"
"Indeed, you are quite mistaken," said the lady. "My husband is
a country minister. We came up to the city this morning on a
little business."
"I understand on what business," said Paul. "You wanted to
dispose of a diamond ring."
Mr. Montgomery was disposed to deny the charge, but a moment's
reflection convinced him that it would be useless, as Paul had
doubtless been informed in Ball & Black's of his business there.
He decided to put on a bold front and admit it.
"I suppose you were in Ball & Black's just now," he said.
"I was."
"And so learned my business there? But I am at a loss to
understand why you should be interested in the matter."
"That ring is mine," said Paul. "You swindled me out of it this
morning."
"My young friend, you must certainly be insane," said Mr.
Montgomery, shrugging his shoulders. "My dear, did you hear
that?"
"He is an impudent boy," said the lady. "I am surprised that you
should be willing to talk to him."
"If you leave here I will put a policeman on your track," said
Paul.
He looked so determined that Mr. Montgomery found that he must
parley.
"You are under a strange hallucination, my young friend," he
said. "If you will walk along with me, I think I can convince
you of your mistake.
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