"
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.
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