books?" asked he, at the same time handing Mrs.
Maroney a novel to look at, which he opened so as to disclose a note. He
spoke to her in a low tone and said:

"I am from prison," then glancing at the note, "I think that is for
you."

She took the novel, and, holding it open as if reading it, scanned the
contents of the note:

"MY DEAREST WIFE: This is the book-peddler. You will want to buy
books from him. Buy what you want. Give him the packages for me. He
is honest.

"All is well. NAT."

When she had read the note she stood looking at it, apparently unable to
speak. Madam Imbert looked at her, and as she began to fear that some of
the neighbors might notice the long stay of the peddler, said:

"Have you no message for the man? Time is precious!"

"Yes," she answered, looking up as from a trance.

Madam Imbert spoke in a low tone:

"Tell him to meet you down the lane."

"Yes," said she, "I will meet you down the lane at two o'clock and take
some books from you."

The peddler left a few novels and walked off. Mrs. Maroney and Madam
Imbert walked into the house. Now was the time for Madam Imbert to show
her power.

"Come, Mrs. Maroney, be quick! You must act at once! Get the money for
the book-peddler, quick!"

Mrs. Maroney seemed to act mechanically. Madam Imbert's strong will had
asserted a power over her that she could not resist. They went into the
cellar accompanied by Josh. and his wife.

"Dig the money up," commanded Mrs. Maroney still in the same mechanical
tone.

Josh. hesitated.

"Give me the spade!" said Madam Imbert. "Show me where the money is
secreted!"

Then, turning to Josh. and his wife, she said:

"_You are fools!_ You would not only ruin Mrs. Maroney, but yourselves.
Maroney knows best what is for his interest."

Mrs. Maroney pointed out the spot where the money was buried. The Madam
struck the spade into the ground.

"Stop, I'll do it!" said Josh.; "if you are bound to make a beggar of
yourself it is no fault of mine."

The money was about eighteen inches under the level of the cellar floor,
wrapped up in a piece of oil skin. It was soon unearthed and taken up
stairs. Mrs. Maroney said:

"I will go and get the buggy, or--no! Josh.! you go to Stemples's and
get his team; tell him it is for me."

Josh., without waiting to fill up the hole, started off. Madam Imbert
wrapped the money in two newspapers, and