Justin Cutler was very busy all the morning, and did not find time to go to the jeweler's until the afternoon.
He had no intention of disposing of the crescents—he simply wished to tell him that he had himself concluded to purchase them, and then ask the privilege of depositing them in Mr. Arnold's safe for a few days; for they were to be his gift to the woman he loved, if she received his suit with favor.
The gentleman was in, and his eyes lighted as his glance fell upon the case which Mr. Cutler laid upon the show-case, for he believed that, in purchasing the crescents, he was going to get an unusually good bargain.
"Ah," he remarked, "the lady has decided to dispose of the stones?"
"Yes; but—" Mr. Cutler began, when he suddenly stopped, and gazed, astonished, at the man.
He had taken the case, opened it, and started in dismay as he saw what were within, while a look of blank consternation overspread his face.
Then he turned sternly, almost fiercely, upon the young man.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, in a threatening tone. "Did you imagine you could cheat me in this miserable way? You have got hold of the wrong customer if you did."
"What do you mean, sir?" inquired Mr. Cutler, amazed, but flushing angrily at being addressed so uncivilly.
"These are not the stones you brought to me yesterday," said Mr. Arnold, who was also very angry.