o take in him, he
judged that he would not refuse him this service.

"I think I can do that," he said. "Do you know Mr. Andrew Preston? He is
a wealthy gentleman, who lives on Madison avenue, between Thirty-fourth
and Thirty-fifth streets."

"Not personally. I know him by reputation."

"Will he be satisfactory?"

"Entirely so."

"He knows me well," said Paul. "I think he will be willing to stand
security for me. I will come back in a day or two."

Paul took the ring, and left the store. He determined to call that
evening on Mr. Preston, and ask the favor indicated.

CHAPTER XVII

MR. FELIX MONTGOMERY

Paul had an errand farther uptown, and, on leaving Tiffany's walked up
as far as Twenty-third street. Feeling rather tired, he got on board a
University place car to return. They had accomplished, perhaps, half the
distance, when, to his surprise, George Barry entered the car.

"How do you happen to be here, at this time, Barry?" he asked. "I
thought you were attending to business."

"I closed up for a couple of hours, having an errand at home. Where have
you been?"

"To Tiffany's."

"What, the jewelers?"

"Yes."

"To buy a diamond ring, I suppose," said Barry, jocosely.

"No--not to buy, but to sell one."

"You are joking," said his companion, incredulously.

"No, I am not. The ring belongs to my mother. I am trying to raise money
enough on it to buy you out."

"I didn't know your mother was rich enough to indulge in such expensive
jewelry."

"She isn't, and that's the reason I am trying to sell it."

"I mean, I didn't think she was ever rich enough."

"I'll explain it," said Paul. "The ring was found some time since in
Central Park. As no owner has ever appeared, though we advertised it, we
consider that it belongs to us."

"How much is it worth?"

"Mr. Tiffany offered two hundred and fifty dollars for it."

Barry uttered an exclamation of surprise.

"Well, that is what I call luck. Of course, you accepted it."

"I intend to do so; but I must bring some gentleman who will guarantee
that I am all right and have the right to sell it."

"Can you do that?"

"I think so! I am going to ask Mr. Preston. I think he will do me that
favor."

"Then there's a fair chance of your buying me out."

"Yes. I guess I can settle the whole thing up to-morrow."

"Have you got the ring with you?"

"Yes."

"I should like to see it, if you have no objection."

Paul drew it from his pocket, an