Generally he had his own way
with his customers, who, being in urgent need of money, were
obliged to accept such terms as he chose to offer. But now the
tables were turned, and Paul proved more than a match for him.
He resolved to attempt intimidation.
"Boy, where did you get this ring?" he asked, in a significant
tone.
"Honestly," said Paul. "That's all you need to know."
"I don't believe it," said the old man, harshly. "I believe you
stole it."
"You may believe what you like, but you must give it back to me,"
said Paul, coolly.
"I've a great mind to call a policeman," said Eliakim.
"If you did," said Paul, "I'd tell him that you were anxious to
get the ring, though you believed it to be stolen. Perhaps he
might have something to say to you."
Eliakim perceived the force of Paul's argument, for in law the
receiver of stolen goods is as bad as the thief, and there had
been occasions when the pawnbroker had narrowly escaped
punishment for thus indirectly conniving at theft.
"If you say you got it honestly, I'll buy it of you," he said,
changing his tune. "What will you take?"
"I don't care about selling to-day," answered Paul.
"I'll give you twenty-five dollars.
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