"Pardon, monsieur," said the man, looking uncomfortable.
Ben's glance fell on his chain and the watch, which had slipped from his pocket, and he understood that the man had been trying to steal his watch. In spite of his poverty and need of money he had not yet parted with the watch, though he suspected the time would soon come when he should be compelled to do so.
"You were trying to steal my watch," said Ben, severely.
"No, monsieur, you are wrong," answered the tramp, for that was what he would be called in America.
"How came my watch out of the pocket, and why were you leaning over me?" continued Ben.
"I wanted to see what time it was," answered the man, after a minute's hesitation.
"I think it is fortunate I awoke when I did," said Ben.
His new acquaintance did not choose to notice the significance of the words.
"Monsieur," he said, "I am a poor man. Will you help me with a few sous?"