“Was she a pretty little girl?” asked Ellen, interested.

“Yes, she was very attractive.  I could not help feeling interested in her.  I hope she will come again.”

This was all that passed concerning Ida at that time.  The thought of her would have passed from the baker’s mind, if it had not been recalled by circumstances.

Ellen, like most girls of her age, when in possession of money, could not be easy until she had spent it.  Her mother advised her to lay it away, or perhaps deposit it in some Savings Bank; but Ellen preferred present gratification.

Accordingly one afternoon, when walking out with her mother, she persuaded her to go into a toy shop, and price a doll which she saw in the window.  The price was sixty-two cents.  Ellen concluded to take it, and tendered the silver dollar in payment.

The shopman took it into his hand, glancing at it carelessly at first, then scrutinizing it with considerable attention.

“What is the matter?” inquired Mrs. Crump.  “It is good, isn’t it?”

“That is what I am doubtful of,” was the reply.

“It is new.”

“And that is against it.  If it were old, it would be more likely to be genuine.”

“But you wouldn’t (sic) comdemn a piece because it was new?”

“Certainly not; but the fact is, there have been lately many cases where spurious dollars have been circulated, and I suspect this is one of them.  However, I can soon test it.”

“I wish you, would,” said Mrs. Crump.  “My husband took it at his shop, and will be likely to take more unless he is placed on his guard.”

The shopman retired a moment, and then reappeared.

“It is as I thought,” he said.  “The coin is not good.”

“And can’t I pass it, then?” said Ellen, disappointed.

“I am afraid not.”

“Then I don’t see, Ellen,” said her mother, “but you will have to give up your purchase for to-day.  We must tell your father of this.”

Mr. Crump was exceedingly surprised at his wife’s account.

“Really,” he said, “I had no suspicion of this.  Can it be possible that such a beautiful child could be guilty of such a crime?”

“Perhaps not,” said his wife.  “She may be as innocent in the matter as Ellen or myself.”

“I hope so,” said the baker; “it would be a pity that such a child should be given to wickedness.  However, I shall find out before long.”

“How?”

“She will undoubtedly come again some time, and if she offers me one of the same coins I shall know what to think.”

Mr. Crump watched daily for the coming of Ida.  He waited some days in vain.  It was not the policy of Peg to send the child too often to the same place, as that would increase the chances of detection.

One day, however, Ida entered the shop as before.

“Good morning,” said the baker.  “What will you have to-day?”