h you could easily carry with you. I have transacted a good deal of
business with him, and have always found him careful and honest. If you
wish, I will introduce you to him."

Mrs. Maroney was always very suspicious, and her fears were somewhat
aroused by the proposition. "What sort of a man is he?" she inquired.

"I know nothing further of him than what I have told you; he has always
acted honestly with me."

"Could you not manage to have the money exchanged for me without my
being known in the transaction?" asked Mrs. Maroney.

"Yes, I could, but it would be better for you to see him."

"Oh, no; there is no necessity of his knowing me. You can introduce me
as a friend, if you like, but get the money changed as if it were your
own, and pay him well for it."

"Just as you please," answered the Madam.

Mrs. Maroney wished in this way to compromise Madam Imbert, and get her
into the same boat with Maroney and her. I was doing everything possible
to bring out the money, and was able to protect my detectives. I had
placed tempting bait for both Maroney and his wife, and they were
nibbling strongly. My anglers were experts, and would soon hook their
fish, and after playing them carefully would land them securely.

Mrs. Maroney's confidence in Madam Imbert increased daily, until finally
she said to her: "Madam Imbert, you would do me a great favor if you
would take charge of some money packages I have. You could put them in a
safe place, and let me have small amounts now and then, as I needed
them. When my husband gets out we can use the money; but now we do not
need it. The Adams Express might find out I have money, and they might
try to get possession of it. It is not theirs, but they would make
trouble for me if they could."

"No," replied the Madam, "that I could not do. I don't want to be
bothered with other people's money. I have enough trouble with my own.
If I should take yours, I should never have any rest, fearing it might
be stolen; and if it should be, I could never forgive myself. No, it is
better for you to take care of it. I will advise you all I can, but
cannot take the responsibility of protecting your property."

Mrs. Maroney wrote to her husband and asked his advice. She informed him
that she had followed Madam Imbert and had discovered her exchanging
money, thus proving that she was telling the truth; and now she knew she
could trust her. She spoke of the Madam's refusal to take charge of the
m