Paul the Peddler; Or, The Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant by Jr. Horatio Alger (best finance books of all time TXT) 📕

“I don't object to getting twenty-five dollars more,” said Paul. “What is the condition?”

“I have an order from a gentleman for a diamond ring for a young lady—an engagement ring, in short. If this suits him, as I think it will, I will pay you what I said. I can easily get three hundred and twenty-five from him.”

“How are you going to find out whether it will suit him?”

“Easily. He is stopping at the same hotel with me.”

“What hotel is that?”

“Lovejoy's. If you can spare the time and will come with me now, we can arrange matters at once. By the way, you can refer me to some responsible citizen, who will guarantee you. Not, of course, that I have any doubts, but we business men are forced to be cautious.”

Paul mentioned Mr. Preston's name.

“Quite satisfactory,” answered the jeweler. “I know Mr. Preston personally, and as I am pressed for time, I will accept his name without calling upon him. What is your name?”

“Paul Hoffman.”

“I will note it down.”

The gentleman from Syracuse drew out a memorandum book, in which he entered Paul's name.

“When you see Mr. Preston, just mention my name; Felix Montgomery.”

“I will do so.”

“Say, if you please, that I would have called upon him, but, coming to the city strictly on business, was too hurried to do so.”

This also Paul promised, and counted himself fortunate in falling in with a friend, or, at all events, acquaintance of Mr. Preston, since he was likely to make twenty-five dollars more than he would otherwise have done.

When he got out of the car at the Astor House, the stranger said:

“It will be half an hour before I can reach Lovejoy's, as I have a business call to make first. Can you call there, say, in three-quarters of an hour?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well, then, I will expect you. Inquire for me at the desk, and ask the servant to conduct you to my room—you remember my name?”

“Yes, sir—Mr. Felix Montgomery.”

“Quite right. Good-by, then, till we meet.”

Mr. Felix Montgomery went into the Astor House, and remained about five minutes. He then came out on the steps, and, looking about him to see if Paul was anywhere near, descended the steps, and walked across to Lovejoy's Hotel. Going up to the desk, he inquired:

“Can you accommodate me with a room?”

“Yes, sir; please enter your name.”

The stranger entered his name with a flourish, as Felix Montgomery, Syracuse.

“Room No. 237,” said the clerk; “will you go up now?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Any luggage?”

“My trunk will be brought from the St. Nicholas in the course of the afternoon.”

“We require payment in advance where there is no luggage.”

“Very well. I will pay for one day. I am not sure but I shall get through my business in time to go away to-morrow.”

Here the servant appeared to conduct Mr. Montgomery to his room.

“By the way,” he said, turning back, as if it were an afterthought, “I directed a boy to call here for me in about half an hour. When he comes you may send him up to my room.”

“Very well, sir.”

Mr. Montgomery followed the servant upstairs to room No. 237. It was rather high up, but he seemed well pleased that this was the case.

“Hope you won't get tired of climbing, sir,” said the servant.

“No—I've got pretty good wind.”

“Most gentlemen complain of going up so far.”

“It makes little difference to me.”

At length they reached the room, and Mr. Montgomery entered.

“This will answer very well,” he said, with a hasty glance about him. “When my trunk comes, I want it sent up.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I believe that is all; you can go.”

The servant retired and Mr. Felix Montgomery sat down upon the bed.

“My little plot seems likely to succeed,” he said to himself. “I've been out of luck lately, but this boy's ring will give me a lift. He can't suspect anything. He'll be sure to come.”

Probably the reader has already suspected that Mr. Felix Montgomery was not a jeweler from Syracuse, nor had he any claim to the name under which he at present figured. He was a noted confidence man, who lived by preying upon the community. His appearance was in his favor, and it was his practice to assume the dress and air of a respectable middle-aged citizen, as in the present instance. The sight of the diamond ring had excited his cupidity, and he had instantly formed the design of getting possession of it, if possible. Thus far, his plan promised success.

Meanwhile, Paul loitered away the time in the City Hall Park for half an hour or more. He did not care to go home until his negotiation was complete, and he could report the ring sold, and carry home the money.

“Won't mother be astonished,” he thought, “at the price I got for the ring? I'm in luck this morning.”

When the stipulated time had passed, Paul rose from the bench on which he was seated, and walked to Lovejoy's Hotel, not far distant.

“Has Mr. Felix Montgomery a room here?” he asked.

“Yes,” answered the clerk. “Did you wish to see him?”

“Yes, sir.”

“He mentioned that a boy would call by appointment. Here, James, show this boy up to No. 237—Mr. Montgomery's room.”

A hotel servant appeared, and Paul followed him up several flights of stairs till they stood before No. 237.

“This is the room, sir,” said James. “Wait a minute, and I'll knock.”

In answer to the knock, Mr. Montgomery himself opened the door.

“Come in,” he said to Paul; “I was expecting you.”

So Paul, not suspecting treachery, entered No. 237.