Young as she was, she was woman enough to know that it was honest admiration on the part of the youth. Fred seemed half frightened over what he had said and drew back. But she gave him a look and a smile that told him plainly he had not offended. He was going to say more to her, but at that moment her father turned to her, saying:
"Here, daughter, your purse is yours again," and he held it out to her.
She took it, opened it quickly and glanced at its contents.
"Young man," said Mr. Gaines, turning to Fred, "you've got the right stuff in you," and he extended his hand, which Fred grasped and shook. "I won't forget you. I have a brother who is a member of the Stock Exchange, and I want send your name to him. What is it?"
"I have his name, father," said the young girl.
"Ah, very well, then," and he gave Fred's hand another shake and turned away.
But he left a $20 gold coin in it, which Fred's fingers closed over very promptly. The next moment they were gone. Fred put the goldpiece in his pocket, while the thought flashed through his mind that the young girl was all gold herself. The officer took his name and address as a witness, and then led his prisoner away to the police station. Just as he was leaving the room a broker called out to Fred:
"That man will never forgive you for his arrest. He will set some friends of his after you, so you had better be on your guard."
"I'm on my guard all the time, sir," Fred replied.
"What is your name?"