Part 39 (1/2)
”That will be satisfactory,” said Mr. Montgomery, promptly.
”Shall I give you a check for the amount?” asked the jeweler.
”I should prefer the money, as I am a stranger in the city, and not known at the banks.”
”I can make the check payable to bearer, and then you will have no difficulty in getting it cashed.”
While this conversation was going on, the clerk entered the store with the policeman, but Mr. Montgomery's back was turned, and he was not aware of the fact till the officer tapped him on the shoulder, saying: ”You are my prisoner.”
”What does this mean? There is some mistake,” said the adventurer, wheeling round with a start.
”No mistake at all. You must come with me.”
”What have I done? You take me for some one else.”
”You have stolen a diamond ring.”
”Who says so?” demanded the adventurer, boldly. ”It is true I brought one here to sell, but it has belonged to me for years.”
”You are mistaken, Mr. Montgomery,” said Paul, who had come up unperceived. ”You stole that ring from me this morning, after dosing me with chloroform at Lovejoy's Hotel.”
”It is a lie,” said the adventurer, boldly. ”That boy is my son. He is in league with his mother to rob me. She sent him here this morning unknown to me. Finding it out, I took the ring from him, and brought it here myself.”
Paul was certainly surprised at being claimed as a son by the man who had swindled him, and answered: ”I never saw you before this morning. 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 a.s.surance,” 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.”