It was just as he was about to return to his dapple grays that he received a sudden shock. He had been idly glancing over the “Daily News” when a headline caught his eye:
“Offers $1,000 Reward for Return of Lost Gem.”
Quickly he read down the column, then his face fell.
“Guess he thinks I stole it,” he muttered.
It certainly looked that way, for Major MacDonald had publicly offered a reward of a thousand dollars for the return of the ring, and had made it plain that no questions would be asked.
“They won’t be asked, either.” Johnny set his teeth hard. “I’ll let him know that he can keep his reward. I’ll get that ring back, and I’ll send it to him with no return address.”
Even as he spoke, he started. A new thought had struck him. What if the girl who had the ring should read of the reward and return the jewelry? Where would he be then?
“He’d think I had stolen it and given it to a circus girl,” Johnny groaned. “Then what would he think of me?”
But the next moment he was resolute again. “I’ll get next to that boxing bear fellow right away, and I’ll cultivate the acquaintance of Millie, if she cuts my face open with that whip of hers. I’ll win yet! Watch my smoke!”
He hastened away, resolved upon getting better acquainted with Millie Gonzales at once.