orning. I
have no father living."

"I will guarantee this boy's truth and honesty," said Mr. Preston,
speaking for the first time. "I believe you know me, Mr. Tiffany."

"I need no other assurance," said the jeweler, bowing. "Officer, you may
remove your prisoner."

"The game is up," said the adventurer, finding no further chance for
deception. "I played for high stakes, and I have lost the game. I have
one favor to ask. Will some one let my wife know where I am?"

"Give me her address," said Paul, "and I will let her know."

"No. ---- Amity street. Ask her to come to the station-house to see me."

"I will go at once."

"Thank you," said Mr. Montgomery; "as I am not to have the ring, I don't
know that I am sorry it has fallen into your hands. One piece of advice
I will venture to offer you, my lad," he added, smiling. "Beware of any
jewelers hailing from Syracuse. They will cheat you, if you give them a
chance."

"I will be on my guard," said Paul. "Can I do anything more for you?"

"Nothing, thank you. I have a fast friend at my side, who will look
after me."

The officer smiled grimly at the jest, and the two left the store arm in
arm.

"Do you still wish to sell this ring?" asked Mr. Tiffany, addressing
Paul.

"Yes, sir."

"I renew my offer of this morning. I will give you two hundred and fifty
dollars."

"I shall be glad to accept it."

The sale was quickly effected, and Paul left the store with what seemed
to him a fortune in his pocket.

"Be careful not to lose your money," said Mr Preston.

"I should like to place a hundred and fifty dollars in your hands," said
Paul, turning to Mr. Preston.

"I will willingly take care of it for you, and allow you interest upon
it."

The transfer was made, and, carefully depositing the balance of the
money in his pocketbook, our hero took leave of his friend and sought
the house in Amity street.

CHAPTER XXV

PAUL'S FINAL SUCCESS

Mrs. Montgomery impatiently awaited the return of her husband. Meanwhile
she commenced packing the single trunk which answered both for her
husband and herself. She was getting tired of New York, and anxious to
leave for Philadelphia, being fearful lest certain little transactions
in which she and her husband had taken part should become known to the
police.

She had nearly completed her packing when Paul rang the doorbell.

The summons was answered by the landlady in person.

"Is Mrs. Montgomery at home?" asked