“He was a shortish man, thick, with a beard.”
“Ah, that's Black Davie. He's been up four times for beating her. He's about done the job now. If I were you I would let that sort settle their own little affairs, sir.”
“Do you think that a man who holds the Queen's commission will stand by and see a woman struck?” cried the Admiral indignantly.
“Well, just as you like, sir. But you've lost your watch, I see.”
“My watch!” He clapped his hand to his waistcoat. The chain was hanging down in front, and the watch gone.
He passed his hand over his forehead. “I would not have lost that watch for anything,” said he. “No money could replace it. It was given me by the ship's company after our African cruise. It has an inscription.”
The policeman shrugged his shoulders. “It comes from meddling,” said he.
“What'll you give me if I tell yer where it is?” said a sharp-faced boy among the crowd. “Will you gimme a quid?”
“Certainly.”
“Well, where's the quid?”