"I'm not sure about that. I think I'll call a policeman."

Here Henry Martin interfered.

"Did you think it was stolen when you advanced money on it?" he asked.

"Yes, I did," said the pawnbroker. "Your friend's story was too thin."

"Then," said Henry, quietly, "you've got yourself into trouble. You can be arrested for receiving stolen goods."

The pawnbroker turned pale. He knew very well that he was in a dilemma.

"My friend didn't tell you the truth," continued Henry. "He found the ring, and now he has found the owner. He wants to return it, and that is why he is here. Unless you give it up, I will myself call a policeman."

Henry's quiet, assured manner produced its effect. With great reluctance the pawnbroker produced the ring, the charges were paid, and the two boys retired triumphant.

CHAPTER IX.

RESTORING THE RING.

"Now," said Henry, "we had better go down to Wall Street and see the advertiser at once. If we can restore the ring to-night we shall avoid the risk of losing it."

"What makes you say we?" asked Sam, uneasily. "You don't expect any of the reward, do you?"

"I only expect you to pay me back what you owe me, Sam. The ring was found by you, and you are entitled to the reward."

Sam looked relieved.

"Of course I'll pay you all I owe you, as soon as I get the twenty-five dollars," he said.

"Have you got the advertisement? Can you tell the name and number of the advertiser?"

"Yes, his name is John Chester, and his office is at No. 49 Wall Street."

"Good. We must go down directly, or he will be gone."

The boys hurried to the office, which was on the third floor of the building. A young man, of eighteen or nineteen, was in sole possession. It may be remarked, by the way, that Mr. Chester was a lawyer, and this young man had just entered the office as student.

"That can't be Mr. Chester," said Henry, in a low voice, as the young man turned upon their entrance, and fixed his eyes inquiringly upon them.

"I'll ask," said Sam.

"Are you Mr. Chester?" he inquired.

The youth looked flattered at being mistaken for his employer.

"Mr. Chester has gone home," he answered, consequentially; "but, perhaps, I can do well. Do you come on business?"

"Yes," said Sam.

"Ahem! law business, I suppose," said the lawyer's assistant, looking wise. "State your case, and I may be able to assist you. Is it a case of trespass, or do you wish to obtain a habeas corpus, or a caveat, or a _nisi prius?_"

"What a lot he knows!" thought Sam, respectfully. "I don't want none of those things."

"Perhaps you want to obtain a divorce," said the budding barrister, in a jocular tone. "I am afraid we can't manage that for you."

"We want to see Mr. Chester on particular business," said Henry Martin.

"Well, you can't see him to-night. He's gone home."

"Where does he live?"

"He don't see clients at his house. It won't be any use going there."

"I guess he'll see us. We'll take the risk."

"What is your business about?" asked the young man, with curiosity.

"It's private," said Henry.

"Very important, no doubt," said the disappointed neophyte.

"Mr. Chester will think so," said Sam. "Where did you say he lived?"

"Did you come about the ring?" asked the young man, with a sudden thought.

"What ring?" asked Sam, cunningly.

"Mr. Chester lost a ring in Wall Street yesterday and advertised it in the _Herald._ I didn't know but you had found it."

"Suppose we had?" said Sam.

"Then you can give it to me, and I'll take it up to Mr. Chester."

"Thank you, but if I've found it I'll carry it up myself."

"Have you got it?"

"You can ask Mr. Chester about it to-morrow morning. Where does he live?"

"I've a great mind not to tell you," said the law student, resentfully.

"Then I'll find out in the 'Directory' and let Mr. Chester know you wouldn't tell us."

Upon this Sam got the desired information.