She led the minister down the stairs, and allowed him to leave the house. Instead of going home, he went straight to the Police Headquarters, and made his statement to the officer in charge, and was advised as to the course he should pursue. Then he went home, and told his wife of the whole affair, and of the course of action he had marked out. The next day, precisely at noon, the so-called Mrs. White, accompanied by a villainous-looking man, arrived at the minister's residence, and the two were shown into his study. He received them calmly, and the woman introduced the man, as "her friend, who had come to see fair play." This announcement did not in the least disconcert the minister, who proceeded to state in plain terms the events connected with the affair of the previous night. "You acknowledge this to be a true statement," he said to the woman. "Yes, it is the truth," she said, "but your innocence will not keep people from suspecting you." "You demand the sum of two hundred dollars as the price of your silence on the subject," he continued. "That's my price." "If I make it three hundred will you sign a paper acknowledging your deceit and my innocence?" he asked, producing a roll of notes. "Yes," she replied, after consulting with her companion. "Then sign that," he said, handing her a written paper and a pen. The man read it, and nodded his head, and she signed it. "Now, gentlemen," said the minister, raising his voice, and drawing the paper to him, "you can enter, and witness the signature." As he spoke the door of an adjoining room opened, and a detective and one of the wardens of the minister's church entered. They had been concealed in the next room, and had heard and witnessed the whole transaction. "Who are these men?" asked the woman, springing up. "Why, don't you know me, Eliza?" asked the detective, coolly. "This isn't the first time I've put a stop to your villainy. I guess you'll go in for a few years this time." "Give me my money, and let me go," said the woman, fiercely, turning her back on the detective and facing the minister. "Eliza," said the detective, "you'll not get one cent. This gentleman wants the matter dropped here, and if you are not a fool you'll go about your business. You have signed a paper clearing Mr.-----from all suspicion, and you can't do him any further harm. The case is in my hands. If you will leave New York for Boston or Philadelphia to-night, I'll be quiet--I shall watch you, and if you're in town to-morrow, you'll be in Sing Sing before two months are out. Now go home and pack your trunk." "I've been a fool," said the woman, bitterly. "So you have, my dear," said the detective. "Now go home, and take this interesting young man with you."