The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 134: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

130 THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. “ Alas! such a misfortune! I hardly have the courage to — tell you.’ ‘« Have you met with losses in speculation?” _ “Tf that were all, 1 would be happy. No, my ont are untouched. I fear—but tell me, monsieur, have any of my checks been cashed to-day?” *] will see.’ The cashier went out, and returned in a few moments _ with half a dozen checks. _ © Are they all genuine?” asked the marquis, The cashier carefully scanned them. ‘“ Yes:” = Thank Heaven! ‘Then I may be mistaken. Let me see them.” He looked them over, and suddenly started. ue ‘May I ask who presented this one for twenty-one thou- sandr” The cashier went out and asked the paying-teller. ‘* Monsieur Gorinot,” he said, when he returned to the -—s- marquis. Lhe latter uttered a groan, and buried his face in his hands. _**Oh, my poor wife! Ifshe should ever learn of this! : Monsieur,” he continued, turning to the startled cashier, “this is an altered check. Look closely and you will see. I made it out for one thousand francs, and it was stolen from my desk while I was out of the room. Oh, monsieur, advise me. What shall I do?” “¢ He ought to be arrested.” “Qh, no, no. Idonot care for him,,but my poor wife! The ingrate! Why, monsieur, I gave him thirty thousand francs a year, and yet he steals from me.’ ‘* Marguis, the cashier spoke, sternly, ‘‘ justice demands that such a rascal should be punished.” ‘¢Yes, monsieur, yes,” said the marquis, sadly, ‘‘ but think of my poor wife, whois an angel.” , * But it is my duty, marquis, to inform against him.” “‘Listen, monsieur. It will kill my wife, and if you in- form against him you will punish my wife and me. This is the first offense, remember.” -** Yes, but in these cases the first is soon followed. I know your brother-in-law. He is very dissipated, and if he finds this passes unnoticed he will try it again.’ Gomicbooks.com