deserving family.

"I knew the hotel she mentioned, and I remembered the room, but I did
not remember the Bible. However, it was sure to be in the place she
indicated, and though I was not in much sympathy with my errand, I
respected her whim, and carried the letter down town. I had reached Main
Street, and was in sight of the hotel designated, when suddenly, on an
opposite corner of the street, I saw the young girl herself. She looked
as fresh as the morning, and smiled so gayly I felt somewhat repaid for
the annoyance she had caused me; and, gratified that I could cut matters
short by putting the letter directly in her hand, I crossed the street
to her side. As soon as we were face to face, I said:

"'How fortunate I am to meet you. Here is the amount you need sealed up
in this letter. You see I had it all ready.'

"The face she lifted to mine wore so blank a look that I paused
astonished.

"'What do you mean?' she asked, her eyes looking straight into mine with
such innocence in their clear blue depths I was at once convinced she
knew nothing of the matter with which my thoughts were busy. 'I am very
glad to see you, but I do not in the least understand what you mean by
the amount I need,' and she glanced at the letter I held out with an air
of distrust mingled with curiosity.

"I could not explain myself. If she had been made the victim of a
conspiracy to procure money from me, it would not help to preserve that
sweet innocence of hers to know it. So, with a laugh, I put the letter
in my pocket, saying:

"'You cut me short in my efforts to do a charitable action. I heard, no
matter how, that you were interested just now in a destitute family, and
took this way of assisting you in their behalf.'

"Her blue eyes opened wider. 'The poor are always with us,' she replied;
'but I know of no special family just now that requires any such help as
you intimate. If I did, papa would give me what assistance I needed.'

"I was greatly pleased to hear her say this, for I am very fond of my
young friend, but I was deeply indignant also against the unknown person
who had taken advantage of my regard for this young girl to force money
from me. I, therefore, did not linger at her side, but, after due
apologies, hastened immediately here, where there is a man employed who,
to my knowledge, had once been a trusted member of the police.

"Telling him no more of the story than was necessary to insure his
co-operation in the