f this sudden
emotion was the unrolling of five five hundred dollar bills. They were
very wet--nearly "used up," in fact--but still significant of vast,
astounding import to the poor and friendless woman. She was
amazed--honor and poverty were struggling in her breast. Her poverty
cried out, "You are made up--rich--wash no more--fly!" But then the poor
woman's honor, more powerful than the tempting wealth in her
hands--triumphed! She laid the wet notes in a book, and again set about
her washing.

About this time, quite a different scene was being enacted at the hotel.
The gentleman so anxious that his clothes should be returned that
evening, was no other than a famous counterfeiter and forger; and it
happened, that the day previous, in a neighboring city, he had committed
a forgery, drawn some four or five thousand dollars, had the greater
part of the notes exchanged--and, with the exception of the five large
bills hurriedly thrust into the vest pocket, and which he had sent to
the poor laundress, there was little available evidence of the forgery
in his possession. The widow's son had scarcely left the traveller's
room with the clothes, when in came two policemen. The forger was not
arrested as a principal, but certain barely suspicious circumstances had
led to an investigation of him and his effects.

"You are our prisoner, sir!" said one of the policemen, as a servant
opened the door to let them in.

"Me! What for?" was the quick response of the forger.

"That you will learn in due season; at present we wish to examine your
person and effects."

The forger started--his heart beat with the rapidity of galvanic
pulsation--the evidence of part of his villany was, as he supposed,
among his effects. It was a moment of terror to him, but it passed like
a flash, and in a gay and careless tone, he quickly replied:

"O, very well, gentlemen--go ahead. There are my keys and
baggage--search, and look around. I have no idea what you are
after--probably you'll find." In a low tone, he continued, to himself,
"By heavens, how lucky! that boy has saved me!"

A considerable amount of money was found upon the forger, but none that
could be identified, and after a long and wearisome private examination
at the police court, he was discharged. He returned to the hotel, and
shortly afterwards the lad made his appearance with the clothes,
presenting him with a small roll of damp paper, saying:

"Here, sir, is something mother fou