d passed it over to Barry.

"It's a handsome one, but who would think such a little thing could be
worth two hundred and fifty dollars?"

"I'd rather have the money than the ring."

"So would I."

On the right of Paul sat a man of about forty, well-dressed and
respectable in appearance, with a heavy gold chain ostentatiously
depending from his watch pocket, and with the air of a substantial
citizen. He listened to the conversation between Barry and Paul with
evident interest, and when Barry had returned the ring, he said:

"Young gentleman, would you be kind enough to let me look at your
ring? I am myself in business as a jeweler in Syracuse, and so feel an
interest in examining it."

"Certainly, sir," said Paul, the stranger's explanation of his motives
inspiring him with perfect confidence.

The jeweler from Syracuse took the ring in his hands and appeared to
examine it carefully.

"This is a handsome ring," he said, "and one of great value. How much
were you offered for it at Tiffany's?"

"Two hundred and fifty dollars."

"It is worth more."

"Yes, I suppose so," said Paul; "but he has to sell it, and make a
profit."

"He could do that, and yet make a profit. I will pay you two hundred and
seventy-five dollars, myself--that is, on one condition."

"I don't object to getting twenty-five dollars more," said Paul. "What
is the condition?"

"I have an order from a gentleman for a diamond ring for a young
lady--an engagement ring, in short. If this suits him, as I think it
will, I will pay you what I said. I can easily get three hundred and
twenty-five from him."

"How are you going to find out whether it will suit him?"

"Easily. He is stopping at the same hotel with me."

"What hotel is that?"

"Lovejoy's. If you can spare the time and will come with me now, we
can arrange matters at once. By the way, you can refer me to some
responsible citizen, who will guarantee you. Not, of course, that I have
any doubts, but we business men are forced to be cautious."

Paul mentioned Mr. Preston's name.

"Quite satisfactory," answered the jeweler. "I know Mr. Preston
personally, and as I am pressed for time, I will accept his name without
calling upon him. What is your name?"

"Paul Hoffman."

"I will note it down."

The gentleman from Syracuse drew out a memorandum book, in which he
entered Paul's name.

"When you see Mr. Preston, just mention my name; Felix Montgomery."

"I will do so."

"Say,