"My watch was a present," he said, "I should not care to part with it."
"Of course, that is a consideration," said the stranger, appearing disappointed.
"Besides I could not very well spare ten dollars."
"You could easily pawn the watch for forty dollars."
"Why don't you do that?"
"Egad! I didn't think of it. I believe I will. By the way, will you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Will you keep the watch for fifteen minutes? I am going out into the smoking-car, and I may go to sleep. That is the way smoking affects me. I might get robbed, but if you hold the watch I shall feel easy."
This seemed a strange proposal to make, but after all it was plausible. It seemed a trifling favor to grant. Why should he object?