ter 'Ephraim Young.' Everybody in Plainfield knows
me."

"So he lives in Plainfield," said Mr. Montgomery to himself. "It's as
well to know that." Then aloud: "I won't forget, Mr. Young. What sort of
business would you prefer?"

"Any kind that'll pay," said the gratified youth, firmly convinced
of his companion's ability to fulfill his promise. "I've got tired of
stayin' round home, and I'd like to try York a little while. Folks say
it's easy to make money here."

"You are right. If I were a business man, I would come to New York at
once. For a smart young man like you it offers a much better opening
than a country village."

"That's what I've told dad often," said the rustic, "but he's afraid I
wouldn't get nothing to do and he says it's dreadful expensive livin'
here."

"So it is expensive, but then you will be better paid than in the
country. However, here we are. You won't forget what I told you?"

"No--I'll remember," said the young man.

The reappearance of Mr. Barnes and wife so soon excited some surprise
in the store, for it had got around, as such things will, that he was an
impostor, and it was supposed that he would not venture to show his face
there again. The appearance of his rustic companion likewise attracted
attention. Certainly, Mr. Montgomery (it makes little difference what we
call him) did not exhibit the slightest appearance of apprehension, but
his manner was quite cool and self-possessed. He made his way to that
part of the counter attended by the clerk with whom he had before
spoken. He observed with pleasure and relief that the man who had
questioned his identity with any of the ministers of Hayfield Centre
was no longer in the store. This would make the recovery of the ring
considerably easier.

"Well, sir," he said, addressing the clerk, "I suppose you did not
expect to see me again so soon?"

"No, sir."

"Nor did I expect to be able to return for the ring before to-morrow,
not supposing that I could bring witnesses to prove that I was what
I represented. But fortunately I met just now a young friend, who
can testify to my identity, as he has heard me preach frequently in
Plainfield, where he resides. Mr. Young, will you be kind enough to tell
this gentleman who I am?"

"Parson Barnes, of Hayfield Centre," said the youth, confidently.

"You have heard me preach, have you not, in Plainfield?"

"Yes," said the young man, fully believing that he was telling the
truth.

"And I