"Jerry always was a bungler," said Mr. Montgomery, complacently,
to himself. "He can't hold a candle to me. I flatter myself
that I know how to manage a little affair, like this, for
instance, as well as the next man. It'll take a sharp detective
to lay hold of me."
It might have been thought that the manner in which he had gained
possession of the ring would have troubled Mr. Montgomery, but it
was many years since he had led an honest life. He had made a
living by overreaching others, and his conscience had become so
blunted as to occasion him little trouble. He appeared to think
that the world owed him a living, and that he was quite justified
in collecting the debt in any way he could.
About twenty minutes brought the car to Amity street and Mr.
Montgomery signaled the conductor, and, the car being stopped, he
got out.
He walked a few rods in a westerly direction, and paused before a
three-story brick house, which appeared to have seen better days.
It was now used as a boarding, or rather lodging-house. The
guests were not of a very high character, the landlady not being
particular as long as her rent was paid regularly. Mr.
Montgomery ascended the steps in a jaunty way, and, opening the
door with a passkey, ascended the front staircase.
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