Part 25 (2/2)

”I don't say that; but I should want a guaranty of indemnity against loss, in case the person who lost it should present a claim.”

”In that case,” said Paul, ”I would give you back the money you paid me.”

Mr. Tiffany smiled.

”But suppose the money were all spent,” he suggested. ”I suppose you are intending to use the money?”

”I am going to start in business with it,” said Paul, ”and I hope to add to it.”

”Every one thinks so who goes into business; but some get disappointed.

You see, my young friend, that I should incur a risk. Remember, I don't know you. I judge from your appearance that you are honest; but appearances are sometimes deceitful.”

”Then I suppose you won't buy it?” said Paul, who saw the force of this remark.

”If you can bring here any responsible gentleman who knows you, and is willing to guarantee me against loss in the event of the owner's being found I will buy the ring for two hundred and fifty dollars.”

Paul brightened up. He thought at once of Mr. Preston, and, from the friendly interest which that gentleman appeared to take in him, he judged that he would not refuse him this service.

”I think I can do that,” he said. ”Do you know Mr. Andrew Preston? He is a wealthy gentleman, who lives on Madison avenue, between Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth streets.”

”Not personally. I know him by reputation.”

”Will he be satisfactory?”

”Entirely so.”

”He knows me well,” said Paul. ”I think he will be willing to stand security for me. I will come back in a day or two.”

Paul took the ring, and left the store. He determined to call that evening on Mr. Preston, and ask the favor indicated.

CHAPTER XVII

MR. FELIX MONTGOMERY

Paul had an errand farther uptown, and, on leaving Tiffany's walked up as far as Twenty-third street. Feeling rather tired, he got on board a University place car to return. They had accomplished, perhaps, half the distance, when, to his surprise, George Barry entered the car.

”How do you happen to be here, at this time, Barry?” he asked. ”I thought you were attending to business.”

”I closed up for a couple of hours, having an errand at home. Where have you been?”

”To Tiffany's.”

”What, the jewelers?”

”Yes.”

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