"We can soon determine, for here comes a policeman, and I will refer the matter to him." At these words, Ann edged off the steps of the bank, and suddenly started off as fast as she could run, having, it seemed, a very wholesome aversion to policemen. But she made a bad mistake, for, not seeing in what direction the officer was approaching, she ran into the very jaws of the lion. "Stop her!" shouted the gentleman. The policeman laid a rude hand upon her shoulder, and marched her back to the bank. In a few words the gentleman stated what had happened, and requested the officer to search her, and thus decide whether Katy told the truth or not. 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. She did not dare to resent Katy's interference, for the terrors of the lock-up were still in her mind, and she did not know but that Katy might have her arrested and punished for what she had done, if she attempted to retaliate upon her. Katy was shocked at the wickedness of her companion; and, as they walked home together she tried to make her see the enormity of her offense, and give her some better views of her duty to her fellow-beings. Ann heard her in silence and with humility, and the little moralist hoped the event would result in good to her. CHAPTER XVII. THE SUN SETS, AND THE NIGHT COMES ON.