"
"In that case," said Paul, "I would give you back the money you paid
me."
Mr. Tiffany smiled.
"But suppose the money were all spent," he suggested. "I suppose you are
intending to use the money?"
"I am going to start in business with it," said Paul, "and I hope to add
to it."
"Every one thinks so who goes into business; but some get disappointed.
You see, my young friend, that I should incur a risk. Remember, I
don't know you. I judge from your appearance that you are honest; but
appearances are sometimes deceitful."
"Then I suppose you won't buy it?" said Paul, who saw the force of this
remark.
"If you can bring here any responsible gentleman who knows you, and is
willing to guarantee me against loss in the event of the owner's being
found I will buy the ring for two hundred and fifty dollars."
Paul brightened up. He thought at once of Mr. Preston, and, from the
friendly interest which that gentleman appeared to take in him, he
judged that he would not refuse him this service.
"I think I can do that," he said. "Do you know Mr. Andrew Preston? He is
a wealthy gentleman, who lives on Madison avenue, between Thirty-fourth
and Thirty-fifth streets."
"Not personally. I know him by reputation."
"Will he be satisfactory?"
"Entirely so."
"He knows me well," said Paul. "I think he will be willing to stand
security for me.
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