."
Mr. Bradley, though a country lawyer, was a man of sound judgment, and
quite reliable. When the circumstances were communicated to him, he
gave his opinion that John's suspicions were well founded.
"I should like to see Mr. Hall here," he said. "Can you not ask him to
be present, and bring the note with him?"
"The store closes at nine. I will invite him then, if you can meet him
at that hour."
"That will suit me, Mrs. Berry," said the lawyer.
Mr. Hall was not surprised at the message he received. He expected that
the widow would be troubled about the claim he had presented, and he
was prepared to listen to entreaties that payment might be postponed.
That his fraud was suspected he did not dream.
When Mr. Hall entered the little sitting-room he was somewhat surprised
to see Mr. Bradley, the lawyer; but it occurred to him that Mrs. Berry
in her trouble had applied to him to mediate between them.
"Good-evening, Mr. Bradley," he said.
"Good-evening, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer, rather coldly.
"It is rather cool this evening," said Hall, trying to appear at ease.
"I understand," said Mr. Bradley, not appearing to notice this remark,
"that you have a claim against the estate of my late friend, Mr. Berry."
"Yes, sir."
"And the amount is--"
"Two thousand dollars," said Hall, promptly.
"So I understood. Did you bring the note with you?"
Hall opened his pocket-book, and produced the note. The lawyer took it,
and scanned it closely.
"Do you know what led Mr. Berry to borrow this amount?" asked the
lawyer.
"He wanted to put it into his business."
"Did he extend his business then? He might have done it to a
considerable extent with that sum."
"No, I believe not," said Hall, hesitating.
"But I thought he borrowed the money with that object."
"The truth is," said Hall, after a pause, "he was owing parties in
Boston for a considerable portion of his stock, and it was to pay off
this sum that he borrowed the money."
"I suppose you are aware, Mr. Hall, that this claim will sweep away
two-thirds of Mr. Berry's estate?"
"I am sorry," said Hall, hesitating. "I didn't know but he left more."
"Scarcely a thousand dollars will be left to the family. Mrs. Berry
will have a very hard time."
"I won't be hard upon her," said Hall. "I don't need all the money now.
I will let half of it, say, stand for a year."
"But it will have to be paid finally."
"Yes, I suppose I must have my money."
"It is rather strange that Mrs. Berry never knew anything of this. Her
husband usually told her of his business affairs."
"She thought so," said Mr. Hall, significantly,
"Do you mean to imply that he did not?"
"It seems that he did not tell her of this."
"So it appears, and yet it is a very important matter. By the way, Mr.
Hall, it was very creditable to a young man, like yourself, to have
saved up so considerable an amount of money. Two thousand dollars is
quite a little sum."
"I did not save it up,--that is, not all of it," said Hall, perceiving
that this would lead to suspicion. In fact, he was beginning to feel
rather uneasy under the lawyer's questioning.
"You did not save it up?"
"Not all of it. I received a legacy a little more than two years since
from a relative."
"You were fortunate. What was the amount of the legacy?"
"Fifteen hundred dollars."
"And you loaned all this to Mr. Berry?"
"Yes, sir."
"And five hundred dollars more."
"Yes."
"You never mentioned this legacy at the time."
"Only to Mr. Berry."
"Where did your relative live, Mr. Hall?"
"In Worcester," said Hall, hesitating.
"What relative was it?"
"My aunt," answered Hall, beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"What was her name?"
"I don't see why you ask so many questions, Mr. Bradley," said Hall,
beginning to find this catechising embarrassing, especially as he had
to make up the answers on the spot.
"Surely you have no objection to answer my question, Mr. Hall?" said
the lawyer, looking fixedly at the young man, who changed color.
"It isn't that," said Hall; "but it seems unnecessary."
"You must consider, Mr. Hall, that this claim is a very unexpected one.
Mr. Berry never mentioned to any one, so far as I know, that he had
borrowed this money of you. Remember, also, that it will reduce Mrs.
Berry to poverty, and you will not be surprised that we want to know
all the particulars respecting the transaction."
"I should think the note ought to be sufficient," said Hall.
"True, the note. Let me examine it once more." The lawyer scrutinized
the note, and, raising his eyes, said:--
"This note is in Mr. Berry's handwriting, is it?"
"Yes."
"By the way, Mr. Hall, the interest has been paid on this note at
regular intervals."
"Ye--es," said Hall.
"How often?"
"Every six months," he answered, more boldly.
"Ah, then I suppose we shall find corresponding entries on Mr. Berry's
books."
"I suppose so," said Hall; but he began to feel very uncomfortable.
"So that no interest is due now."
"About a month's interest; but never mind about that, I won't say
anything about that," said Hall, magnanimously.
"You are very considerate, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer; "but I am sure
Mrs. Berry will not accept this favor. She intends to pay you every
penny she owes you."
Mr. Hall brightened up at this intimation. He thought it looked
encouraging.
"I don't want to be hard," he said. "I don't care for the trifle of
interest due."
"I repeat that Mrs. Berry means to pay every penny that is justly due,
_but not one cent that is not so due_," said the lawyer, emphasizing
the last words.
"Of course," said the clerk, nervously; "but why do you say that?"
"Do you wish me to tell you, Mr. Hall?" asked Mr. Bradley, fixing his
keen glance upon the young man.
"Yes."
"Then I will tell you. Because I believe this note which I hold in my
hand _to be a base forgery_."
Hall jumped to his feet in dismay.
"Do you mean to insult me?" he asked, with quivering lips.
"Sit down, Mr. Hall. It is best that this matter should be settled
at once. I have made a charge, and it is only fair that I should
substantiate it, or try to do so. Did you ever see this sheet of paper?"
So saying, he produced the crumpled half sheet which John found in the
stove.
Mr. Hall turned pale.
"I don't know what you mean," he faltered; but there was a look upon
his face which belied his words.
"I think you _do_ know, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer. "You must be aware
that forgery is a serious matter."
"Give me back the note," said Hall.
"Do you admit it to be a forgery?"
"I admit nothing."
"Mr. Hall, I will hand you the note," said the lawyer, after a slight
pause, "merely reminding you that, if it is what I suppose, the sooner
you destroy it the better."
Hall took the note with nervous haste, and thrust it into the flame of
the lamp. In an instant it was consumed.
"You have done wisely, Mr. Hall," said Mr. Bradley. "I have no further
business with you."
"I shall leave Wilton to-morrow, Mrs. Berry," said Hall. "I must ask
you to get somebody else in my place."
"I will pay you to-night whatever wages are due you" said the lawyer,
"in behalf of Mrs. Berry."
"But how shall I manage about the store?" asked Mrs. Berry.
"I will take charge of it, aunt," said John, promptly, "if you will get
some one to assist me."
"Very well, John; but I am afraid it will be too much for you."
"Never fear, aunt; I haven't been in the store long, but I've learned a
good deal about the business."
Hall was paid, and that was the last that was seen of him. He went away
in the stage the next morning, and it is to be hoped that he has found
out that honesty is the best policy.
After he had left the room, Mr. Bradley advanced to Mrs. Berry, and,
grasping her hand, said, cordially:--
"I congratulate you on the new and improved look of your affairs."
"It has lifted a great weight from my mind," said the widow. "Now I
feel sure that I shall be able to get along, especially with John's
help. He was the first to suspect Mr. Hall of attempting to cheat me."
"You ought to be a lawyer, John," said Mr. Bradley. "You have shown
that you have a good head on your shoulders."
"Perhaps I may be one some time," said John, smiling.
"If you ever do, my office is open to you. Good-night, Mrs. Berry;
we've done a good evening's work."
The next day John undertook the chief management of his aunt's store.
He engaged James Sanford, who had had some experience in another town,
to help him, and things went on smoothly for a few weeks. At the end of
that time John received an important letter from Hampton.