Directly that gentleman had secured the necessary capital to make a fresh start in life, he had resolved to give his dormant business talent a chance of distinguishing itself. His ten years’ American experience had been of the utmost value to him, and soon after his visit to Birnie chance flung him into the company of a gentleman who was looking out for a good working partner in a commercial speculation.
Mr. Walter Brooks and Mr. Edward Marston, laying their heads together, conceived the idea of starting in business in the City as financial agents. Mr. Brooks had a peculiar talent for imitating handwriting, and Mr. Marston acquired in America the knowledge of a process by which signatures could be transferred from one piece of paper to another in a manner that would defy detection.
But Mr. Marston had not round him the ‘workmen’ who were necessary before this knowledge could be utilized on an extensive scale.
Mr. Brooks, on the contrary, was acquainted with several gentleman who in the course of their business frequently came into possession of blank cheques. Furthermore, he was intimately connected with Mr. Seth Preene, a gentleman who had some mysterious connection with the police, and yet was willing to ‘represent’ the firm of Smith and Co., and act as traveller or confidential agent as circumstances required. Messrs. Brooks and Marston saw at once how remarkably useful they could be to each other; a partnership was formed, and Mr. Brooks let it be known that he was in the market for blank cheques.
Hitherto these articles had not been of much value. They were generally filled in for a few pounds, signed with a fancy name, and passed off upon ignorant tradespeople.
But the process was slow and uncertain, and accompanied by considerable risk.
Tradespeople were rapidly losing the first bloom of innocence, and cheques from unknown customers were regarded with considerable suspicion.
Marston with his capital and his process, and Brooks with his connection and experience, saw means of converting what was at present a drug in the market into a highly remunerative investment.
Brooks was to be the working partner, Marston was to be the capitalist and secret director, and the two together were to be ‘Smith and Co.’
A small furnished office was to be taken, a week’s rent being paid in advance, and a clerk was to be secured by advertisement.