Shifted Rings

Another clever trick that came n.-ar being successful was that oí a ir.an who went into a pawubroker's with a magnificent ruby ring. "How much do you wan'"'" asked the pawnbroker. "What will you give?" answered the customer. After examining the ring the pawnbroker offered 8300, which, eonsidering the jewel was a gem, wasn't too much. "No," answered the man, "I must have $400." This the pawnbroker refused, and the man replaced the ring on bis finger. Juat as he reaehed the door he turned back, saying: "Oh, very well; I only really needed $300." He handed back the ring, and the pawnbroker counted out sixcrisp dollar bilis. He was just on the point of handing them over when a' clever assistant whispered: "Examine that ring." The pawnbroker took the hint, and upon examination found the ring to be in every respect the same as the one previously inspected, except the ruby, which was mere glass. The setting and the diamonds were genuine. During the moment, ior it wasn't longer, that the man had turned he had substituted one ring for the other. The pawnbroker, not satisfied with having escaped a serious loss, had the man arrested. When searched he had three similar rings in his possession. The judge, however, had no sympathy with the prosecutor, and after stating that there was no evidenca against the prisoner in such a case, discharged him.