"What an awful liar she is!" said Katy to herself, as the lady hurried on, probably much pleased with herself as she thought of the kind act she supposed she had done. Katy was curious to know what her unworthy assistant would do next, and she followed her down Hanover Street, and saw her stop before the American House. She could not believe that Ann would have the hardihood to play off the same trick again so soon; and she was very much surprised and very indignant when she saw her begin to cry with all her might, just as she had done before. While the deceitful girl's eyes were covered with her apron, in the extremity of her grief, Katy contrived to get on the hotel steps behind her, so that she could see and hear all that passed. "What is the matter with that girl?" asked a gentleman, who presently appeared at the door, addressing another who was just behind him. "It is the broken candy dodge," replied the second gentleman. "That trick has been played off a dozen times within a week." "What does it mean?" asked the first. "I don't understand it." The second explained the trick, precisely as Katy had just witnessed it in Court Street. "Now, don't say a word," he continued. "I have a counterfeit half dollar in my pocket, and you shall see how it is done." With this announcement of his purpose, he accosted Ann, who told him about the same story she had told the lady, and he finally gave her the counterfeit half dollar, which Ann did not suspect was a bad one. "How abominably wicked she is," exclaimed Katy, as she followed her up the street. "But I will soon spoil all her fun, and cut off her profits. I will teach her that honesty is the best policy." It was easier for Katy to resolve what to do than it was to do it; for the wicked girl could easily get her stock through another person. As she walked up the street, Ann lightened her load by eating the pieces of broken candy, upon which she seemed to feed with hearty relish. At a window in Court Street, Ann stopped to look at some pictures, when she was joined by another of the candy sellers, and they walked together till they came to an unfrequented court, which they entered. Katy could hear enough of their conversation, as she followed them, to ascertain that they were talking about the tricks Ann had practiced. In the court they seated themselves on a door-stone, and as they talked and laughed about the deceit, they ate the pieces of candy. "There," said Ann, "I have made a dollar and ten cents this afternoon. You don't catch me walking all over the city for twenty-four cents, when I don't get but eight of that." "I ain't so smart as you," modestly replied Julia Morgan, the other girl. "You'll learn," said Ann, as she took out her money and exhibited the two half dollars. "I don't think people would believe me, if I should try that game." "Try some other. I think I shall, for I've about used up the broken candy game." "What other?"