"But I
found this in my coat pocket--it's a diamond ring. I was nearly home
when I discovered it. I thought some of the girls or ladies might be
frantic over the loss, so I hurried back with it."
He handed over the sparkling object.
"Whew! That's a beauty!" exclaimed Jack. "A new one, too! Look,
Ed! If that isn't an engagement ring I'll eat my war club! Now, what
young lady, do you suppose, could have used our grounds, our
hospitality and eaten of our swell supper with the malicious
aforethought of becoming pledged to unite herself in the holy bonds
of matrimony? Who could have done it? And then to lose the guarantee
that goes with it! It's past belief!"
"It certainly is new," said Ed, critically examining the ring with
its sparkling stone. "About a carat and a half, I should say. Never
cost less than three hundred dollars. Whoever bought it must have
plenty of cash. But how on earth did it get into your pocket, Paul?"
Ed was rapidly thinking of something that had happened to him that
nigh.
"That's what gets me," replied Paul. "Of course, these costume rigs
are full of holes and corners. A girl might have been dancing with
me, and the ring may have slipped from her finger into my pocket.
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