“Necessity.  But don’t torture me with questions.  I am punished enough already.  The deed is done and the forfeit must be paid.  Haman Levi, the Jew, in whose name the check was drawn, has detected the fraud.  Fortunately for me he is a rascal, a man without any principle, in whom avarice is a more powerful feeling than justice.  He knows that he will gain nothing by hanging me; but something considerable by a compromise that will save my life.  The sum drawn by me was for three hundred pounds.  Haman came to me this morning, and told me that if I paid him four hundred down within twelve hours he would acknowledge the order, and stop the prosecution; but if I refused to comply with his terms, the law should take its course.  I have no money, Anthony.  I know not where or how to obtain such a large sum in the given time, and if I suffer this day to expire, the season for mercy is past.  Rescue me, Anthony, from this frightful situation—­save me from a death of shame—­and the rest of my life shall be devoted to your service!”

“Alas, Godfrey, I have already borne your shame, and though your victim has pronounced me innocent, the world considers me guilty.  What can I do in this dreadful business?  I have no money.  And my cousin who might, perhaps, for my sake have helped you in this emergency, left us last night, and will be some weeks absent.”

“You have a father—­a rich father, Anthony!” said Godfrey, writhing in despair.  “Will you not go to him and make one effort—­one last effort—­to save my life.  Think of our early years.  Think of my generous father—­of his love and friendship—­of all he sacrificed for your sake—­and will you let his son be hung like a dog, when a few words of persuasion might save him.”

The criminal bowed his head upon his hands, and wept long and passionately.  Anthony was deeply affected by his misery.  Had Frederic been at home, he thought, they might have done something to rescue him.  They might have gone to the miser, and together represented the necessity of the case, and by offering large interest for the loan of the money, have obtained it.  What was to be done?  Confounded and bewildered, he could think of no plan at all likely to succeed.

Alas for Anthony!  The money which had been left in his hands by Frederic Wildegrave, at that unlucky moment flashed across his mind.  It was exactly the sum.  He was sure that Frederic would lend it to him at his earnest request.  Anthony was young and inexperienced, he had yet to learn that we are not called upon, in such matters, to think for others, or to do evil that good may come of it.  He looked doubtfully in the haggard face of the wretched suppliant.

“Have you no means of raising the money, Godfrey?”

“Yes—­in a few days, perhaps.  But it will be too late then.”

“Cannot you persuade the Jew to wait?”

“He is inexorable.  But, Anthony, if you can borrow the money for me to-day, I will repay it to-morrow night.”