The ring was restored to Mr. Montgomery, who overwhelmed the officer with a profusion of thanks.
“It is not a diamond, only an imitation,” he said, “but my wife values it as the gift of a friend. Don't be too hard on the boy. He may not be so bad as he seems.”
“I'll attend to him,” said the policeman, emphatically. “I'll learn him to rob ladies of rings in the street. Come along, sir!”
Paul tried to explain matters, but no attention was paid to his protestations. To his anger and mortification he saw the swindler make off triumphantly with the ring, while he, the wronged owner, was arrested as a thief.
But at the station-house he had his revenge. He was able to prove to his captor that he had lodged information against Mr. Montgomery, and the policeman in turn was mortified to think how readily he had been imposed upon. Of course Paul was set free, but the officer's blundering interference seemed to render the recovery of the ring more doubtful than ever.
“Well, that was a narrow escape,” said Mr. Montgomery, with a sigh of relief. “I think I managed rather cleverly, eh?”
“I wanted to box the boys ears,” said Mrs. Montgomery, sharply.
“It wouldn't have been in character, my dear. Ha, ha!” he laughed, softly, “we imposed upon the officer neatly. Our young friend got rather the worst of it.”
“Why don't you call things by their right names? He isn't much of a friend.”
“Well, what are you going to do next?” asked the lady, abruptly.
“I hardly know,” said Mr. Montgomery, reflectively. “If it were not for appearing too anxious, I would go back to Ball & Black's now that our young friend is otherwise engaged, and can't interrupt us.”
“Well, you see, it might be considered rather soon for you to recover from your fit. Besides, I don't know what stories this boy may have thought fit to tell about us.”
“We want to dispose of the ring as soon as possible, and leave the city.”
“That is true. Well, if you say so, we will go back.”
“It seems to me now is the best time. The boy will tell his story to the officer and we may be inquired for.”
“Then, my dear, I will follow your advice.”
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery turned, and directed their steps again toward Broadway. The distance was short, and fifteen minutes had scarcely elapsed since they left the store before they again entered it. They made their way to the lower end of the store and accosted the same clerk with whom they had before spoken.