The ring was restored to Mr. Montgomery, who overwhelmed the officer with a profusion of thanks.
“It is not a diamond, only an imitation,” he said, “but my wife values it as the gift of a friend. Don't be too hard on the boy. He may not be so bad as he seems.”
“I'll attend to him,” said the policeman, emphatically. “I'll learn him to rob ladies of rings in the street. Come along, sir!”
Paul tried to explain matters, but no attention was paid to his protestations. To his anger and mortification he saw the swindler make off triumphantly with the ring, while he, the wronged owner, was arrested as a thief.
But at the station-house he had his revenge. He was able to prove to his captor that he had lodged information against Mr. Montgomery, and the policeman in turn was mortified to think how readily he had been imposed upon. Of course Paul was set free, but the officer's blundering interference seemed to render the recovery of the ring more doubtful than ever.
CHAPTER XXII
A MAN OF RESOURCES
“Well, that was a narrow escape,” said Mr. Montgomery, with a sigh of relief. “I think I managed rather cleverly, eh?”
“I wanted to box the boys ears,” said Mrs. Montgomery, sharply.