Merry understood what that meant, and he immediately ordered another glass of beer, which was placed before him. If he was going to keep his place at the bar, he must buy drinks often. It was Saturday night, and any one who did not pan out well could not hold a position at that bar. There were times when Merry felt that it would be an advantage to smoke, and this was one of them. Had he been smoking, it would not have seemed so peculiar for him to stand there at the bar, idly gazing around.
When Hooker’s companion had disposed of the drink, the outcast fell to talking to him again in a most earnest manner. The man was surly, and he seemed to be demanding something. Hooker seemed to argue with him, but he persisted in his demands. After a time, Hooker felt in his pockets and took out a little money, which he placed on the table. This the man eagerly seized, and then it was evident that he demanded more; but Hooker shook his head and appeared to be declaring that he had no more. At this the man grew angry.
“Instead of robbing his new friend,” said Frank to himself, “he is coughing up to him.”
At last, Hooker felt in his pocket and took out something which he had done up in a paper. The paper he stripped off, placing the object on the table before his companion. It was a watch and chain!
“Heavens!” muttered Frank Merriwell, starting violently, “is that my watch?”
CHAPTER V.
FRANK WAVERS.
Merry felt his heart leap into his throat. Was it possible at last that there was proof of Hooker’s crookedness?
Frank almost staggered, as if he had been struck a heavy blow. The outcast’s companion, a man of at least fifty years, eagerly grasped the watch and chain. Then, without hesitation, Frank Merriwell started forward and strode into that room. He was quickly at the side of the table, and, in a hoarse voice, he demanded:
“Let me see that watch!”