The young man for some weeks has been in a state of incapacity; a most blameworthy and indeed shameful condition, it is true, but in a state of incapacity to transact business.

He declares that he has no knowledge of this act of forgery.

He will swear this.

I am prepared to defend him." "Very well, Sir," interrupted Sir Archibald, "and I hope, I sincerely hope, successfully." "But while it may be difficult to establish innocence, it will be equally difficult to establish guilt.

Meantime, the young man's life is blighted, his name dishonoured, his family plunged into unspeakable grief.