Paul the Peddler; or the Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant. Chapter 19, 20, 21, 22
CHAPTER XIX
PAUL DELIBERATES
PAUL stood in the street irresolute. He looked hopelessly up and down Broadway, but of course the jeweler from Syracuse was not to be seen. Seeking for him in a city containing hundreds of streets and millions of inhabitants was about as discouraging as hunting for a needle in a haystack. But difficult as it was, Paul was by no means ready to give up the search. Indeed, besides the regret he felt at the loss, he was mortified at having been so easily outwitted.
“He’s taken me in just as if I was a country boy,” thought Paul. “I dare say he’s laughing at me now. I’d like to get even with him.”
Finally he decided to go to Tiffany’s, and ask them to detain any one who might bring in the ring and offer it for sale. He at once acted upon this thought, and, hailing a Broadway stage, for no time was to be lost, soon reached his destination. Entering the store, he walked up to the counter and addressed the clerk to whom he had before shown the ring.
“Do you remember my offering you a diamond ring for sale this morning?” he asked.
“Yes, I remember it very well. Have you got it with you?”
“No, it has been stolen from me.”
“Indeed! How was that?” asked the clerk, with interest.
“I met in the cars a well-dressed man, who called himself a jeweler from Syracuse. He examined the ring, and offered me more than Mr. Tiffany, but asked me to bring it to him at Lovejoy’s Hotel. When I got there, he drugged me with chloroform, and when I recovered he was gone.”
“You have been unlucky. There are plenty of such swindlers about. You should have been careful about displaying the ring before strangers.”
“I was showing it to a friend.”
“Have you notified the police?”
“Not yet. I came here to let you know, because I thought the thief might bring it in here to sell.”
“Very likely. Give me a description of him.”
Paul described Mr. Felix Montgomery to the best of his ability.
“I think I should know him from your description. I will speak to Mr. Tiffany, and he will no doubt give orders to detain any person who may offer the ring for sale.”
“Thank you.”
“If you will give me your address, we will notify you in case the ring is brought in.”
Paul left his address, and went out of the store, feeling that he had taken one step toward the recovery of his treasure. He next visited the police headquarters, and left a detailed description of the man who had relieved him of the ring and of the circumstances attending the robbery. Then he went home.
His mother looked up as he entered.
“Well, Paul?” she said, inquiringly.
“I’ve got bad news, mother,” he said.
“What is it? Tell me quick!” she said, nervously.
“The ring has been stolen from me.”
“How did it happen, Paul?”
“First, I must tell you how much the ring is worth. I went up to Tiffany’s, and showed the ring to Mr. Tiffany himself. He told me that he would give me two hundred and fifty dollars for it, if I would satisfy him that I had a right to sell it.”
“Two hundred and fifty dollars!” repeated Mrs. Hoffman, in amazement.
“Yes, the diamond is very large and pure.”
“Two hundred and fifty dollars would be a great help to us.”
“Yes, mother, that is what makes me feel so bad about being swindled out of it.”
“Tell me how it happened. Is there no chance of recovering it?”
“A little. I shall do what I can. I have already notified the police, and Mr. Tiffany.”
“You have not told me yet how you lost it.”
When Paul had told the story, his mother asked, “Did you mention it in the cars that you had offered it at Tiffany’s?”
“Yes, and I mentioned his offer.”
“Perhaps the thief would be cautious about going there, for that very reason. He might think the ring would be recognized.”