alteration by making an "n" of the "r" and "e." This alteration may
appear to be somewhat complicated, but a trial of it according to
direction will show how nicely it may be done.

"Four" is another easy amount to alter. It is done by extending the
second part of the "u" into a "t," and adding the "y" loop to the "r."
"Five" is changed into "Fifty" and "Fifteen." "Six," "Seven," "Eight,"
and "Nine" are changed into "Sixty," "Seventy," "Eighty," and "Ninety"
by simply affixing the syllable "ty." "Twenty" is another easily
changed amount; all that is necessary to make "Seventy" of it is to
make an "S" of the "T," and change the first part of the "w" into an
"e." To make the alteration perfect, the top part of the "T" must be
erased with chemicals.

In regard to the chemicals used to erase ink, much depends upon the
ink. For most writing fluids and copying inks which are in daily use,
a saturated solution of chloride of lime is the best eraser known, and
when properly made is very quick and effective in its work. It may be
applied with a glass pointed pen, to avoid corrosion, or with a clean
bit of sponge. It acts as a powerful bleach, and with it the face of a
check may be washed as white as before it was written upon. When inks
have become dry and hard, sometimes carbolic or acetic acid is used
effectively with the chlorine. The application of any alkali or acid
to the clean polished surface of a check will, of course, destroy the
finish and leave a perceptible stain, but the work of covering up
these traces is quite as simple as removing the ink in the first
place.

A favorite trick of forgers and check and draft raisers, who operate
on an extensive scale, is for one of them to open an office in a city