"Yes, sir?" said Dean, inquiringly.
"This is a pawnbroker's office. Take this watch, and ask the pawnbroker to lend you twenty-five dollars on it. You can give him your own name, and for address you may say Buffalo."
"But I don't live in Buffalo."
"That doesn't matter. He will be more apt to let you have the money if he thinks you came from a distance. It isn't necessary to give the correct address."
Mr. Kirby drew from his pocket the gold watch which Dean had seen in the stateroom of the Pilgrim, and which he was sure had been stolen from the elderly gentleman who had complained of being robbed.
Dean started and flushed, as Kirby held the watch in his hand.
"Is that your watch?" he asked.
"No; it belongs to my wife. I shall redeem it before I return East. If the pawnbroker won't give you twenty-five dollars, get as much as you can. You look like a boy sharp at a bargain. Say that it belonged to your uncle."
"Mr. Kirby," said Dean, "I would rather not do what you ask me."
"What do you mean?" demanded Kirby, angrily.