"Excuse me," laughed Jack, "I have not lost a watch. I have found
one. If you have lost one describe it, and we will see if it is the
same as the one I have found."

"I have not lost a watch," snapped the other. "I am in the detective
service, and if I have the description of the article I can enquire
who has lost one like it, don't you understand?"

"And you wish to be a sort of middle man between me and the owner?"
and Jack laughed again. "I advertised for the owner of the watch,
not for an agent who would help me find the owner. I cannot see
that we need spend any more time on the affair."

"How do I know that you have not stolen the-----"

It was very fortunate for the man that Jack was nearer to him than
Percival, who suddenly aimed a swinging blow at him.

Jack threw up Dick's arm, and said quickly:

"Dick! What are you about?"

"It is lucky for you, sir," said Dick hotly, "that my friend stopped
me. Is it a part of your business to insult people without
provocation?"

"Sir," said the other, "I come in contact with very many persons
of a suspicious character and-----"