atch than yours, too, Baker," spoke up
Sutton, with a wink, which Mr. De Royster did not see.

"No, he hasn't. My watch cost five hundred dollars."

"I have a very fine timepiece, I don't mind admitting," spoke the
well-dressed youth. "It was given to me by my father, who is quite
wealthy."

"I'd like to see it," said Mr. Baker.

By this time an engine, with some parts to repair the broken
locomotive, had arrived from a near-by freight yard. The train crew
had made the adjustments, and the express was almost ready to proceed.
Nearly all the passengers, who had alighted, had again boarded their
cars.

"I shall be pleased to show you my watch," said Mr. De Royster, drawing
out a heavy gold affair. "I think you will readily agree with me, that
it is a valuable one."

He passed it to Mr. Baker, and, from where he stood Roy could see the
swindler slip it into his pocket and substitute for it one somewhat
like it, but, probably made of brass instead of gold. Mr. Baker turned
his back, pretending to be trying to get a good light, while he
compared his watch with that of Mr. De Royster.

"That's a fine diamond pin in your tie," said Tupper, indicating the
stone in the salesman's tie.

"Yes. Would you like to look at it? It is of very pure color."

He drew out the gem, and, unsuspectingly passed it to Tupper.

At that instant the locomotive engineer blew two warning whistles, so
that the lagging passengers might get on the train, which was about to
start.

"Hurry up! All aboard!" exclaimed Hynard, and, as Roy watched, he saw
Tupper thrust Mr. De Royster's diamond into his own pocket.

"They're robbing him!" thought the boy from the ranch. "I must warn
him!"

He started forward. Mortimer De Royster grabbed up his suit-case and
started for the train. Then he became aware that Mr. Baker had not
handed him back his watch, while the other man had his pin.

"My timepiece!" he exclaimed. "I'll show it to you when we get in the
train. I assure you it's a very fine one. And my pin--I would not
like to lose it! Give them back!"

Hardly had he spoken when Hynard thrust his hand down into the inside
pocket of Mr. De Royster's coat. His object was to grab his
pocketbook, the bulging outline of which he had seen.

"Look out!" cried Roy in a loud voice, springing from his hiding place.
"Look out! They're swindlers! They've got your watch and pin, and
they're trying to get your money!"

[Illustration: "L