As Walter heard these words a terrible fear assailed him. Had he bought a stolen watch?
CHAPTER IX
AN INGENIOUS SCHEME
The passengers, though somewhat surprised, generally showed their watches with a good grace. One old man produced a silver watch fifty years old.
“That watch belonged to my grandfather,” he said. “You don't claim that, do you?”
“Wouldn't take it as a gift,” said the loser crustily.
“You couldn't get it in exchange for yours!” retorted the owner.
Presently they came to Walter. If he had not attached the gold watch to his chain, instead of his old silver one, he would have been tempted to leave it in his pocket and produce the less valuable one. But he was saved from the temptation, as this would now have been impossible. Besides, had the gold watch been found on him afterward it would have looked very suspicious.
“Well, youngster,” said the stout man, “show us your watch.”