The peddler left a few novels and walked off. Mrs. Maroney and Madam Imbert walked into the house. Now was the time for Madam Imbert to show her power.
"Come, Mrs. Maroney, be quick! You must act at once! Get the money for the book-peddler, quick!"
Mrs. Maroney seemed to act mechanically. Madam Imbert's strong will had asserted a power over her that she could not resist. They went into the cellar accompanied by Josh. and his wife.
"Dig the money up," commanded Mrs. Maroney still in the same mechanical tone.
Josh. hesitated.
"Give me the spade!" said Madam Imbert. "Show me where the money is secreted!"
Then, turning to Josh. and his wife, she said:
"You are fools! You would not only ruin Mrs. Maroney, but yourselves. Maroney knows best what is for his interest."
Mrs. Maroney pointed out the spot where the money was buried. The Madam struck the spade into the ground.