"
"What does this mean? There is some mistake," said the adventurer,
wheeling round with a start.
"No mistake at all. You must come with me."
"What have I done? You take me for some one else."
"You have stolen a diamond ring."
"Who says so?" demanded the adventurer, boldly. "It is true I brought
one here to sell, but it has belonged to me for years."
"You are mistaken, Mr. Montgomery," said Paul, who had come up
unperceived. "You stole that ring from me this morning, after dosing me
with chloroform at Lovejoy's Hotel."
"It is a lie," said the adventurer, boldly. "That boy is my son. He is
in league with his mother to rob me. She sent him here this morning
unknown to me. Finding it out, I took the ring from him, and brought it
here myself."
Paul was certainly surprised at being claimed as a son by the man who
had swindled him, and answered: "I never saw you before this morning. I
have no father living."
"I will guarantee this boy's truth and honesty," said Mr. Preston,
speaking for the first time. "I believe you know me, Mr. Tiffany."
"I need no other assurance," said the jeweler, bowing. "Officer, you may
remove your prisoner."
"The game is up," said the adventurer, finding no further chance for
deception. "I played for high stakes, and I have lost the game. I have
one favor to ask. Will some one let my wife know where I am?"
"Give me her address," said Paul, "and I will let her know.
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