“Not very difficult to write like it, I fancy.”
“Chewkle!” exclaimed Mr. Grahame, with dilated eyes, “what do you counsel?”
“Nothing, sir. I merely suggests that if the signature must be there on the deed, no obstinate old fool should prevent its being placed there and, where money is not a hobject, it can easily be managed.”
Mr. Grahame’s teeth chattered, as if he had been suddenly transported into a frosty atmosphere.
“Chewkle,” he said, grimly, “do you know what the law declares such an act to be?”
Mr. Chewkle nodded with perfect self-possession.
“It must be done, sir,” he rejoined emphatically. “Your position depends on it. You must balance beggary, destitution, ruin, against rank, fortune, dignity”——
“Forgery!” groaned Mr. Grahame, sinking into his chair, and pressing his hands over his eyes.