However, I shall find out before long." "How ?" "She will undoubtedly come again sometime." The baker watched daily for the coming of Ida.

He waited some days in vain.

It was not Peg's policy 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 ?" "You may give me a sheet of gingerbread, sir." The baker placed it in her hand.
"How much will it be ?" "Twelve cents." Ida offered him another new bill.
As if to make change, he stepped from behind the counter and placed himself between Ida and the door.
"What is your name, my child ?" he asked.
"Ida, sir." "Ida?
But what is your other name ?" Ida hesitated a moment, because Peg had forbidden her to use the name of Harding, and had told her, if ever the inquiry were made, she must answer Hardwick.
She answered reluctantly: "Ida Hardwick." The baker observed her hesitation, and this increased his suspicion.
"Hardwick!" he repeated, musingly, endeavoring to draw from the child as much information as possible before allowing her to perceive that he suspected her.

"And where do you live ?" Ida was a child of spirit, and did not understand why she should be questioned so closely.
She said, with some impatience: "I am in a hurry, sir, and would like to have the change as soon as you can." "I have no doubt of it," said the baker, his manner suddenly changing, "but you cannot go just yet." "Why not ?" asked Ida.
"Because you have been trying to deceive me." "I trying to deceive you!" exclaimed Ida.
"Really," thought Mr.Harding, "she does it well; but no doubt she is trained to it.

It is perfectly shocking, such artful depravity in a child." "Don't you remember buying something here a week ago ?" he asked, in as stern a tone as his good nature would allow him to employ.
"Yes," answered Ida, promptly; "I bought two rolls, at three cents apiece." "And what did you offer me in payment ?" "I handed you a dollar bill." "Like this ?" asked the baker, holding up the one she had just offered him.
"Yes, sir." "And do you mean to say," demanded the baker, sternly, "that you didn't know it was bad when you offered it to me ?" "Bad!" gasped Ida.
"Yes, spurious.