"'Will you please step into your father's room, sir?' I said; 'he wants
to see you very particular.'

"The cornet's jaw dropped, and his face turned ghastly white as I said
this; but he tried to carry it off with a swagger, and followed me into
Mr. Percival Dunbar's room.

"'You needn't leave us, Sampson,' said Mr. Hugh, who was sitting
opposite his brother at the writing-table. 'You may as well hear what I
have to say. I wish somebody whom I can rely upon to know the truth of
this business, and I think we may rely upon you.'

"'Yes, gentlemen,' I answered, 'you may trust me.'

"'What's the meaning of all this?' Mr. Henry Dunbar asked, pretending to
look innocent and surprised; but it wouldn't do, for his lips trembled
so, that it was painful to watch him. 'What's the matter?' he asked.

"Mr. Hugh Dunbar handed him the forged bill.

"'This is what's the matter,' he said.

"The young man stammered out something in the endeavour to deny any
knowledge of the bill in his hand; but his uncle checked him. 'Do not
add perjury to the crime you have already committed,' he said. 'How many
of these are in circulation?'

"'How many!' Mr. Henry repeated, in a faltering voice. 'Yes,' his uncle
answered; 'how many--to what amount?' 'Three thousand pounds,' the