dainfully. "A very delightful home it makes with such a charming
prospect of the back yard. I've been moping here all day."

"You've found something to console you, I see," said her husband,
glancing at the table, on which might be seen a bottle of brandy,
half-emptied, and a glass.

"Yes," said Mrs. Montgomery; "I felt so bad I had to send out for
something. It took every cent I had. And, by the way, Mrs. Flagg sent in
her bill, this morning, for the last two weeks' board; she said she must
have it."

"My dear," said Mr. Montgomery, "she shall have it."

"You don't mean to say you've got the money, Tony!" exclaimed his wife,
in surprise.

"No, I haven't got the money; but I've got what's just as good."

"What have you got?"

"What do you say to this?" and Mr. Montgomery drew from his pocket the
diamond ring, whose loss was so deeply felt by our hero.

"Is that genuine?" asked the lady.

"It's the real thing."

"What a beauty! Where did you get it?"

"It was kindly presented me by a young man of the tender age of fifteen
or thereabouts, who had no further use for it."

"You did him out of it, that is. Tell me how you did it."

Mr. Montgomery told the story. His wife listened with interest and
appreciation.

"That was a smart operation, Tony," she said.

"I should say it was, Maria."

"How much is the ring worth?"

"Two hundred and fifty dollars."

"Can you get that for it?"

"I can get that for it."

"Tony, you are a treasure."

"Have you just found that out, my dear?"

CHAPTER XX

THE THIEF IN DISGUISE

It will be inferred, from the preceding conversation, that Mrs.
Montgomery was not likely to be shocked by the lack of honesty in her
husband. Her conscience was as elastic as his; and she was perfectly
willing to help him spend his unlawful gains.

"How soon are you going to sell the ring?" she asked.

"I should like to dispose of it at once, Maria."

"You will need to. Mrs. Flagg wants her bill paid at once."

"I quite understand the necessity of promptness, my dear. Only, you
know, one has to be cautious about disposing of articles obtained in
this way."

"You say you left the boy locked up. It seems to me, you'd better sell
the ring before he has a chance to get out and interfere."

"I don't know but you're right, my dear. Well, we'll get ready."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"Yes; it will disarm suspicion if you are with me. I think I'll go as a
country parson."