"Why, look ye, sir,", said the man, "if you really aint a party to the offence, I'm very sorry for you. The business is just this here. The shop of Blake, Blanchard & Co., has been frequently robbed, and sometimes by ladies. I was called, not four mouths ago, to take a real lady to prison, who had stole to the amount of £10. And to prison she went, too, though some of the most respectable people in town came down and begged for her. Now this here young lady came yesterday to the shop of Blake, Blanchard & Co.--tumbled every thing upside down, and bought nothing--went away--to-day came again--asked to see the most valuable lace--bought ten shillings' worth of narrow edging, and left the premises. At her departure she was seen to take ten yards of lace--value, £120. I was called in, and followed her, with one of the clerks, to identify her person. We perceived her walking fast--very fast, indeed. It was as much as we could do to overtake her. The clerk can swear to her identity--and the lace was found in her hand. Both the young man and myself can swear to it, if she denies it--though I caution you, Miss, not to say any thing at present, because it can be used against you at your trial." "I do not deny it," said Caroline, with flashing eyes. "I took the lace, but did not know I took it." "Oh! ho-ho!" said the man. "I hope you can make 'em believe that. Perhaps you can." "My dear friend," cried Mrs. Clifford, now nearly beside herself, "I assure you, this is a frightful mistake. She carried the lace away from mere carelessness. Here is all the money I have about me. Take it for yourself, only let us go. My daughter, I assure you, is utterly incapable of stealing. You don't know her. As for the lace, I am willing to pay for it. My name is Mrs. Clifford. I live No. ---- Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square. My dear, kind, good sir, turn the carriage and let us go home. My husband was Captain Clifford, of the American navy. Do you think we would be guilty of stealing? I will give you any money you desire. I will give you £50--only let us go." "If your husband was Admiral Nelson himself," replied the man, with dignity, "I could not let you go now--not if you were to give me £500. I have only to do my duty. It's a very painful one--but it must be done. I aint a judge. I'm a policeman; and my business is to deliver you safe into the hands of Blake, Blanchard & Co."