t some time," thought Morris. "It would be rather a
satisfaction to do it too."

"I wonder if I shall meet that country fellow again," thought Morris as
he left the house. "If I do I'll see if I can't frighten him into
returning my ring."

The very next evening, in passing the Standard Theater, near the corner
of Thirty-Third Street Morris saw and instantly recognized the tall,
rustic figure and slouching walk of Joshua Bascom. He paused a moment
in indecision, then summoning up all his native bravado, he stepped
forward, and laid his hand on Joshua's shoulder.

"Look here, my friend," he said in tone of authority, "I have some
business with you."

CHAPTER VIII.

MR. BASCOM'S SAD PLIGHT.

Joshua turned in alarm, fearing that he was in the hands of a
policeman.

"What have I done?" he began. Then recognizing Morris, he said, "Why,
it's the man who stole my wallet."

"You must be crazy," rejoined Morris. "I charge you with theft."

"Well, that beats all!" ejaculated Joshua. "Just give me back my ten
dollars."

"I admire your cheek, my friend," said Morris, "but it won't go down.
Where is that ring you stole from my finger?"

"You left it in my pocket when you put in your hand and stole my
wallet."

"Ha, you confess that you have got it. Where is it?"

"Give me back my wallet and I may tell you."

"My rural friend, you are in great danger. Do you see that policeman
coming up the street? Well, I propose to give you in charge unless you
give me back my ring."

"I haven't got it," said Joshua, beginning to feel uneasy.

"Then give me fifty dollars, the sum I paid for it."

"Gosh all hemlock!" exclaimed Joshua impatiently. "You talk as if I was
a thief instead of you."

"So you are."

"It's a lie."

"Of course you say so. If you haven't fifty dollars, give me all you
have, and I'll let you off."

"I won't do it."

"Then you must take the consequences. Here, policeman, I give this man
in charge for stealing a valuable ring from me."

"When did he do it--just now?"

"Yes," answered Morris, with unexpected audacity. "He looks like a
countryman but he is a crook in disguise."

"Come along, my man!" said the policeman, taking Joshua in tow. "You
must come with me."

"I hain't done nothing," said Joshua. "Please let me go, Mr.
Policeman."

"That's what they all say," remarked Morris, shrugging his shoulders.

"I see, he's an old offender," said the intelligent policeman, who had
only be