I recall the case well.

He got a twenty-year sentence for forgery." "True!" she answered.

"And Mrs.Winstin Willoughby was sentenced to fifteen years for theft! Lord James did forge--in the way of business for the German government! Jane Winstin Willoughby did steal--for the same blackguard masters! Do you think they will expose me as a spy?
That would be too clumsy, even for such bullies as they are! Do you suppose they could have dragged me down to this without some sword held over me?
They can prove that I committed a crime in England several years ago.

Oh, yes, I am a criminal! I raised a check.

It was a check on a German bank, given to me by a German on behalf of a countryman of his.