It is obviously in the youth's handwriting as also is the very bad imitation of his sister's signature.

In connection therewith is the fact of the youth's sudden disappearance (and every attempt to trace his whereabouts has failed), for, on the very day when the subject of the bill was first broached, he vanished from his college, and apparently he had been preparing for flight some time before." "But what could have induced a mere child to do such a thing, he is scarcely thirteen years old ?" "He was always somewhat flighty by nature, though that, of course, is not sufficient to explain how he came to forge his sister's name on a draft for 40,000 florins." "But why will not the baron tell his wife all about it ?" "Does not your ladyship see ?--It is quite plain to me.

Hatszegi understands his wife thoroughly.

He feels certain that as soon as the baroness hears of what her brother is accused, she would not hesitate a moment to acknowledge the forged signature as really her own." "True, true.

And then I suppose her brother could be saved." "Completely." "And then, I suppose, she would have to pay the money ?" "Either pay it or be sued for it." "Poor woman! I know she has no money.