[Poor and Proud by Oliver Optic]@TWC D-Link bookPoor and Proud CHAPTER XVI 8/9
He readily consented, and on turning out Ann's pocket, produced the two half dollars, one of which the gentleman decided was a counterfeit coin. "How could you know this was a counterfeit ?" he asked of Katy. "I heard a gentleman at the door of the American House, who knew the game, tell another that it was a counterfeit;" and she proceeded to give all the particulars of the two tricks she had seen Ann play off. "I shall have to take you to the lock-up, my little joker," said the policeman. "O, dear me!" cried Ann, and this time she was in earnest. "Please don't do that!" said Katy, who had not foreseen this consequence of the game. "I must; it is downright swindling." "Please don't; she has a father and mother and I dare say they will feel very bad about it.
I promise you she shall never do it again," pleaded Katy. "I must do my duty.
This candy trick has been played a good many times, and has become a nuisance.
I must lock her up." "Save me, Katy, save me!" begged Ann terrified at the thought of being put in a prison or some dreadful place. "Why do you wish to save her ?" interposed the gentleman. "Because her mother will feel so bad; and she will lay it all to me." Katy told him all about herself and about Ann, and he was so much interested in her that he joined in pleading for Ann's release.
The officer was firm for a long time, but when the gentleman declared that he should not appear against her, he decided to let her go, to Katy's great delight, as well as to Ann's. Humbled by the peril from which she had just escaped, Ann promised never to be guilty of playing another trick upon travelers; but Katy was firm in her purpose not to supply her with any more candy.
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