Walter proceeded:
“A man came to my seat and told me he wanted to raise enough money to get to Dakota. He offered me the watch for twenty-five dollars, though he said it cost him ninety six months ago.”
“And you paid him twenty-five dollars?”
“No; I had no money to spare, but when he offered it for twenty, and told me I could more than get my money back either by pawning or selling it, I made up my mind to purchase, and did so.”
“Where is this man?” asked the conductor.
“He said he was going into the smoking-car.”
“That's a likely story,” sneered the stout gentleman.
“Do you charge me with taking the watch?” demanded Walter hotly. “I have never left this car. Have you seen me before?”
“No; but you are probably a confederate of the man from whom you got it. But I am not sure if there was any such man.”
“I will describe him,” said Walter.