"'Yee, very sure.'
"He spoke in a husky, rasping voice, like a man who had caught his breath again after a long run.
"He turned his back to the window, slipped his hand in his hip-pocket and pulled out my mother's watch.
"'Is that it, "Doc"?'
"The light was pretty low, but I'd have known it in the dark.
"'Yes, of course it is—' and I opened the lid in search of the old lady's photo. 'Where did you get it?'
"'Look again. There ain't no likeness.'
"'No, but here are the marks where they scraped it off'—and I held it close to his eyes. 'Where did you get it?'
"'Don't ask no questions, "Doc." I had some trouble gittin' next the goods, and maybe it ain't over yet. I'll know in the morning. If anybody asks you anything about it, you ain't lost no watch—see? Last time you seen me I was goin' West, see—don't forget that. That's all, "Doc." If you're pleased, I'm satisfied.'
"He held out his hand to say good-by, but I wouldn't take it. His appearance, the tone of his voice, and his hunted look made me a little nervous.