“I have changed my mind.”
“So have I,” said Paul. “You had a chance to get it, but now it's too late.”
Eliakim was deeply disappointed. Generally he had his own way with his customers, who, being in urgent need of money, were obliged to accept such terms as he chose to offer. But now the tables were turned, and Paul proved more than a match for him. He resolved to attempt intimidation.
“Boy, where did you get this ring?” he asked, in a significant tone.
“Honestly,” said Paul. “That's all you need to know.”
“I don't believe it,” said the old man, harshly. “I believe you stole it.”
“You may believe what you like, but you must give it back to me,” said Paul, coolly.
“I've a great mind to call a policeman,” said Eliakim.
“If you did,” said Paul, “I'd tell him that you were anxious to get the ring, though you believed it to be stolen. Perhaps he might have something to say to you.”
Eliakim perceived the force of Paul's argument, for in law the receiver of stolen goods is as bad as the thief, and there had been occasions when the pawnbroker had narrowly escaped punishment for thus indirectly conniving at theft.