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This having been done, the sheet bearing the three signatures was first given to Tuppit, and it shook slightly in his hand as he advanced to the window to inspect it carefully. He laid the paper on the table.

"I think I know the character of the writings now," he said.

The three slips were next handed to him, and he named the writer of each correctly.

"Clever chap-knows what he is about," was Shield's comment. Then, looking almost fiercely at Coutts: "Suppose you have brought your paper with you ?"

"Certainly."

"Show it then, and let us hear what he has to say about it."

Coutts slowly took out his pocket-book and looked inquiringly at Sergeant Dier. The latter had been observing the whole proceedings with that kind of interest which a skilful player bestows on an exciting game at cards or billiards. He responded promptly to Coutts' look.

"Best thing you can do, sir. It will settle the whole business at once.'

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But Coutts did not want to settle the whole business until he had spoken to Shield in private, and explained the terms on which publicity might be avoided. So he put in a hypocritical protest which he hoped would aid him in making his bargain by-and-by.

"You are aware, Mr. Shield, that there are reasons why I do not wish this matter to go beyond ourselves; and I believe you have the same desire. On that account we need not regard Mr. Tuppit's decision as final."

"I shall," answered Shield, frowning. "Hand him the paper."

Coutts obeyed with the reluctant air of one who is compelled to do something he dislikes. He did not look at Philip, who was watching him with pitying eyes.

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"It is rather a serious thing, gentlemen,' said Tuppit, speaking for the first time, and now as coolly as if he were on his conjuring platform, "a very serious thing to give a decided opinion in a case of this sort without

very careful examination. You will permit me to compare the signatures on this paper with the writing on the different papers you showed me." He gathered them up in his hand as he spoke. "I must use a magnifying glass."

He whipped one out from the tail-pocket of his coat. Then with it's aid he carefully compared the writings. After ten minutes he rose, and, instead of giving his decision, he advanced to Philip with the bill in his hand. "That is your signature," he said.

“It is,” replied Philip, quietly.

Coutts gave a slight shake of the head, as if this was no more than he expected although he deplored it. Wrentham's eyes moved restlessly from one face to the other.

Tuppit next advanced to Mr. Shield.

"This is the signature of Mr. Austin Shield."

"This is the signature of Austin Shield," was the answer after a brief glance at the writing.

CHAPTER LII.

HOW IT WAS DONE.

COUTTS was for an instant dumb with surprise and chagrin. That smart stroke of business on which he had been priding himself was completely spoiled, and all possibility of ingratiating himself with Mr. Shield was at an end.

When the bill was produced by Coutts, Wrentham had become white, and his lips, dry and feverish, closed tightly. When the signatures were calmly acknowledged by Philip and Shield, he gazed at them with a bewildered expression, then grasped the back of a chair and pretended to be looking through the window at something opposite. Sergeant Dier gave a slight jerk of his body as if lifting his heel from the floor. He darted a suspicious glance at his employer and at Wren

tham. Then he turned to Tuppit and gazed at him with a bland admiring smile. Shield, Beecham, Philip, and Tuppit were unmoved.

Coutts took the bill from Tuppit, and after deliberate examination replaced it in his wallet.

"I am delighted to find that it is all right, and that it will be duly honoured," he said; but, cool as he was, the acrimony of his tone contradicted the words. "The fact that it is so takes me out of a deucedly nasty corner. I must say, however, Mr. Shield, that you would have saved yourself and me a great deal of unnecessary trouble and waste of time if you had told me when I first came that the thing was correct."

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Have a lot of things on my mind. Forget sometimes," Shield jerked out carelessly.

"Ah, it's a misfortune to have a bad memory in business. I trust you will not forget to do justice to the motives which brought me to you."

"Oh, I'll do your motives full justice," answered Shield, with a grunt which would have

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