"
"You are mistaken there, Mr. Felix Montgomery," said Paul,
significantly.
"By what name did you address me?" said the swindler, assuming a tone of
surprise.
"I addressed you as Mr. Felix Montgomery."
"You have made a mistake, my good friend. I am an humble clergyman from
Connecticut. I am called the Rev. Mr. Barnes. Should you ever visit
Hayfield Centre, I shall be glad to receive a call from you."
"When I last met you, you were a jeweler from Syracuse," said Paul,
bluntly.
Mr. Montgomery laughed heartily.
"My dear," he said, turning to his wife, "is not this an excellent
joke? My young friend here thinks he recognizes in me a jeweler from
Syracuse."
"Indeed, you are quite mistaken," said the lady. "My husband is a
country minister. We came up to the city this morning on a little
business."
"I understand on what business," said Paul. "You wanted to dispose of a
diamond ring."
Mr. Montgomery was disposed to deny the charge, but a moment's
reflection convinced him that it would be useless, as Paul had doubtless
been informed in Ball & Black's of his business there. He decided to put
on a bold front and admit it.
"I suppose you were in Ball & Black's just now," he said.
"I was."
"And so learned my business there? But I am at a loss to understand why
you should be interested in the matter."
"That ring is mine," said Paul.
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