"
The servant retired and Mr. Felix Montgomery sat down upon the bed.
"My little plot seems likely to succeed," he said to himself. "I've been
out of luck lately, but this boy's ring will give me a lift. He can't
suspect anything. He'll be sure to come."
Probably the reader has already suspected that Mr. Felix Montgomery
was not a jeweler from Syracuse, nor had he any claim to the name under
which he at present figured. He was a noted confidence man, who lived by
preying upon the community. His appearance was in his favor, and it was
his practice to assume the dress and air of a respectable middle-aged
citizen, as in the present instance. The sight of the diamond ring had
excited his cupidity, and he had instantly formed the design of getting
possession of it, if possible. Thus far, his plan promised success.
Meanwhile, Paul loitered away the time in the City Hall Park for half
an hour or more. He did not care to go home until his negotiation was
complete, and he could report the ring sold, and carry home the money.
"Won't mother be astonished," he thought, "at the price I got for the
ring? I'm in luck this morning."
When the stipulated time had passed, Paul rose from the bench on which
he was seated, and walked to Lovejoy's Hotel, not far distant.
"Has Mr. Felix Montgomery a room here?" he asked.
"Yes," answered the clerk.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125