"What is the matter?" inquired Mrs. Crump. "It is good, isn't it?"
"That is what I am doubtful of," was the reply.
"It is new."
"And that is against it. If it were old, it would be more likely to
be genuine."
"But you wouldn't (sic) comdemn a piece because it was new?"
"Certainly not; but the fact is, there have been lately many cases
where spurious dollars have been circulated, and I suspect this is
one of them. However, I can soon test it."
"I wish you, would," said Mrs. Crump. "My husband took it at his
shop, and will be likely to take more unless he is placed on his
guard."
The shopman retired a moment, and then reappeared.
"It is as I thought," he said. "The coin is not good."
"And can't I pass it, then?" said Ellen, disappointed.
"I am afraid not."
"Then I don't see, Ellen," said her mother, "but you will have to
give up your purchase for to-day. We must tell your father of this."
Mr. Crump was exceedingly surprised at his wife's account.
"Really," he said, "I had no suspicion of this. Can it be possible
that such a beautiful child could be guilty of such a crime?"
"Perhaps not," said his wife. "She may be as innocent in the matter
as Ellen or myself."
"I hope so," said the baker; "it would be a pity that such a child
should be given to wickedness. However, I shall find out before
long.
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