Part 24 (1/2)
”No, come in with me. You may like to look about.”
Though Herbert had no idea of the cost of the fine stock with which the store was provided, he saw that it must be valuable, and wondered where purchasers enough could be found to justify keeping so large a supply of watches, chains, rings and the numberless other articles in gold and silver which he saw around him.
”I would like to look at your watches,” said Melville to the salesman who came forward to inquire his wishes.
”Gold or silver, sir?”
”Silver.”
”This way, if you please.”
He led the way to a case where through the gla.s.s covering Herbert saw dozens of silver watches of all sizes and grades lying ready for inspection.
”For what price can I get a fair silver watch?” asked Melville.
”Swiss or Waltham?”
”Waltham. I may as well patronize home manufactures.”
”Here is a watch I will sell you for fifteen dollars,” said the salesman, drawing out a neat-looking watch, of medium size. ”It will keep excellent time, and give you good satisfaction.”
”Very well; I will buy it on your recommendation. Have you any silver chains?”
One was selected of pretty pattern, and George Melville paid for both.
”How do you like the watch and chain, Herbert?” said his employer, as they left the store.
”They are very pretty, sir.”
”I suppose you wonder what I want of two watches,” said Melville.
”Perhaps you don't like to take your gold watch with you when you go out West, for fear of thieves.”
”No, that is not the reason. If I am so unfortunate as to lose my gold watch, I will buy another. The fact is, I have bought this silver watch and chain for you.”
”For me!” exclaimed Herbert, intensely delighted.
”Yes; it will be convenient for you, as well as me, to be provided with a watch. Every traveler needs one. There; put it in your pocket, and see how it looks.”
”You are very kind to me, Mr. Melville,” said Herbert, gratefully. ”You couldn't have bought me anything which I should value more.”
When Herbert had arranged the watch and chain to suit him, it must be confessed that it engrossed a large part of his attention, and it was wonderful how often he had occasion to consult it during the first walk after it came into his possession.
CHAPTER XVIII. A THIEF IN TROUBLE.
”Have you ever visited the suburbs of Boston?” asked Melville.
”No,” answered Herbert. ”I know very little of the city, and nothing of the towns near it.”