“I saw Miss Townsend come out of their store to-day, and it’s my impression that her errand there was similar to her errand to you--that is, to sell some article or articles that, in their reduced circumstances, could very well be dispensed with. Are you willing to see Jones for me, and find out if my impressions are correct?” “Certainly.” “Will you go at once?” “Yes.” “Very well. I will call here in half an hour to hear the result.” In half an hour, according to agreement, Albertson called upon the auctioneer. “Did you ascertain what I wished to know?” he asked. “Yes.” “Well, what have you learned?” “That Miss Townsend brought to the store a large diamond breast-pin, two ladies’ gold watches, and several other articles of jewelry, all costly, and wanted to sell them. Jones told her that he would take them, and dispose of them for her; but that he was not prepared to purchase. She then asked if he could not advance something upon them. This he declined, and she took them away with her, remarking, that perhaps Milford, just above, would let her have what she wanted. I am not acquainted with Milford, or I would have made inquiries there.” “Thank you for the trouble you took. I happen to know Milford, and will see him myself. I’ll send you the money for the piano in the course of an hour.” Albertson left the store of the auctioneers, and called upon the jewelers. “Was there a young lady here to-day, with a diamond breast-pin, two gold watches, and some other articles, that she wished to sell?” he asked, after passing a few words with Milford. “There was. Why? Do you know any thing about them?” “Nothing in particular. Did you buy them?” “No. I’m not in the habit of doing such things. But I told her I would sell them for her. Here they are;” and the jeweler pointed to a part of his show-case where he had deposited them. “That diamond breast-pin is worth every cent of five hundred dollars. I wonder if she came by them fairly.” “You may set your heart at rest on that subject. I’ll be surety in the case.” “You know her, then?” “I think I do.” “Who is she?” “At present I don’t know that her name need be mentioned.” “Oh, as to her name, that she has left. It is Townsend. I gave her a receipt for the goods. I wonder if she is not one of the daughters of Townsend the shipping merchant, who was knocked all to pieces by the failure of the United States Bank?” “Did she also give you her place of residence?” “Yes; No. 60 ---- street.” “You didn’t pay her any thing on the goods?” “No; although she was very anxious to get an advance.” “What are they all worth?” “They are worth seven or eight hundred dollars; but will not bring that.” “How much do you expect to get for them?” “Not more than four or five hundred at the outside; and it may be six months before they are all sold. We are bound to get off our own goods first, you know.” “You will let me have the lot at eight hundred, I suppose?” said Albertson.