y precious nephew is a rogue."

Meanwhile, Harold, eager to ascertain the value of his watch, stepped
into a jeweler's.

"Can you tell me the value of this watch?" he inquired.

The jeweler opened it, and after a brief examination, said: "When new
it probably cost thirty-five dollars."

Harold's countenance fell.

"I was told that it was a seventy-five dollar watch," he said.

"Then you were cheated."

"But how can such a large watch be afforded for thirty-five dollars?"

"It is low-grade gold, not over ten carats, and the works are cheap.
Yet, it'll keep fair time."

Harold was very much disappointed.

CHAPTER XXXV

A SKILLFUL INVENTION

When he came to think it over, Harold gradually recovered his
complacence. It was a gold watch, after all, and no one would know
that the gold was low grade. He met one or two acquaintances, who
immediately took notice of the chain and asked to see the watch. They
complimented him on it, and this gave him satisfaction.

When he reached home, he went directly upstairs to his room, and only
came down when he heard the supper bell.

As he entered the dining room his mother was the first to notice the
watch chain.

"Have you been buying a watch chain, Harold?" she asked.

"I have something besides," said Harold, and he produced the watch.

Mrs. Tracy uttered an exclamation of surprise, and Mrs. Merton and
Warner exchanged significant glances.

"How came you by the watch and chain?" asked Mrs. Tracy, uneasily.

"They were given to me," answered Harold.

"But that is very strange. Aunt Eliza, you have not given Harold a
watch, have you?"

"No, Louisa. I think a silver watch is good enough for a boy of his
age."

"Why don't you ask me, Louisa?" said Warner, smiling.

"I don't imagine your circumstances will admit of such a gift."

"You are right. I wish they did. Harold, we are all anxious to know
the name of the benevolent individual who has made you such a handsome
present. If you think he has any more to spare, I should be glad if
you would introduce me."

"I will explain," said Harold, glibly. "I was walking along Dearborn
Street about two o'clock, when I saw a gentleman a little in advance
of me. He had come from the Commercial Bank, I judge, for it was not
far from there I came across him. By some carelessness he twitched a
wallet stuffed with notes from his pocket. A rough-looking fellow
sprang to get it, but I was too quick for him. I picked it u