“Oh, I don’t think that!” cried Frank. “I don’t believe anybody would touch my watch.”

“Well, I’m glad you think so,” came in a significant manner from Bart.

There was a cloud on Frank’s brow as he looked sharply at Bart.

“What are you driving at?” he asked.

“Well, you have a new friend who was here a short time ago.”

“Hooker?”

“That’s the name.”

“Don’t, Hodge—don’t try to put the blame on that poor fellow!”

“All right. You may think what you like, and I’ll think—what I like.”

“By heavens! I believe you are glad of this opportunity to put suspicion on him! You are like other human beings, ready to kick a man who is down!”