"I've come on business, missus, so don't go to squealin', fer I doesn't mean ter harm yer ef yer puts up ther chink as I tells you," was the reply in a sullen voice.
The woman saw that she was in the man's power, for to scream would bring no aid, as it would scarcely be heard above the din of the city.
Her children were at school, and there was no one to call upon.
The face of the man showed his evil heart, and in dread she said:
"I have but a few dollars in the world, and would you take that?"
"I would, you bet! fer I needs money, and I'll git it, ef I has ter make trouble, so out with it."
The poor woman stepped to a little half-desk, half-table, the place where she kept the few souvenirs of the past, and took therefrom a silk purse.
Out of this she took the money, eleven dollars in all.
"Let me keep one dollar," she pleaded, adding: