Mr. Clayton was evidently enjoying himself. Beside his plate stood a pint bottle of champagne of Delmonico's special brand. His dinner would probably involve an expense of five dollars. "He must have sold or pawned the watch," suggested Rupert in a low voice. At this moment Clayton looked around. He at once recognized the two whom he had last seen at the Battery. "So we meet again?" he said, coolly. "Yes," answered the cattleman. "You appear to be having a pleasant time." "I generally do," returned Clayton. "You seem to have negotiated a loan." "I met a party who seemed to know more about gold watches than you do." "I congratulate you," said Packard, dryly. Clayton returned to the discussion of his dinner, and soon the two friends were served. "Shall I order some champagne, Rupert?" asked the man from Colorado. "Not for me. I have promised my mother to avoid drink." "You are wise. Far be it from me to tempt you. I have seen too much of the evil done by intemperance." Clarence Clayton evidently had no such objection to drink. He drained the bottle, and calling for a cigar, leaned back in his chair, with a self-satisfied smile. "That fellow is a curiosity," Packard said. "He probably has good abilities, and would meet with success in an honest career. He has made poor use of his talents. I wonder if he ever reflects upon the inevitable end of his dishonesty?" "It doesn't seem to trouble him much," returned Rupert. Neither he nor Clayton observed the quiet entrance of a small, unobtrusive man, with sharp eyes, who, taking rapid glances at the guests, moved towards the table occupied by the adventurer. Sitting in pleasant enjoyment of his cigar, Clayton's attention was drawn by a slight tap on his shoulder. Looking up in momentary impatience he saw the newcomer at his side. Stifling an ejaculation he stared at him in dismay. "Mr. Clayton," said Detective Darke, in a low voice, "I see you know me." "No, I can't say I have the pleasure," stammered Clayton. "You are polite to call it a pleasure. I am Richard Darke." "Can I offer you a glass of champagne, Mr. Darke?" "There doesn't seem to be any left in the bottle." "I will order another." "I won't put you to that trouble. I have business with you, and must request you to go with me." "But----" "I can take no denial," said the detective, sharply. "Go up to the desk, settle your bill, and then we will go out together. There will be no scene, and no one will know my errand, if you obey my directions." Clayton went up to the desk, paid his check, and then, turning to the detective, said, "I am at your service." By this time Rupert noticed what was going on, and silently called the attention of Mr. Packard to it. "Poor chap!" said the cattleman, as Clayton and his unwelcome companion left the restaurant, "his punishment has come sooner than I anticipated. He will be punished, but I am afraid the owner of the watch stands a poor chance of recovering his property."