"That was when I first came in. You said you wouldn't give it."
"I have changed my mind."
"So have I," said Paul. "You had a chance to get it, but now it's too
late."
Eliakim was deeply disappointed. Generally he had his own way with his
customers, who, being in urgent need of money, were obliged to accept
such terms as he chose to offer. But now the tables were turned,
and Paul proved more than a match for him. He resolved to attempt
intimidation.
"Boy, where did you get this ring?" he asked, in a significant tone.
"Honestly," said Paul. "That's all you need to know."
"I don't believe it," said the old man, harshly. "I believe you stole
it."
"You may believe what you like, but you must give it back to me," said
Paul, coolly.
"I've a great mind to call a policeman," said Eliakim.
"If you did," said Paul, "I'd tell him that you were anxious to get
the ring, though you believed it to be stolen. Perhaps he might have
something to say to you."
Eliakim perceived the force of Paul's argument, for in law the receiver
of stolen goods is as bad as the thief, and there had been occasions
when the pawnbroker had narrowly escaped punishment for thus indirectly
conniving at theft.
"If you say you got it honestly, I'll buy it of you," he said, changing
his tune. "What will you take?"
"I don't care about selling to-day," answered Paul.
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