urer.

"It is mine," said Paul.

"None of your gammon! Give up the ring, and come with me."

The ring was restored to Mr. Montgomery, who overwhelmed the officer
with a profusion of thanks.

"It is not a diamond, only an imitation," he said, "but my wife values
it as the gift of a friend. Don't be too hard on the boy. He may not be
so bad as he seems."

"I'll attend to him," said the policeman, emphatically. "I'll learn him
to rob ladies of rings in the street. Come along, sir!"

Paul tried to explain matters, but no attention was paid to his
protestations. To his anger and mortification he saw the swindler
make off triumphantly with the ring, while he, the wronged owner, was
arrested as a thief.

But at the station-house he had his revenge. He was able to prove to his
captor that he had lodged information against Mr. Montgomery, and the
policeman in turn was mortified to think how readily he had been
imposed upon. Of course Paul was set free, but the officer's blundering
interference seemed to render the recovery of the ring more doubtful
than ever.

CHAPTER XXII

A MAN OF RESOURCES

"Well, that was a narrow escape," said Mr. Montgomery, with a sigh of
relief. "I think I managed rather cleverly, eh?"

"I wanted to box the boys ears," said Mrs. Montgomery, sharply.

"It wouldn't have been in character, my dear. Ha, ha!" he laughed,
softly, "we imposed upon the officer neatly. Our young friend got rather
the worst of it."

"Why don't you call things by their right names? He isn't much of a
friend."

"Names are of no consequence, my dear."

"Well, what are you going to do next?" asked the lady, abruptly.

"About the ring?"

"Of course."

"I hardly know," said Mr. Montgomery, reflectively. "If it were not for
appearing too anxious, I would go back to Ball & Black's now that our
young friend is otherwise engaged, and can't interrupt us."

"Suppose we go?"

"Well, you see, it might be considered rather soon for you to recover
from your fit. Besides, I don't know what stories this boy may have
thought fit to tell about us."

"He didn't have time to say anything."

"Perhaps you are right."

"We want to dispose of the ring as soon as possible, and leave the
city."

"That is true. Well, if you say so, we will go back."

"It seems to me now is the best time. The boy will tell his story to the
officer and we may be inquired for."

"Then, my dear, I will follow your advice."

Mr. and Mrs.