Rather sharpish, I should say."
"Then how came he to let you take him in?"
"As to that, I claim to be rather sharp myself, and quite a match even
for a smart boy. I haven't knocked about the world forty-four years for
nothing."
They were now in Broadway. Turning the corner of Amity street, they
walked a short distance downtown, and paused before the handsome jewelry
store of Ball & Black.
"I think we had better go in here," said Felix Montgomery--(I hesitate a
little by which of his numerous names to call him).
"Why not go to Tiffany's?"
"I gather from what the boy told me that the ring has already been
offered there. It would be very likely to be recognized and that would
be awkward, you know."
"Are you sure the ring has not been offered here? asked his wife.
"Quite sure. The boy would have mentioned it, had such been the case."
"Very well. Let us go in then."
The Rev. Mr. Barnes and his wife, of Hayfield Centre; entered the
elegant store, and ten minutes later Paul Hoffman entered also, and took
his station at the counters wholly unconscious of the near proximity of
the man who had so artfully swindled him.
CHAPTER XXI
PAUL IS CHECKMATED
On entering the large jewelry store Mr. Montgomery and his wife walked
to the rear of the store, and advanced to the counter, behind which
stood a clerk unengaged.
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