"How could I when I was dead broke? You know I couldn't."
"Well, what do you propose to do now?"
"I want you to lend me money enough to get back the ring. Then I'll go round to Wall Street and return it and get the twenty-five dollars reward, and pay you back every cent I owe you."
Henry reflected.
"I don't know but that's the best way," he said; "but I must go with you to see that it's all right."
"Of course you can. I want you to," said Sam, relieved.
"We can't go now, for there isn't time. Come into my place as soon as you get away, and we'll go round together."
"All right, Henry. You're a trump, and no mistake. I thought you'd help me out."
Sam's cheerfulness returned, and he went to work with more alacrity. All the afternoon he was forming plans for the disposal of the reward when it came into his hands.
About a quarter after five the two boys entered the pawnbroker's office.