They all took seats together, and presently a door opened to admit Mrs.
Vanderheck, who was attended by her husband and counsel, and who was
richly attired in a close-fitting black velvet robe, and wore magnificent
solitaires in her ears, besides a cluster of blazing stones at her
throat.

If she was the adventuress whom the officials were searching for, she was
certainly bringing a bold front to the contest in thus parading her booty
before their very eyes.

Her husband was an elderly gentleman, who appeared to be in feeble
health, but who conducted himself with dignity and self-possession.

The case was opened by Mr. Cutler's counsel, who told the story of the
purchase of the spurious crescents in Chicago, and affirmed that they had
been found upon the person of the party under arrest.

Mrs. Vanderheck listened with intense interest throughout the recital,
while a look of astonishment overspread her face as the narrative
proceeded.

The crescents were produced and Mr. Cutler brought forth the bogus ones,
which he still had in his possession, and the two pairs appeared to be
exact counterparts of each other.

The magistrate examined them with interest and care, after which he
placed them on the desk before him.

Mrs. Vanderheck's counsel then said that his client would like to relate