"
"My boy brought it in here. I ought not to have sent him, for he came
very near losing it on the way home. I thought it best to come with it
myself."
This was said so quietly that it was hard to doubt the statement, or
would have been if information had not been brought to the store that
the ring had been stolen.
"Yes, boys are careless," assented the clerk, not caring to arouse Mr.
Montgomery's suspicions. "You wish to sell the ring, I suppose."
"Yes," answered the other; "I don't like to carry a ring of so great
value. Several times I have come near having it stolen. Will you buy
it?"
"I am not authorized to make the purchase," said the clerk. "I will
refer the matter to Mr. Tiffany."
"Very well," said Mr. Montgomery. "I am willing to accept whatever he
may pronounce a fair price."
"No doubt," thought the clerk.
He carried the ring to his employer, and quickly explained the
circumstances.
"The man is doubtless a thief. He must be arrested," said the jeweler.
"If I go for an officer, he will take alarm."
"Invite him to come into the back part of the shop, and I will protract
the negotiation while you summon a policeman."
The clerk returned, and at his invitation Mr. Montgomery walked to
the lower end of the store, where he was introduced to the head of the
establishment. Sharp though he was, he suspected no plot.
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