The critical moment came sooner than he had anticipated.
A Mr. Gay, one of the regular customers of the bookstore, entered a few minutes later.
"Good-morning, Mr. Baker," he said. "Have you got a 'Tribune' this morning?"
"Yes, here is one. By the way, you are just the man I wanted to see."
"Indeed, I feel complimented."
"Wait till you hear what I am going to say. You bought a copy of 'Corinne' here on Monday?"
"Yes."
"And handed me a five-dollar bill on the Park Bank?"
"Yes."
"Well, I find the bill was a skilfully executed counterfeit."