I thought it was his, so that if
you belong to the Force, I hope--"
"Gently, my friend," said I; "I am not in the police, so you need not
be in such a fright. Nevertheless, that watch is mine; I can tell
you the number, if you don't believe it."
He pushed the watch across to me and said, still greatly frightened--
"I am sure you may see it, sir, with all my heart. I wouldn't for
worlds--"
"What did you give for it?"
He hesitated a moment, and then, as greed overmastered fear,
replied--
"Fifteen pounds, sir; and the man would not take a penny less.
Fifteen good pounds! I swear it, as I am alive!"
Although I saw that the man lied, I drew out three five-pound notes,
laid them on the table, and took my watch. This done, I said--
"Now I want you to sell me a suit of clothes, and aid me to disguise
myself. Otherwise--"
"Don't talk, sir, about 'otherwise.' I'm sure I shall only be too
glad to rig you out to catch the thief. You can take your pick of
the suits here; they are mostly seamen's, to be sure; but you'll find
others as well.
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