d him by Mr. Lake.

"Lionel Lake, 237 Broadway," repeated the conductor. "If there is any
such person, which I very much doubt, you are probably a confederate of
his."

"You have no right to say this," returned Phil indignantly.

"I haven't, haven't I?" snapped the conductor.

"Do you know what I am going to do with you?"

"If you wish me to return the ring to this young lady, I will do so, if
she is positive it is hers."

"Yes, you must do that, but it won't get you out of trouble. I shall
hand you over to a policeman as soon as we reach New York."

Phil was certainly dismayed, for he felt that it might be difficult for
him to prove that he came honestly in possession of the ring.

"The fact is," added the conductor, "your story is too thin."

"Conductor," said a new voice, "you are doing the boy an injustice."

The speaker was an old man with gray hair, but of form still robust,
though he was at least sixty five. He sat in the seat just behind Phil.

"Thank you, sir," said Phil gratefully.

"I understand my business," said the conductor impertinently, "and don't
need any instructions from you."

"Young man," said the old gentleman, in a very dignified tone, "I have
usually found officials of your class polite and gentlemanly, but you
are an exception."

"Who are you?" asked the conductor rudely. "What right have you to put
in your oar?"

"As to who I am, I will answer you by and by. In reference to the boy,
I have to say that his story is correct. I heard the whole conversation
between him and the young man from whom he received the ring, and I can
testify that he has told the truth."

"At any rate he has received stolen property."

"Not knowing it to be stolen. The young man was an entire stranger to
him, and though I suspected that he was an unscrupulous adventurer, the
boy has not had experience enough to judge men."

"Very well. If he's innocent he can prove it when he's brought to
trial," said the conductor. "As for you, sir, it's none of your
business."

"Young man, you asked me a short time since who I am. Do you want to
know?"

"I am not very particular."

"Then, sir, I have to inform you that I am Richard Grant, the president
of this road."

The conductor's face was a curious and interesting study when he heard
this announcement. He knew that the old man whom he had insulted had
a right to discharge him from his position, and bully as he had shown
himself, he was now inclined to h