"
The party filed downstairs to the office and Paul told his story to the
bookkeeper.
"Have you seen Mr. Montgomery go out?" asked our hero.
"Yes, he went out half an hour ago, or perhaps more. He left his key at
the desk, but said nothing. He seemed to be in a hurry."
"You didn't notice in what direction he went?"
"No."
Of course no attempt was made to detain Paul. There could be no case
against him. He went out of the hotel, and looked up and down Broadway
in a state of indecision. He did not mean to sit down passively and
submit to the swindle. But he had no idea in what direction to search
for Mr. Felix Montgomery.
CHAPTER XIX
PAUL DELIBERATES
Paul stood in the street irresolute. He looked hopelessly up and down
Broadway, but of course the jeweler from Syracuse was not to be seen.
Seeking for him in a city containing hundreds of streets and millions
of inhabitants was about as discouraging as hunting for a needle in a
haystack. But difficult as it was, Paul was by no means ready to give
up the search. Indeed, besides the regret he felt at the loss, he was
mortified at having been so easily outwitted.
"He's taken me in just as if I was a country boy," thought Paul. "I dare
say he's laughing at me now. I'd like to get even with him."
Finally he decided to go to Tiffany's, and ask them to detain any one
who might bring in the ring and offer it for sale.
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