Mr. Perkins opened the drawer of his desk, and took out a neat gold watch, of Waltham manufacture, and handed it to Tom.
“You will find that useful, I fancy,” he said.
“Is this for me?” asked Tom, amazed.
“It was purchased expressly for you,” said the merchant.
Now there was no possession that Tom so much coveted as that of a watch, and he thanked Mr. Perkins heartily.
“No thanks are required, my young friend,” said the merchant. “I am still much in your debt for the return of my papers.”
“If I hadn’t returned them after you had given me the overcoat I should have been a rascal,” said Tom, warmly.
“Still it was a temptation. At any rate, you are heartily welcome to the watch. I have prepared a letter to a friend of mine—a business man—in San Francisco, which I will get you to deliver whenever you reach there.”
“Is it important?” asked Tom. “It may be months before I get there.”
“It can wait till you reach the city. And now, my young friend, as I am writing letters to go to Europe by to-morrow’s steamer, I must ask you to excuse me. Give me your hand. I wish you all sorts of good luck. Good-by! Don’t forget to report to me whenever you come back to New York.”