CHAPTER XIII

THE PRIZE POEM


Jack sent the watch to the lady he had seen with Margaret the next
day, Dr. Wise being satisfied that it belonged to her, and
suggesting that it be forwarded to her by express without delay.

The next day he received a very pleasant letter from the lady,
together with a handsome locket to wear at the end of his watch chain.

"I suppose I can take this, Dick?" he said to his chum. "It is
really a reward for having found the watch, and I did not expect
any. However, it is not money, which I could not have taken, but
it cost money just the same."

"Keep it, Jack," said Dick. "The lady feels that you ought to have
something for your trouble, and you cannot very well refuse her gift."

"No, I don't suppose I can, but I did not want it, nevertheless.
My mother is fond of things like that, and I can give it to her."

"Well, the lady could hardly object to that, but I would wear it
for a time. She might see you shortly, and she would miss it."

"Very good," said Jack carelessly. "I will do it."

Just now the doctor was offering a prize for a poem to be written
by one of the boys, not to exceed a certain length, and to be