oney, but said she had agreed to get it exchanged, and asked him what
she had better do.

Maroney talked the affair over with White, and asked his opinion as to
the best course to pursue. "She may do very well," said he, "but I don't
know as I would trust her. You never saw her. She may be a first-rate
woman, or she may be the opposite. If I were in your place I should wish
to see her before I trusted her. It would be well to have your wife
bring her to the jail to see you. Some women are smart, and she may be.
As a general thing women are very good as playthings, but trusting them
is an entirely different matter."

Maroney carefully considered the matter, and finally wrote to his wife,
directing her to induce Madam Imbert to accompany her to Eldridge street
jail, as he wanted to see her and judge of her character before trusting
her too far.

On receipt of this letter, Mrs. Maroney called on Madam Imbert, said she
was going to New York to see her husband, and asked the Madam to
accompany her. She said they would have a pleasant trip, and return home
the same evening.

De Forest came up at this moment, and interrupted the conversation.

"Good morning, ladies," said he gaily, "I have come to ask you to take
a fish-dinner with me at Manayunk."

Madam Imbert declined the invitation, but Mrs. Maroney concluded to go,
and started off with the happy De Forest. Madam Imbert returned to
Stemples's, hired his team, and drove into the city. She reported to me,
and asked for instructions about going to New York with Mrs. Maroney. I
told her to go; gave her full instructions, and then had an interview
with the Vice-President. I told him that all was working well, and
received his congratulations. Everything seemed auspicious, and pointed
to speedy success. It was true that a good deal of money was being
spent, but there was no other way to carry the matter to a successful
termination.

Madam Imbert returned to Jenkintown in time for supper, and, after a
hearty meal, called at Cox's. She found no one at home but Mrs. Cox and
the children. Mrs. Cox said her sister had not returned from her ride,
and she feared that she must have met with some accident. Madam Imbert
conversed with her until between eight and nine, when Josh. and Rivers
came in.

Mrs. Cox said, "Josh., Mrs. Maroney has not reached home yet. I fear she
has met with some accident."

"Hasn't she? Well, I'll go and hunt her up. Come along, Rivers."

"Josh., yo