“Then I don't see, Ellen,” said her mother, “but you will have to give up your purchase for to-day. We must tell your father of this.”
Mr. Crump was exceedingly surprised at his wife's account.
“Really,” he said, “I had no suspicion of this. Can it be possible that such a beautiful child could be guilty of such a crime?”
“Perhaps not,” said his wife. “She may be as innocent in the matter as Ellen or myself.”
“I hope so,” said the baker; “it would be a pity that such a child should be given to wickedness. However, I shall find out before long.”
“How?”
“She will undoubtedly come again some time, and if she offers me one of the same coins I shall know what to think.”
Mr. Crump watched daily for the coming of Ida. He waited some days in vain. It was not the policy of Peg to send the child too often to the same place, as that would increase the chances of detection.
One day, however, Ida entered the shop as before.
“Good morning,” said the baker. “What will you have to-day?”