SHARP PRACTICE 17 



Weatherbound had won the Cambridgeshire, when I was 

 of course in funds ; although I mention the fact merely 

 to show the method of repayment, and that whilst it 

 was easy enough to part with the money in one sum, 

 it was only recoverable in driblets, and after considerable 

 trouble in gaining repossession of it at all. 



The last instalment of the loan, now represented by 

 his acceptance for 500, was falling due, when he came 

 all the way to Woodyates to settle it. As he could just 

 as readily have concluded the matter by sending me, 

 through the post, his own cheque crossed to my banker, 

 the method adopted somewhat excited my suspicion, as 

 in the end it served to create considerable distrust. He 

 dined with me, and was to sleep at Woodyates ; but the 

 subject that brought him there was not broached until 

 we were just preparing to go to bed. Then he began 

 with perfect nonchalance. 



' Oh ! William,' he said, * I have Mr. Isaacson's bill 

 for 500. It falls due on the 4th ' laying it on the 

 table as he spoke. ' Here it is, and it is as good as a 

 Bank of England note. Have you mine by you ?' 



I replied in the affirmative, and added that I had no 

 doubt Mr. Isaacson's name would be good enough with 

 his endorsement added. 



' Yes,' he said, in the most innocent way ; ' but for 

 private reasons I would rather not have my name appear 

 to it just now ; and your bank, you know, will take it 

 with your endorsement.' 



I had, however, my own very particular, if not private 

 reasons, causing me to decline to take the bill without 

 his signature ; and ultimately he endorsed it, and the 

 matter was concluded, he taking one bill and I the other, 

 when we parted for the night. Both the drawer and the 

 acceptor of the bill he gave me proved to be, as I sus- 



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