"Yes, sir, I know her well." "How dare you insult me?" demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was a tremor in her voice. "I give her in charge for an attempted swindle," said Mr. Clifton. "You will have to come with me, madam," said the policeman. "You may as well go quietly." "Well, the game is up," said the woman, with a careless laugh. "It came near succeeding, though." "Now, my boy," said the jeweler, "I will attend to your business. You want to sell these pearls?" "Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money." "At what do you value them?" "I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you think them worth." The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination was concluded, he said: "I am willing to give four hundred dollars for them. Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them." "That is more than I expected," said Grant, joyfully. "It will pay all our debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future." "Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy like you carrying so much with you." "What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?" "That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring the balance next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday at Colebrook." "Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you." CHAPTER VIII GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP