"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.