ART. 13] BILLS IN A SET——NOTES AND CHECKS. 55

indorser subsequent to him is liable on the part he has himself
indorsed, as if such parts were separate bills.

200. The acceptance may be written on any part and it must
be written on one part only. If the drawee accepts more than
one part, and such accepted parts are negotiated to different
holders in due course, he is liable on every such part as if it
were a separate bill.

201. When the acceptor of a bill drawn in a set pays it with-
out requiring the part bearing his acceptance to be delivered up
to him, and that part at maturity is outstanding in the hands of
a holder in due course, he is liable to the holder thereon.

202. Except as herein otherwise provided, where any one part
of a bill drawn in a set is discharged by payment or otherwise,
the whole bill is discharged.

CHAPTER XVII—Promissory Notes and Checks.

203. A negotiable promissory note within the meaning of this
act is an unconditional promise in writing made by one person
to another, signed by the maker engaging to pay on demand or
at a fixed or determinate future time, a sum certain in money to
order or to bearer. Where a note is drawn to the maker's own
order, it is not complete until indorsed by him.

204. A check is a bill of exchange drawn on a bank payable
on demand. Except as herein otherwise provided, the provisions
of this act applicable to a bill of exchange payable on demand
apply to a check.

205. A check must be presented for payment within a reason-
able time after its issue or the drawer will be discharged from
liability thereon to the extent of the loss caused by the delay.

206. Where a check is certified by the bank on which it is
drawn, the certification is equivalent to an acceptance.

207. Where the holder of a check procures it to be accepted
or certified, the drawer and all indorsers are discharged from
liability thereon.