al accommodation" to gentlemen not having their wives along. A
day or two ago Maria, in company with another "lady" of like loose
character, went on board one of the boats alluded to, each bent upon
securing a state-room, if possible, but one at least was doomed to
disappointment.

Miss Wilson's good looks made her a favorite with the officer of the
boat, and she succeeded in obtaining a stateroom. Her partner, however,
did not, and though unfortunate in this respect, she was well off in
another way. She did succeed in "picking up a man," with whom she seemed
to become suddenly in love.

After perambulating the boat decks and cabins for some time in
flirtation and social chat, Maria's friend asked her if she would be
kind enough to allow her the use of her state-room for a short time.
Maria being lonely, and not feeling any disposition to retire,
consented, when her friend and her company retired. They occupied the
room for the best part of the night, and left Maria to do the best she
could under the circumstances.

In the morning they left at an early hour, after which Maria feeling
sleepy retired to take a "nap." She was not long in the room, however,
when her friend tapped at the door and desired an interview. Though
fatigued, Maria consented, when she was astonished at being accused of
theft by one who seemed but a moment before to place the most
unsolicited confidence in her. However, her friend (whose name we have
not learned) lost her watch, and said she left it under the pillow, and
accused Maria of stealing it. This was ingratitude indeed.

Maria, of course, denied any knowledge of the missing jewel, but her
accuser was positive she left the watch under the pillow, and when the
boat returned to this city she made the charge of theft against Maria
before Justice Dowling, at the Tombs. Maria did not let her indignation
run away with her senses, but shrewdly enough kept quiet and employed
Counselor Howe to defend her.

When the case came up the attorney explained the whole circumstances to
his Honor the Judge, and added that the complainant had also accused the
colored waiter on board the boat of the theft. Of course under such a
state of things there was but one course left, and Justice Howling, not
wishing to prosecute an innocent though erring woman, allowed Maria
Wilson to go her way rejoicing.

She left the court in company with her counsel to return to the abode of
her sister, where, it is to be hoped