 but I know it is not.«
    »Recollect yourself a little. The date is August the third of last year,
fourteen months ago. You may have forgotten it.« The tone of the voice had a
kind of eager entreaty in it, which Mr. Benson did not notice - he was so
startled at the fetch of his own writing.
    »It is most singularly like mine; but I could not have signed away these
shares - all the property I have - without the slightest remembrance of it.«
    »Stranger things have happened. For the love of Heaven, think if you did not
sign it. It's a deed to transfer for those Insurance shares, you see. You don't
remember it? You did not write this name - these words?« He looked at Mr. Benson
with craving wistfulness for one particular answer. Mr. Benson was struck at
last by the whole proceeding, and glanced anxiously at Mr. Bradshaw, whose
manner, gait, and voice, were so different from usual that he might well excite
attention. But as soon as the latter was aware of this momentary inspection, he
changed his tone all at once.
    »Don't imagine, sir, I wish to force any invention upon you as a
remembrance. If you did not write this name, I know who did. Once more I ask you
- does no glimmering recollection of - having needed money, we'll say - I never
wanted you to refuse my subscription to the chapel, God knows! - of having sold
these accursed shares? - Oh! I see by your face you did not write it; you need
not to speak to me - I know.«
    He sank down into a chair near him. His whole figure drooped. In a moment he
was up, and standing straight as an arrow, confronting Mr. Benson, who could
find no clue to this stern man's agitation.
    »You say you did not write these words?« pointing to the signature, with an
untrembling finger. »I believe you; Richard Bradshaw did write them.«
    »My dear sir - my dear old friend!« exclaimed Mr. Benson, »you are rushing
to a conclusion for which, I am convinced, there is no foundation; there is no
reason to suppose that because« -
    »There is reason, sir. Do not distress yourself - I am perfectly calm.« His
stony eyes and immovable face did indeed look rigid. »What we have now to do is
to punish the offence. I have
