"I guess that's your way of putting it, laddie," Mrs. McGregor said with an affectionate smile. "Well, we're certainly glad you have the watch. It will be fine and useful. Just see you do not get it smashed to bits in some of the scraps you are mixed up in."
"Do you think I am going to stand dumb as an oyster and let somebody land a blow over my vest pocket hard enough to smash that watch, Mrs. McGregor?" interrogated the giant. "Pray, where would I be while he was doing it?"
"Gentlemen with gold watches should keep out of the prize ring," put in Uncle Frederick mischievously.
"Oh, sir, one has to have a watch to call time on the other feller," Hal retorted.
"Put it on and let's see how you look, Hal," Tim begged.
"Yes, do!" echoed Mary.
"All right, I'll dress up in it since you say the word," answered Hal, with an impish grimace. "You may as well see me in it and get used to the sight; then you won't be taking me for an alderman when you meet me on the street."
He slipped the chain through his buttonhole and the watch into his pocket.
"Don't I look for all the world like the Lord Mayor of London or one of the Common Council?"
"You look like an old sport," Carl asserted, giving his chum a blow on the chest.