He formed a resolution.  He would go around to the pawnbroker’s and see if he could obtain any information.

He found the pawn shop without difficulty.  It was a small apartment, but seemed quite full of goods of all varieties.

A small man of perhaps sixty was behind the counter.  Seated in a rocking-chair, sewing, an old lady was to be seen in the rear of the shop.

Andy had never before been in a pawn shop, and would have been interested in examining it if his errand had not been so serious.

He walked up to the counter.

“Well, young man, what is your business?” asked the old man.

“Do you remember lending some money on a new gold watch last Monday?”

“Was the watch stolen?” asked the pawnbroker, with shade of anxiety.

“You will have no difficulty about it.  It will be redeemed.”

“How much did I lend on it?”

“Ten dollars.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Can you remember who brought it in?”

“No, except that it was a boy about your size.”

“Did he look like me?”

“I can’t remember.  You see, I have so many customers.”

“I remember,” said the old lady, speaking up.  “He was about your size.”

“It was not I?”

“No; he was thinner than you, and he was dark complexioned.”

A light began to dawn upon Andy.  This description fitted John Crandall.

“Do you remember what kind of an overcoat he wore?”

“It was a light overcoat.”

“Thank you.  Will you please remember this if you are asked?”

“Did the young gentleman own the watch?”

“He was employed by another party, but I cannot tell you any more at present.  The watch will probably be redeemed by a man about thirty-five.  Don’t mention to him that any one has asked you questions about it.”

“All right.  I shall be glad to oblige you.  You are sure it was not stolen?”

“The man who sent the boy was not dishonest.  You will have no trouble.”

“It was a new watch, and I thought it might be stolen.  We poor pawnbrokers have a hard time.  If we take stolen property we get into trouble, but how can we tell if the rings and watches they bring in are stolen?”

“Very true.  I can see that you must sometimes be puzzled.  Do those who pawn articles generally give their own names?”

“Very seldom.  They almost always give wrong names.  That sometimes leads to trouble.  I remember a gentleman who mislaid his ticket, and he could not remember what name he gave.  If he had we might have overlooked the loss of the pawn ticket.  As it was, we did not know but he might be a fraud, though I think it was all right, and the watch he pawned was his own.”

“Thank you for answering my questions.  I am sorry to have troubled you,” said Andy, politely.

“Oh, it is no matter,” rejoined the old man, who felt very favorably impressed by Andy’s good looks, and frank, open manner.