"
"It seems to me now is the best time. The boy will tell his
story to the officer and we may be inquired for."
"Then, my dear, I will follow your advice."
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery turned, and directed their steps again
toward Broadway. The distance was short, and fifteen minutes had
scarcely elapsed since they left the store before they again
entered it. They made their way to the lower end of the store
and accosted the same clerk with whom they had before spoken.
"Is your wife better?" he asked.
"Much better, thank you. A turn in the air always relieves her,
and she is quite herself again. I have returned because it is
necessary for me to leave the city by the evening train, and my
time is, therefore, short. Will you be kind enough to show the
ring to your employer, and ask him if he will purchase?"
The clerk returned, and said that the firm would pay two hundred
and fifty dollars, but must be assured of his right to dispose of
it.
"Did you mention my name?" asked the adventurer.
"I mentioned that you were a clergyman. I could not remember the
name."
"The Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut. I have
been preaching there for--is it six or seven years, my dear?"
"Seven," said his wife.
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