wn upon the bed.

"My little plot seems likely to succeed," he said to himself. "I've been
out of luck lately, but this boy's ring will give me a lift. He can't
suspect anything. He'll be sure to come."

Probably the reader has already suspected that Mr. Felix Montgomery
was not a jeweler from Syracuse, nor had he any claim to the name under
which he at present figured. He was a noted confidence man, who lived by
preying upon the community. His appearance was in his favor, and it was
his practice to assume the dress and air of a respectable middle-aged
citizen, as in the present instance. The sight of the diamond ring had
excited his cupidity, and he had instantly formed the design of getting
possession of it, if possible. Thus far, his plan promised success.

Meanwhile, Paul loitered away the time in the City Hall Park for half
an hour or more. He did not care to go home until his negotiation was
complete, and he could report the ring sold, and carry home the money.

"Won't mother be astonished," he thought, "at the price I got for the
ring? I'm in luck this morning."

When the stipulated time had passed, Paul rose from the bench on which
he was seated, and walked to Lovejoy's Hotel, not far distant.

"Has Mr. Felix Montgomery a room here?" he asked.

"Yes," answered the clerk. "Did you wish to see him?"

"Yes, sir."

"He mentioned that a boy would call by appointment. Here, James, show
this boy up to No. 237--Mr. Montgomery's room."

A hotel servant appeared, and Paul followed him up several flights of
stairs till they stood before No. 237.

"This is the room, sir," said James. "Wait a minute, and I'll knock."

In answer to the knock, Mr. Montgomery himself opened the door.

"Come in," he said to Paul; "I was expecting you."

So Paul, not suspecting treachery, entered No. 237.

CHAPTER XVIII

A CLEVER THIEF

"Take a seat," said Mr. Montgomery. "My friend will be in directly.
Meanwhile will you let me look at the ring once more?"

Paul took it from his pocket, and handed it to the jeweler from
Syracuse, as he supposed him to be.

Mr. Montgomery took it to the window, and appeared to be examining it
carefully.

He stood with his back to Paul, but this did not excite suspicion on the
part of our hero.

"I am quite sure," he said, still standing with his back to Paul, "that
this will please my friend. From the instructions he gave me, it is
precisely what he wanted."

While uttering these w