“Are you sure the ring has not been offered here? asked his wife.
“Quite sure. The boy would have mentioned it, had such been the case.”
“Very well. Let us go in then.”
The Rev. Mr. Barnes and his wife, of Hayfield Centre; entered the elegant store, and ten minutes later Paul Hoffman entered also, and took his station at the counters wholly unconscious of the near proximity of the man who had so artfully swindled him.
CHAPTER XXI
PAUL IS CHECKMATED
On entering the large jewelry store Mr. Montgomery and his wife walked to the rear of the store, and advanced to the counter, behind which stood a clerk unengaged.
“What shall I show you?” he inquired
“I didn't come to purchase,” said Mr. Montgomery, with suavity, “but to sell. I suppose you purchase jewelry at times?”