"
"Much better save it up," said the other. "By and by it may come in
useful."
Ephraim carefully folded up the note, and deposited it in an immense
wallet, the gift of his father. He would have preferred the money which
it represented: but three days would soon pass, and the ten dollars
would be forwarded to him. He took leave of his new acquaintances, Mr.
Montgomery shaking his hand with affectionate warmth, and requesting him
to give his best respects to his parents. When Ephraim was out of sight
he returned to his wife, with a humorous twinkle in his eye, and said:
"Wasn't that cleverly done, old lady?"
"Good enough!" remarked the lady. "Now you've got the ring back again,
what are you going to do with it?"
"That, my dear, is a subject which requires the maturest consideration.
I shall endeavor to convert it as soon as possible into the largest
possible sum in greenbacks. Otherwise I am afraid our board bill, and
the note I have just given to my rural friend, will remain unpaid."
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. MONTGOMERY'S ARREST
Having shaken off his country acquaintance, of whom he had no further
need, Mr. Montgomery started to return to his lodgings. On the whole,
he was in good spirits, though he had not effected the sale of the ring.
But it was still in his possession, and it had a tangible value.
"I am sorry you did not sell the ring," said Mrs.
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