ng very poorly. Rather than economize,
you pawn your coat, and then try to sell it. So you are continually
getting yourself into trouble."

"I know it," said Sam, "but I don't mean to do it again."

"If you'll take my advice you will leave your coat where it is till
you are able to redeem it. Don't think of selling it, for a new one
would cost you more than you will get for it."

This advice was good, but it did not apply to Sam's case, since he had
no coat to pawn. It will easily be understood, therefore, that it
proved unsatisfactory to him. He didn't reply, but finished his
sweeping, and then, putting on his hat, he went to the post office for
letters.

CHAPTER VIII.

AN UNEXPECTED OBSTACLE.

As Sam walked rapidly to the post office he tried to think of some way
of raising the money he needed. If his credit had been better Henry
Martin might have accommodated him; but Sam was conscious that he had
not treated his roommate in such a way as to inspire confidence. Then
it occurred to him that he might obtain the ring back by giving the
pawnbroker what money he had, and leaving his vest on deposit with
him. At any rate, it would do no harm to try.

There was no time to go round to the pawnbroker's now, for his
employer was very particular about receiving his letters promptly, and
so great a delay might lead to his dismissal. He waited, therefore,
until dinner time and then went round.

The pawnbroker recognized him at once, and regretted to see him. He
knew the value of the ring, and was afraid Sam wished to redeem it.

"What can I do for you?" he asked, pretending not to know him.

"I was here yesterday," said Sam. "Don't you remember me?"

"I have so many come in I can't remember them all."

"But I left a ring here."

"A ring?" repeated the pawnbroker, vacantly. "What kind of a ring?"

"A ring with a stone set in it."

"Oh? you left it here."

"Yes, and you gave me five dollars on it."

"Did I? Then I gave you too much."

Sam was glad to hear this. Evidently the man, so he thought, did not
understand the value of the ring, and would be glad to let him have it
again. It was for his interest to let him think so.

"I guess you're right," he said. "The ring wasn't worth much, but my
grandfather left it to me, and so I like it."

"You said it was your grandmother yesterday," remarked the pawnbroker,
shrewdly.

"Did I? Well, it's all the same," said Sam, getting over the little
difficulty. "