es, and diamonds and
servants."

"Oh, come off, Tom; no more fairy stories for me."

"It's no fairy story, Sarah. I tell you there is no one on earth that I
love as I do you. I've felt bad seeing you living this way and I've done
the best I could; but I am to be let into the greatest gang on earth. I
will make money from the start, and you will be let in and we can in a
few weeks make a big stake and skip. What I tell you is no fairy story."

"Bah! Tom, I've heard your wild tales before."

"This is no wild tale. I tell you in a few weeks we will be flush."

The woman's eyes glittered as she said:

"I wish I could believe you, Tom."

"You can believe me."

"Why are you so secret about it? Why don't you open up?"

"I have not been initiated yet. It is the greatest gang that ever got
together."

"Do you know any of the parties in it?"

"Certainly I do. All countries are represented. We have the talent of
the world in it. The leaders are the smartest men on earth. They have
branches in every large city in the United States. They are in with big
politicians, judges and millionaires. They have defied the police for
eighteen months, and they are all ready to flood the land and get away,
and I am to be let in."

"Counterfeiters, Tom?"

"Well, yes, that is a part of their business. They counterfeit currency,
metal and bonds, government and bank. They will make a big general
sweep. Every man in it will get his share, and a share is a fortune.
It's the most perfect organization ever effected, and I tell you I am
to be in it among the big bugs too, and all through you."

"All through me?"

"Yes."

"How is that?"

"They need you."

"They do?"

"Yes."

"In what capacity?"

"To sign the papers."

Again the woman's eyes glittered as she asked:

"How did they learn about me?"

"One of our old pals told them about you."

"And why did you not tell me about this before?"

"I have not had my first interview yet with the king-pin. He has been
out West. He is to be in New York some day this week. You are to exhibit
your skill and we will get a stake immediately."

"And you will gamble it away in an hour."

"No, I've sworn off."

"Bah! how many times you've told me that!"

"I mean it this time."

"Tom, I am fond of you, but I cannot let you ruin me again. If we make a
big stake I am to hold the money. Do you hear?"

"Yes, I hear."

"And you understand that I mean what I say?"

"I do."

"I can