"I wonder what he is telling me all this for?" mused Robert. "I have about recovered my health, and now I shall soon get a good place," went on the stranger. Here Robert took out his watch--it was an excellent Waltham silver watch--and consulted it. "Let me look at your watch!" said the stranger. Robert put it in his hands. "A very good watch! Let me show you mine." He drew from his pocket a showy gold watch--at least it was yellow, and had a good appearance. "What do you think of it?" "It is showy." "Yes, and is of high grade. It is well worth seventy-five dollars, though I have had it for three years." Robert was not especially interested. His own watch had cost but twenty-five, but it was a gift from his father, and as such he valued it. "I have a great mind to offer you a bargain," said his companion. Robert looked at him inquiringly. "If you will give me ten dollars to boot, I will exchange with you." "Why should you do that? You say your watch is worth seventy-five dollars." "So it is, but, my young friend, I am very short of money. The silver watch would keep as good time, and the money would be of great service to me." Robert shook his head. "My watch was a present," he said, "I should not care to part with it." "Of course, that is a consideration," said the stranger, appearing disappointed. "Besides I could not very well spare ten dollars." "You could easily pawn the watch for forty dollars." "Why don't you do that?" "Egad! I didn't think of it. I believe I will. By the way, will you do me a favor?" "What is it?" "Will you keep the watch for fifteen minutes? I am going out into the smoking-car, and I may go to sleep. That is the way smoking affects me. I might get robbed, but if you hold the watch I shall feel easy." This seemed a strange proposal to make, but after all it was plausible. It seemed a trifling favor to grant. Why should he object? "But how do you know I am honest," asked Robert. "You have only known me a few minutes." "Didn't I tell you I was skilled in reading character? You have an honest face." "Thank you for your favorable opinion." "Do you consent?" "Yes. How long will you be gone?" "I shall come back before we reach the city." "Very well, if you are anxious to have me take charge of it." "Yes; I shall feel safe if it is in your hands." "All right, sir." Robert wore a sack coat with pockets on each side. He put the watch in one of these pockets, and resumed looking out of the window. His companion left the car and went to the car in the rear, which was the smoking-car. Half an hour passed, and then a stout, thick-set man of thirty-five entered the car and walked through it, looking at the passengers as he passed along. He paused in front of Robert's seat. "Young man," he said, "show me your watch." Robert looked at him in astonishment. "What do you mean?" he asked. "I mean that I have had my watch stolen, and I am sure some passenger has taken it."