But the old pawnbroker was fascinated by the sparkling bauble.
He could not make up his mind to give it up. By fair means or
foul he must possess it. He advanced his bid to twelve,
fourteen, fifteen dollars, but Paul shook his head resolutely.
He had made up his mind to carry it to Ball & Black's, or some
other first-class jewelers, and ascertain whether it was a real
diamond or not, and if so to obtain an estimate of its value.
"I've changed my mind," he said. "I'll keep the ring. Just give
it back to me."
CHAPTER XVI
THE JEWELER'S PRICE
But to give it back was not Eliakim's intention. Should he buy
it at twenty dollars, he would make at least two hundred, and
such bargains were not to be had every day. He decided to give
Paul his price.
"I will give you twenty dollars," he said; "but it is more than
the ring is worth."
"I have concluded not to take twenty dollars," said Paul. "You
may give it back."
"You agreed to take twenty dollars," said Eliakim, angrily.
"That was when I first came in. You said you wouldn't give it."
"I have changed my mind."
"So have I," said Paul. "You had a chance to get it, but now
it's too late."
Eliakim was deeply disappointed.
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