"Yes, boys are careless," assented the clerk, not caring to
arouse Mr. Montgomery's suspicions. "You wish to sell the ring,
I suppose."
"Yes," answered the other; "I don't like to carry a ring of so
great value. Several times I have come near having it stolen.
Will you buy it?"
"I am not authorized to make the purchase," said the clerk. "I
will refer the matter to Mr. Tiffany."
"Very well," said Mr. Montgomery. "I am willing to accept
whatever he may pronounce a fair price."
"No doubt," thought the clerk.
He carried the ring to his employer, and quickly explained the
circumstances.
"The man is doubtless a thief. He must be arrested," said the
jeweler.
"If I go for an officer, he will take alarm."
"Invite him to come into the back part of the shop, and I will
protract the negotiation while you summon a policeman."
The clerk returned, and at his invitation Mr. Montgomery walked
to the lower end of the store, where he was introduced to the
head of the establishment. Sharp though he was, he suspected no
plot.
"You are the owner of this ring?" asked Mr. Tiffany.
"Yes, sir," said the adventurer. "It has been in our family for
a long time."
"But you wish to sell it now?"
"Yes; I have come near losing it several times, and prefer to
dispose of it.
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