"Jerry always was a bungler," said Mr. Montgomery, complacently, to
himself. "He can't hold a candle to me. I flatter myself that I know how
to manage a little affair, like this, for instance, as well as the next
man. It'll take a sharp detective to lay hold of me."
It might have been thought that the manner in which he had gained
possession of the ring would have troubled Mr. Montgomery, but it was
many years since he had led an honest life. He had made a living by
overreaching others, and his conscience had become so blunted as to
occasion him little trouble. He appeared to think that the world owed
him a living, and that he was quite justified in collecting the debt in
any way he could.
About twenty minutes brought the car to Amity street and Mr. Montgomery
signaled the conductor, and, the car being stopped, he got out.
He walked a few rods in a westerly direction, and paused before a
three-story brick house, which appeared to have seen better days.
It was now used as a boarding, or rather lodging-house. The guests were
not of a very high character, the landlady not being particular as long
as her rent was paid regularly. Mr. Montgomery ascended the steps in
a jaunty way, and, opening the door with a passkey, ascended the front
staircase. He paused before a room on the third floor, and knocked in a
peculiar manner.
The door was opened by a tall woman, in rather neglected attire.
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