"
And at the word "fraud," his wan cheek became crimson.
"My own affairs, Mr. Cleave," he continued, "are, I find, in a most
unhappy condition. I have been far too negligent; and now, on my
death-bed, for such it will prove, I discover, for the first time, that I
am well-nigh a ruined man!"
He spoke with wild energy as he went on. I, in vain, attempted to impress
upon him, the danger of exciting himself.
"I must explain everything, and in my own way," he said, with burning
cheeks, "for I look to you to extricate me. I have appointed you, Mr.
Cleave, my chief executor; but, above all, I rely upon you, I adjure you,
to protect my good name in those horrible accounts, which you once helped
to arrange, but which haunt me day and night like the ghost of a murdered
man!"
The insane agitation of the speaker increased, in spite of all which I
could say. It led him to make me a singular revelation--to speak upon a
subject which I had never even dreamed of. His pride and caution seemed
wholly to have deserted him; and he continued as follows:
"You are surprised, Sir, that I should thus call upon you. You are young.
But I know very well what I am doing.
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