have been if information had not been brought to the store that
the ring had been stolen.

"Yes, boys are careless," assented the clerk, not caring to arouse Mr.
Montgomery's suspicions. "You wish to sell the ring, I suppose."

"Yes," answered the other; "I don't like to carry a ring of so great
value. Several times I have come near having it stolen. Will you buy
it?"

"I am not authorized to make the purchase," said the clerk. "I will
refer the matter to Mr. Tiffany."

"Very well," said Mr. Montgomery. "I am willing to accept whatever he
may pronounce a fair price."

"No doubt," thought the clerk.

He carried the ring to his employer, and quickly explained the
circumstances.

"The man is doubtless a thief. He must be arrested," said the jeweler.

"If I go for an officer, he will take alarm."

"Invite him to come into the back part of the shop, and I will protract
the negotiation while you summon a policeman."

The clerk returned, and at his invitation Mr. Montgomery walked to
the lower end of the store, where he was introduced to the head of the
establishment. Sharp though he was, he suspected no plot.

"You are the owner of this ring?" asked Mr. Tiffany.

"Yes, sir," said the adventurer. "It has been in our family for a long
time."

"But you wish to sell it now?"

"Yes; I have come near losing it several times, and prefer to dispose of
it. What is its value?"

"That requires some consideration. I will examine it closely."

Mr. Montgomery stood with his back to the entrance, waiting patiently,
while the jeweler appeared to be engaged in a close examination of the
ring. He congratulated himself that no questions had been asked which
it might have been difficult for him to answer. He made up his mind
that after due examination Mr. Tiffany would make an offer, which he
determined in advance to accept, whatever it might be, since he would
consider himself fortunate to dispose of it at even two-thirds of its
value.

Meanwhile the clerk quietly slipped out of the store, and at a short
distance encountered a policeman, upon whom he called for assistance.
At the same moment Paul and Mr. Preston came up. Our hero, on being
released from arrest, had sought Mr. Preston, and the latter obligingly
agreed to go with him to Tiffany's, and certify to his honesty, that, if
the ring should be brought there, it might be retained for him. Paul did
not recognize the clerk, but the latter at once remembered him.

"Ar