The Forged Coupon

Chapter 2

MAHIN was his schoolfellow, his senior, a grown-up young man with a

moustache. He gambled, had a large feminine acquaintance, and always had

ready cash. He lived with his aunt. Mitia quite realised that Mahin was

not a respectable fellow, but when he was in his company he could not

help doing what he wished. Mahin was in when Mitia called, and was just

preparing to go to the theatre. His untidy room smelt of scented soap

and eau-de-Cologne.

"That's awful, old chap," said Mahin, when Mitia telling him about his

troubles, showed the coupon and the fifty kopeks, and added that he

wanted nine roubles more. "We might, of course, go and pawn your watch.

But we might do something far better." And Mahin winked an eye.

"What's that?"

"Something quite simple." Mahin took the coupon in his hand. "Put ONE

before the 2.50 and it will be 12.50."

"But do such coupons exist?"

"Why, certainly; the thousand roubles notes have coupons of 12.50. I

have cashed one in the same way."

"You don't say so?"

"Well, yes or no?" asked Mahin, taking the pen and smoothing the coupon

with the fingers of his left hand.

"But it is wrong."

"Nonsense!"

"Nonsense, indeed," thought Mitia, and again his father's hard words

came back to his memory. "Scoundrel! As you called me that, I might as

well be it." He looked into Mahin's face. Mahin looked at him, smiling

with perfect ease.

"Well?" he said.

"All right. I don't mind."

Mahin carefully wrote the unit in front of 2.50.

"Now let us go to the shop across the road; they sell photographers'

materials there. I just happen to want a frame--for this young person

here." He took out of his pocket a photograph of a young lady with large

eyes, luxuriant hair, and an uncommonly well-developed bust.

"Is she not sweet? Eh?"

"Yes, yes . . . of course . . ."

"Well, you see.--But let us go."

Mahin took his coat, and they left the house.