"
While this conversation was going on, the clerk entered the store
with the policeman, but Mr. Montgomery's back was turned, and he
was not aware of the fact till the officer tapped him on the
shoulder, saying: "You are my prisoner."
"What does this mean? There is some mistake," said the
adventurer, wheeling round with a start.
"No mistake at all. You must come with me."
"What have I done? You take me for some one else."
"You have stolen a diamond ring."
"Who says so?" demanded the adventurer, boldly. "It is true I
brought one here to sell, but it has belonged to me for years."
"You are mistaken, Mr. Montgomery," said Paul, who had come up
unperceived. "You stole that ring from me this morning, after
dosing me with chloroform at Lovejoy's Hotel."
"It is a lie," said the adventurer, boldly. "That boy is my son.
He is in league with his mother to rob me. She sent him here
this morning unknown to me. Finding it out, I took the ring from
him, and brought it here myself."
Paul was certainly surprised at being claimed as a son by the man
who had swindled him, and answered: "I never saw you before this
morning. I have no father living."
"I will guarantee this boy's truth and honesty," said Mr.
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