When they told me
of this I thought to myself, 'Can it be that this little girl knew
what she was about when she offered me that money?' I couldn't think
it possible, but decided to wait till she came again."
"Did she come again?"
"Yes, only day before yesterday. This time she wanted some
gingerbread, so she said. As I thought likely, she offered me
another dollar just like the other. Before letting her know that I
had discovered the imposition I asked her one or two questions, with
the idea of finding out as much as possible about her. When I told
her the coin was a bad one, she seemed very much surprised. It might
have been all acting, but I didn't think so then. I even felt pity
for her and let her go on condition that she would bring me back a
good dollar in place of the bad one the next day. I suppose I was a
fool for doing so, but she looked so pretty and innocent that I
couldn't make up my mind to speak or harshly to her. But I'm afraid
that I was deceived, and that she is an artful character, after
all."
"Then she didn't come back with the good money?" said Jack.
"No, I haven't seen her since; and, what's more, I don't think it
very likely she will venture into my shop at present."
"What name did she give you?" asked Jack.
"Haven't I told you? It was the name that made me think of telling
you.
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