Failing to procure, by outside operations, sufficient money to meet several large notes, he was forced to divulge a part of his iniquity to Jasper, in order to save the credit of the firm.

Suspicion of a deeper fraud being thereby aroused in the mind of his partner, time, and a sifting investigation of the affairs of the house, revealed the astounding fact that Parker had abstracted in money, and given the notes of the firm for his own use, to the enormous amount of fifty thousand dollars.
A dissolution of co-partnership took place in consequence.

Parker, blasted in reputation, was dragged before a court of justice, in order to make him disgorge property alleged to be in his possession.

But nothing could be found; and he was finally discharged from custody.
The whole loss fell upon Jasper.

He had nursed a serpent in his bosom, warming it with the warmth of his own life; and the serpent had stung him.