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diff --git a/30864-h/30864-h.htm b/30864-h/30864-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a711ec9 --- /dev/null +++ b/30864-h/30864-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8902 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Missing Tin Box, by ARTHUR M. WINFIELD. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i9 {display: block; margin-left: 9em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} +--> + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Missing Tin Box, by Arthur M. Winfield + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Missing Tin Box + or, The Stolen Railroad Bonds + +Author: Arthur M. Winfield + +Release Date: January 5, 2010 [EBook #30864] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSING TIN BOX *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>THE MISSING TIN BOX</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h2>THE STOLEN RAILROAD BONDS.</h2> + +<h3>BY <i>ARTHUR M. WINFIELD</i></h3> + +<h4><i>Author of "Schooldays of Fred Harley," "Poor but Plucky," "By Pluck, +Not Luck," Etc., etc.</i></h4> + + +<h4>CHICAGO:<br /> +<span class="smcap">M. A. Donohue & Co</span>.</h4> + +<h4><span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1897.</h4> + +<h4>BY <span class="smcap">W. L. Allison Co.</span></h4> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<p> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. The Missing Tin Box</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. A Brave Youth's Reward</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. A Serious Charge</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. Hal Stands up for Himself</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. Hal Determines to Act</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. A Blow in the Dark</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. Hal Determines to Investigate</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. Felix Hardwick is astonished</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. The Plot Against Hal</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. Hal is accused</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. For and Against</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. Hal in a Fearful Situation</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. Hal Shows His Mettle</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. Hal Expressed his Opinion</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. Hal Defends a Girl</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. Hal on the Watch</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. Near to Death</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. Hal in a Tight Situation</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. A Narrow Escape</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX. Following Allen</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI. In a Dangerous Place</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII. Hal Meets Laura Sumner</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII. Hal's Bold Scheme</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV. Hal in a New Role</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV. Hal's Escape from Hardwick</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI. Hal Obtains Another Situation</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII. Hal Plays a Daring Part</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII. Hal is Exposed</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX. Hal Makes a Lively Move</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX. The Missing Tin Box</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI. Hardwick's Dash for Liberty</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII. A Surprising Revelation</a><br /> +</p> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE MISSING TIN BOX.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION.</h3> + + +<p>"What are the bonds worth, Allen?"</p> + +<p>"Close on to eighty thousand dollars, Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"Phew! as much as that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. The market has been going up since the first of December."</p> + +<p>"How did he happen to get hold of them?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know the particulars. Mr. Mason was an old friend of the +family, and I presume he thought he could leave them in no better +hands."</p> + +<p>"And where are they now?"</p> + +<p>"In his private safe."</p> + +<p>"Humph!"</p> + +<p>The conversation recorded above took place one evening on a Pennsylvania +Railroad ferry-boat while the craft was making the trip from Jersey City +to New York.</p> + +<p>It was carried on between two men, both well dressed. He, called Allen, +was a tall, sharp-nosed individual, probably fifty years of age. The +other was a short, heavy-set fellow, wearing a black mustache, and +having a peculiar scowl on his face.</p> + +<p>They sat in the forward part of the gentlemen's cabin, which was but +partly filled with passengers. Two seats on one side of them were +vacant. On the other side sat a shabbily-dressed boy of sixteen, his +hands clasped on his lap and his eyes closed.</p> + +<p>"The safe is often left open during the day," resumed Allen, after a +brief pause, during which Hardwick had offered his companion a cigar and +lit one himself.</p> + +<p>"That won't do," replied Hardwick, shortly.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because it won't."</p> + +<p>"But we can make it appear——"</p> + +<p>"Hush!" The heavy-set man, who sat next to the vacant seats, nudged his +companion in the side. "That boy may hear you," he continued, in a +whisper.</p> + +<p>The man addressed glanced sharply at the youth.</p> + +<p>"No, he won't," he returned.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"He's fast asleep."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure." The heavy-set man arose. "Let us go out on the +forward deck, and talk it over."</p> + +<p>"It's too cold, and, besides, it's beginning to—"</p> + +<p>"Wrap yourself up in that overcoat of yours, and you will be all right. +We don't want to run any chances, Allen."</p> + +<p>"Some one may hear us out there just as well as in here," growled the +elderly man.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, he pulled up his coat collar and followed his companion +through the heavy swinging doors.</p> + +<p>As the two walked outside, the eyes of the boy opened, and he glanced +sharply after the pair.</p> + +<p>"That was a queer conversation they held," he muttered to himself. "I am +half of the opinion that they are up to no good. If I were a policeman I +believe I would follow them and find out who they are."</p> + +<p>Hal Carson hesitated for a moment, and then arose and walked to the +doors.</p> + +<p>Stepping outside, he saw the two men, standing in the gangway for +horses, in deep conversation.</p> + +<p>"They are hatching out some scheme," thought Hal, as he watched the +pair.</p> + +<p>But it was bitter cold outside for one without an overcoat, and the +youth soon returned to his seat in the cabin, leaving the two men to +themselves.</p> + +<p>Hal was a poor-house boy, having lived at the Fairham poor-house ever +since he could remember. Who his parents were he did not know, nor could +Joel Daggett, the keeper of the institution, give him any definite +information on the subject.</p> + +<p>"You were picked up in front of Onders' carpenter shop on one Fourth o' +July night," Daggett had said more than once. "They found out some +strange man was responsible, but who he was, nobuddy knows, or leastwise +they won't tell, and that amounts to the same thing."</p> + +<p>There had been a peculiar golden locket about Hal's neck when he was +found, but this had never led to the establishing of his identity, and +after the boy was at the poor-house a year the facts concerning his +being found were almost forgotten.</p> + +<p>But Hal had clung fast to that locket as a sort of birthright, and it +was at this moment safe in his trousers pocket.</p> + +<p>Two days before the opening of this story the trustees of the Fairham +Poor-house had decided to bind Hal out to Daniel Scrogg, one of the most +miserly farmers in the county.</p> + +<p>Hal had protested, stating he could make more in the town, where a +lawyer named Gibson was willing to take the youth into his office on a +salary of three dollars a week and found. The trustees were obdurate, +and the upshot of the matter was that the youth quietly packed his +clothing into a bundle and ran away.</p> + +<p>He left a note behind for Joel Daggett, telling what he had done, and +stating that as soon as he was in position to do so he would reimburse +the trustees for all they had paid out for his keep for the past fifteen +years; a big undertaking for any boy, but Hal was plucky, and meant what +he said.</p> + +<p>Hal's destination was New York. Once in the great metropolis, he felt +certain he would find something to do. To be sure, his capital was less +than a dollar, but he was used to being without any money, and +consequently this did not bother him.</p> + +<p>It was about eight o'clock in the evening, and as the man Allen had +said, it was just beginning to snow, the first fall of the season. Hal +looked out of the window as the flakes glittered in the electric light +and fell into the waters of the river.</p> + +<p>Presently there came a bump, and the ferry-boat veered to one side. The +slip had been reached, and, pulling shut the rather thin jacket he wore, +and bringing his cap further down over his forehead, Hal mingled with +the crowd outside, and a minute later went ashore.</p> + +<p>Once on West Street, Hal stood still, undecided what to do next. He did +not know a soul in New York, did not know one street from another, but +understood very well that it would be next to useless to try to obtain +employment at this late hour.</p> + +<p>As Hal stood meditating, the two men mentioned above brushed past him. +The boy noticed them, and then almost mechanically followed the pair.</p> + +<p>The men passed up Cortlandt Street until they came to the Sixth Avenue +Elevated Railroad. Hal saw them mount the stairs on the opposite side of +the street, and a minute after knew they had taken an uptown train.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I'll never see them again," thought the youth.</p> + +<p>But Hal was mistaken. The two men were to play a most important part in +the youth's future life in the great metropolis.</p> + +<p>Hal walked along under the elevated road until he came to Barclay +Street. He passed several fruit stands and a queer little booth where +coffee and cakes were sold.</p> + +<p>The sight of the latter made him remember how hungry he was. He had not +had anything to eat since early morning, and although he was accustomed +to a very scanty fare at the poor-house, his stomach rebelled at this +unusually long fast.</p> + +<p>He counted up his money, and resolved to invest fifteen cents of it in a +plate of pork and beans and some buttered cakes.</p> + +<p>He entered a restaurant near the corner, and was soon served.</p> + +<p>While Hal was eating he became interested in the conversation of several +young men who stood near the counter, smoking.</p> + +<p>"You say Nathan wants more help?" he heard one of the young men say.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Thought he took on two new hands yesterday."</p> + +<p>"So he did, but the holiday trade is very heavy this year."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll send Billy around to see him. I suppose he could do the +work."</p> + +<p>"Anybody could who is strong and willing," was the reply. "Nathan wants +three young fellows."</p> + +<p>At these words Hal's eyes brightened.</p> + +<p>He arose and touched the speaker on the arm.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir," he began.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked the man, rather abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I heard you telling your friend that somebody wanted help. I am looking +for work."</p> + +<p>The man looked Hal over, and gave a short laugh.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you ain't strong enough, my boy," he said.</p> + +<p>"I was brought up to hard work," replied Hal, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Well, that makes a difference."</p> + +<p>"If you will tell me where that place is——"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. It is the first warehouse this side——"</p> + +<p>The man got no further. There was a commotion on the street, and two or +three rushed outside.</p> + +<p>"Brady's place just below here is on fire!" shouted some one.</p> + +<p>"Brady's place?" ejaculated the man. "By George! I wonder how that +happened?"</p> + +<p>He seemed to forget all about Hal, and making a rush for the door, +disappeared down the street.</p> + +<p>The youth started after him. He had eaten and paid for his meal, and he +did not wish to miss the opportunity of questioning the fellow further.</p> + +<p>On the street all was commotion. Wagons were scattering right and left +to make way for the steam engines, hose carts and hook and ladder trucks +which came dashing up to the spot.</p> + +<p>Hal soon found himself surrounded by a crowd. The man had disappeared, +apparently for good, and with a sigh the youth walked away, there being +no signs of a fire, so far as he could see.</p> + +<p>The youth started to cross the street. He was directly behind an elderly +gentleman, and was about to pass the man when there came a warning cry:</p> + +<p>"Get out of the way there! Here comes another engine!"</p> + +<p>Hal looked up and saw that the engine, pulled by three fiery horses, was +close at hand. He started to return to the curb. As he did so the +elderly gentleman slipped and went down flat on his back.</p> + +<p>"He'll be killed!" cried half a dozen, who saw the accident.</p> + +<p>Hal's heart seemed to leap into his throat. The horses were not over ten +feet away. A moment more and the elderly gentleman would be crushed to +death.</p> + +<p>The youth leaped forward, and caught the man by the arm. Then he gave a +sudden jerk backward, and both he and the gentleman went rolling into +the gutter, while the engine went thundering by.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>A BRAVE YOUTH'S REWARD.</h3> + + +<p>A cheer arose from the by-standers.</p> + +<p>"Good for the boy!"</p> + +<p>"That's what I call a genuine hero!"</p> + +<p>"He deserves a medal."</p> + +<p>Paying no attention to what was said, Hal assisted the elderly gentleman +to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Are you hurt, sir?" he asked kindly.</p> + +<p>"I—I think not," was the labored reply. "That was a narrow escape, +young man." The last with a gasp.</p> + +<p>"You are right, sir. How did you happen to go down?"</p> + +<p>"The snow made a slippery spot on the ice, I believe. My wind is almost +gone."</p> + +<p>"Wait till I brush you off," said Hal, and taking off his cap he +commenced to strike off the snow and dirt from the gentleman's clothing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, never mind that," was the comment. "Come along with me. I don't +like crowds."</p> + +<p>The gentleman caught the youth by the arm, and walked him toward +Broadway.</p> + +<p>"You did me a great service," he went on, as the two stood on the +corner, opposite the post-office.</p> + +<p>"I didn't do much," replied Hal, modestly.</p> + +<p>"Don't you call saving my life much?" asked the man, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't mean that, sir. But any one would have done what I did."</p> + +<p>"I'm not so sure about that. In New York it is every one for himself. +What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Hal Carson."</p> + +<p>"You live here, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Where then, if I may ask?"</p> + +<p>"I just came to New York not over half an hour ago. I intend to stay +here."</p> + +<p>The elderly gentleman looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"I don't quite understand you," he said.</p> + +<p>"I came from a small place in Pennsylvania, sir, and I intend to try my +luck here."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Are you alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Any friends here?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you have."</p> + +<p>"I have?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—myself." The elderly gentleman laughed at his little joke. "No one +shall say he saved my life and I didn't appreciate it. So your name is +Hal Carson. Parents living?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir." Hal blushed in spite of himself. "I was brought up +at the poor-house."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Well, you are a manly looking chap and a brave one. Have you any +idea where you are going to obtain employment?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I intend to hunt around until I strike something."</p> + +<p>"You'll find that rather up-hill work, I fancy."</p> + +<p>"I didn't expect any snap, Mr.——"</p> + +<p>"My name is Horace Sumner. I am a broker, and have an office on Wall +Street, near Broad. I am just returning from a visit to my sister, who +lives in Morristown. Have you any sort of an education?"</p> + +<p>"I can read and write, and figure pretty well, and I've read all the +books I could get hold of."</p> + +<p>"The reason I ask is because I think I may be able to help you to obtain +employment. I won't offer you money as a reward—I don't believe in such +things."</p> + +<p>"I would not accept your money. But I would like work."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner meditated for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Supposing you stop at my office to-morrow morning," he said.</p> + +<p>"I will, sir. What time?"</p> + +<p>"Ten o'clock."</p> + +<p>"And what number, please?"</p> + +<p>"Here is my card." Horace Sumner handed it to him. "Do you know where +you are going to stop over night?"</p> + +<p>"I shall hunt up some cheap hotel."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner was about to say something to the effect that Hal could +accompany him to his house and sleep in one of the rooms over the barn, +but he changed his mind.</p> + +<p>"Let the boy hoe his own row. It will do him good," he thought to +himself.</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner was a self-made man, and he knew that self reliance is one +of the best traits a boy can cultivate.</p> + +<p>"I am going over to the Third Avenue elevated now," he said. "Remember, +I expect to see you at ten sharp."</p> + +<p>"I will be on hand, sir," returned Hal.</p> + +<p>"Then good-night."</p> + +<p>"Good-night, Mr. Sumner, and much obliged."</p> + +<p>Hal watched the gentleman cross City Hall Park, and then started up +Broadway.</p> + +<p>The brilliant holiday display in the show windows charmed him, and he +spent fully two hours in looking at all that was to be seen.</p> + +<p>"Who knows but what I may go to work to-morrow, and then I won't get +much chance to look around," he reasoned to himself.</p> + +<p>He was accustomed to work at the poor-house from six in the morning +until eight or nine at night, and he did not know but what he would have +to do more in such a bustling city as New York.</p> + +<p>By ten o'clock Hal found himself tired out. The snow was now six inches +deep and was still coming down.</p> + +<p>He turned from Broadway through Grand Street and presently found himself +well over on the east side.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Good Beds for 25 Cents per Night."</p></div> + +<p>This was the announcement on a banner strung over the sidewalk, and +after reading it, Hal glanced at the building.</p> + +<p>It was rather a dingy affair, but to the youth direct from the Fairham +poor-house it appeared quite comfortable. He entered the office, and +approached the clerk at the desk.</p> + +<p>"I would like a room for to-night," he said.</p> + +<p>"A room or a bed?" asked the clerk.</p> + +<p>"I mean a twenty-five cent place."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right. Pay in advance."</p> + +<p>Hal handed out a quarter. Then he was conducted to a long, narrow +apartment on the third floor. There were eight beds in the room, six of +which were already occupied.</p> + +<p>To a person used to good accommodations this apartment would have almost +disgusted him. But quarters at the poor-house had been but little +better, and Hal did not complain. He managed to get a bed in one corner, +and, as the window was slightly open, he slept very well.</p> + +<p>He was up and dressed at six o'clock and out on the street. The snow was +now all of a foot deep, and Hal was much interested in the snow-plows on +the car tracks.</p> + +<p>As he passed down the street a snow-ball whizzed past the youth's ear. +Another followed, striking him in the head. He turned, and saw a boy +slightly taller than himself standing close at hand and laughing +heartily.</p> + +<p>Instead of getting angry, Hal laughed in return. Then he picked up some +snow, made it into a hard ball, and let fly.</p> + +<p>The snow-ball took the other boy in the chest, and in his effort to +dodge he went over head first into a drift near the gutter. Hal burst +out laughing, and then ran back and helped the stranger up.</p> + +<p>"Say, wot did yer do dat fer?" demanded the other boy, as soon as he was +once more on his feet.</p> + +<p>"Tit for tat, you know," returned Hal. "I guess you're not hurt, are +you?"</p> + +<p>The stranger stared at Hal. He had never met with such a kindly answer +before.</p> + +<p>"Hurt! o' course I ain't hurt," he returned, slowly.</p> + +<p>"You threw at me first, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Wot if I did?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing, only that's why I threw back."</p> + +<p>The stranger stared at Hal for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" he asked, abruptly.</p> + +<p>"My name is Hal Carson. What's yours?"</p> + +<p>"Jack McCabe."</p> + +<p>Hal held out his hand.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to know you. I just came to New York, and I only know one +person here."</p> + +<p>"Git out! is dat so?" Jack McCabe shook hands rather gingerly. "Den yer +ain't one o' der boys, is yer?"</p> + +<p>"What boys?"</p> + +<p>"Der fellers around town."</p> + +<p>"Hardly."</p> + +<p>"Got work here?"</p> + +<p>"I expect to get work from a man in Wall Street."</p> + +<p>"Goin' ter be a broker, hey?" grinned Jack.</p> + +<p>"Here, get to work there, you lazy dog!" shouted a man from the inside +of a near-by store, and Jack dropped his conversation and began to clean +off the sidewalk with vigor.</p> + +<p>Hal walked on. He did not know under what exciting circumstances he was +to meet Jack McCabe again.</p> + +<p>Promptly at ten o'clock Hal presented himself at the number given him on +Wall Street. The sign over the door read Sumner, Allen & Co., Brokers.</p> + +<p>He opened the door and entered. There was a small place in the front +partitioned from the rear office by a counter and a brass grating.</p> + +<p>A man sat writing at a desk in the rear. He glanced at Hal, and seeing +it was only a boy, went on with his work.</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed. Then the man swung around leisurely, got down from +his stool, and came forward.</p> + +<p>As soon as Hal caught sight of the man's face he was astonished.</p> + +<p>It was Hardwick, the fellow whose conversation he had overheard on the +ferry boat the evening before.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>A SERIOUS CHARGE.</h3> + + +<p>"What do you want?" asked Hardwick abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Sumner in?" returned Hal.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll wait till he comes."</p> + +<p>Hardwick stared at Hal.</p> + +<p>"Won't I do?" he asked sharply.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid not, sir."</p> + +<p>"What do you want to see him about?"</p> + +<p>"He asked me to call," replied the youth. He was not particularly +pleased with Hardwick's manner.</p> + +<p>"I am the book-keeper here, and I generally transact business during Mr. +Sumner's absence."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner asked me to meet him here at ten o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Oh! You know him, then?"</p> + +<p>"Not very well."</p> + +<p>"I thought not." Hardwick glanced at Hal's shabby clothes. "Well, you +had better wait outside until he comes. We don't allow loungers about +the office."</p> + +<p>"I will," said Hal, and he turned to leave.</p> + +<p>It was bitter cold outside, but he would have preferred being on the +sidewalk than being in the way, especially when such a man as Felix +Hardwick was around.</p> + +<p>But, as he turned to leave, a coach drove up to the door, and Mr. Sumner +alighted. His face lit up with a smile when he caught sight of Hal.</p> + +<p>"Well, my young friend, I see you are on time," he said, catching Hal by +the shoulder, and turning him back into the office.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"That's right." Mr. Sumner turned to Hardwick. "Where is Dick?" he +asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir," returned the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"Hasn't he been here this morning?"</p> + +<p>"I think not."</p> + +<p>"The sidewalk ought to be cleaned. That boy evidently doesn't want +work."</p> + +<p>"I will clean the walk, if you wish me to," put in Hal.</p> + +<p>"I have an office boy who is expected to do such things," replied Mr. +Sumner. "That is, when the janitor of the building doesn't get at it in +time. But he is getting more negligent every day. Yes, you might as well +do the job, and then come into the back office and have a talk with me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Hardwick, just show Carson where the shovel and broom are."</p> + +<p>The book-keeper scowled.</p> + +<p>"This way," he said, and led the boy to a small closet under a stairs.</p> + +<p>Just as Hal was about to leave the office with the broom and the shovel, +a tall, well dressed boy entered.</p> + +<p>He was whistling at a lively rate, but stopped short on seeing Mr. +Sumner.</p> + +<p>"Well, Ferris, this is a pretty time to come around," said the broker, +sharply.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't help it," returned the boy, who was considerably older than +Hal, and had coarse features and fiery red hair.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"My aunt forgot to call me."</p> + +<p>"That is a poor excuse."</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris began to drum on the railing with his flat hands.</p> + +<p>"Didn't I tell you to be here every morning at nine o'clock?" went on +the broker. "I am sure that is not very early for any one."</p> + +<p>"'Tain't my fault when it snows like this," returned the boy. "My aunt +ought to call me."</p> + +<p>"Did you arrange that file of papers yesterday afternoon after I left?" +continued Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"I was going to do that this morning."</p> + +<p>"I told you to do it yesterday. You had plenty of time."</p> + +<p>"I ain't got nothing to do this morning."</p> + +<p>"There are a great number of things to do, Ferris, but evidently you are +not the boy who cares to do them. I warned you only a week ago that you +must mend your ways. I think hereafter we will dispense with your +service. Mr. Hardwick, please pay him his wages in full for the week. We +will get some one else to fill his position."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner turned to the rear office.</p> + +<p>"I don't care," muttered Ferris. "Hand over the stuff," he said to +Hardwick.</p> + +<p>Having received his money, he calmly lit a cigarette, puffed away upon +it for a minute, and then went out slamming the door as hard as possible +after him.</p> + +<p>Hal was already at work, clearing away the snow at a lively rate. Ferris +approached him.</p> + +<p>"Say, are you the fellow that did me out of my job?" he asked, savagely.</p> + +<p>"I haven't done any one out of a job," returned Hal. "Do you work here?"</p> + +<p>"I did, but I don't any more."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because old Sumner expects the earth from me and he can't get it; see?" +Ferris winked one eye. "I'm too smart to allow myself to be stepped +onto, I am. You had better quit working; he won't pay you much for your +trouble."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk it," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"If I find you played me foul, I'll break you all up," went on Ferris. +And with this threat he hurried off.</p> + +<p>Hal looked after the boy for an instant and then continued his work. The +sidewalk was soon cleaned, and he returned to the office.</p> + +<p>Hardwick let him in behind the railing, giving him a sharp look as he +passed.</p> + +<p>"I've seen him somewhere before," he muttered to himself, as he +continued at his books. "But where I can't remember."</p> + +<p>"What! done already?" exclaimed Mr. Sumner to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"It didn't take long."</p> + +<p>"It wasn't much of a job, sir."</p> + +<p>"Ferris would have taken all of the morning."</p> + +<p>"Was that the boy who just left?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"He said he would whip me if I played him foul."</p> + +<p>"Humph! He is a bad boy. You must be careful, and not get into any +trouble."</p> + +<p>"I will, sir. But I am not afraid of him."</p> + +<p>"No; you look as if you could take care of yourself." Mr. Sumner rubbed +his chin. "So you say you have no prospects ahead?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, but I am not afraid——"</p> + +<p>"Let me see your handwriting."</p> + +<p>The broker shoved a pad toward Hal, and handed him a pen filled with +ink.</p> + +<p>Hal put down a sentence or two, and added his own name.</p> + +<p>"That will do very well. You say you can figure fairly?"</p> + +<p>"I have been through the common school arithmetic."</p> + +<p>"What would my commission be on six thousand dollars' worth of bonds, +sold at one hundred and fifteen, commission one-quarter of one per +cent?"</p> + +<p>Hal figured for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Seventeen dollars and twenty-five cents," he said.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner gave him several other sums. The youth answered all of them +quickly and correctly.</p> + +<p>"That will do first-class," said the broker. "Now to come to business. +Would you mind telling me why you left Fairham?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all, Mr. Sumner," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>And, sitting down, he told how the trustees had intended to use him, and +of his determination to do for himself.</p> + +<p>"And I will not go back, no matter what happens," he concluded, +decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I cannot say as I blame you," was the slow reply. "Of course, you +owe them something, but perhaps you can pay them back quicker in the way +you have undertaken. Have you any idea in regard to salary?"</p> + +<p>"I intended to take what I could get, and then look around for something +better."</p> + +<p>"How would you like to work for me?"</p> + +<p>"First-rate, sir."</p> + +<p>"I need an office boy to take Ferris' place, and also somebody to help +copy contracts and make out bills and statements. If you could combine +the two I would give you seven dollars a week at the start, and increase +the amount as you become more valuable."</p> + +<p>Hal's heart beat fast. Seven dollars a week! It was more than twice what +he could have earned at Lawyer Gibson's office in Fairham.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you!" he cried. "I did not expect so much."</p> + +<p>"I expect you to earn the money," replied the broker. He made this +remark, but, nevertheless, he had not forgotten that Hal had saved his +life. "Have you any money with you?"</p> + +<p>"Fifty cents, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then let me advance you a month's salary. Half of it I would advise you +to invest in an overcoat and a stout pair of shoes. The remainder you +will probably have to pay out for your board. Mr. Hardwick."</p> + +<p>The book-keeper came forward.</p> + +<p>"Just give Carson twenty-eight dollars for four weeks' salary in +advance. He will take Ferris' place, and also help you on the copying."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Hardwick gave Hal a contemptuous look, and then going to a large safe in +the forward part of the main office, brought out the cash and handed it +over.</p> + +<p>"You may go to work at once," said Mr. Sumner. "I would advise you to +hunt up a boarding-house after business hours, three o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>And so Hal was installed at Sumner, Allen & Co.'s place of business. He +cleaned up the place, and then started in on the copying Hardwick +brought him.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner was well pleased with the boy's work for the day, and so +expressed himself.</p> + +<p>After business hours Hal bought the overcoat and the pair of shoes. Then +he started out for a boarding-house, and at last found one on Tenth +Street, kept by Mrs. Amanda Ricket, where he obtained a room on the top +floor, with breakfast and supper, for five dollars a week.</p> + +<p>On the second day at the office Hal was astonished to learn that the Mr. +Allen of the firm was the man he had seen in company with Mr. Hardwick +on the Pennsylvania ferry-boat. Mr. Allen did not recognize him, and the +youth thought it just as well not to mention the meeting. During the +afternoon Mr. Sumner and Mr. Allen went out together. They were hardly +gone when Hardwick put on his hat and coat and followed, leaving the +youth in sole charge.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later a stranger entered and asked for Mr. Allen. Finding +the broker out, he said he would wait, and sat down inside the railing, +near the stove.</p> + +<p>He had hardly seated himself, when a snow-ball crashed against the +plate-glass window. Fearful that the glass might be broken, Hal hurried +out. Two boys had been snow-balling each other, and both ran away as +fast as they could.</p> + +<p>Hardly had Hal returned to the office than Hardwick came in. He had been +paying a visit to a near-by wine-room, and his face was slightly +flushed. He nodded to the man who was waiting.</p> + +<p>"Anything I can do for you?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I want to see Mr. Allen."</p> + +<p>"Gone away for the day, sir."</p> + +<p>The stranger at once arose and left. Hardwick saw him to the door, and +then sat down near a desk in the rear.</p> + +<p>Hal bent over the writing he was doing. He proceeded with great care, as +it was new work to him and he did not wish to make any errors.</p> + +<p>Just before three o'clock Mr. Sumner returned. He walked to the rear +office, gave a turn to the knob of the door of his private safe, and +then addressed Hardwick:</p> + +<p>"Anything new?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then we might as well close up."</p> + +<p>Five minutes later the main safe was locked up, the rolled-top desks +closed, and work was over for the day.</p> + +<p>Hal spent the evening at his room in the boarding-house, writing to +Lawyer Gibson, his only friend in Fairham. The letter finished, he +walked to the corner and posted it, and then returned and went to bed.</p> + +<p>The next morning he was the first at the office. He was engaged in +cleaning up when Hardwick entered. The book-keeper had been out the +greater part of the night, and his face plainly showed the effects of +his dissipation.</p> + +<p>"Come, get at the books!" he growled. "The place is clean enough."</p> + +<p>"I will just as soon as I have dusted the rear office," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"Do as I told you!" stormed Hardwick.</p> + +<p>At that moment Mr. Sumner entered, and with a hasty good-morning passed +to the back. Hal heard him at his safe, and then came a sharp cry.</p> + +<p>"The safe has been robbed!"</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Hardwick, walking to the rear, while Hal followed.</p> + +<p>"The safe has been robbed!" gasped Mr. Sumner. "There are seventy-nine +thousand dollars' worth of bonds missing."</p> + +<p>"You are sure?" asked the book-keeper, while Hal's heart seemed to +fairly stop beating.</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are gone."</p> + +<p>"When did you leave them?"</p> + +<p>"Yesterday before I went out with Mr. Allen." Mr. Sumner gave a groan. +"This will ruin me! Who could have robbed the safe?"</p> + +<p>"Was it broken open?"</p> + +<p>"No. Look for yourself."</p> + +<p>Hardwick glanced toward the iron box. Then he turned and faced Hal.</p> + +<p>"You were here alone yesterday afternoon," he said, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Did you leave him here alone?" cried Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to say I did, but it was only for a few minutes," replied +the book-keeper. "I called around to Mack & Heath's for that Rock Island +circular."</p> + +<p>Hal grew red in the face.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner," he began, "I hope you do not think——"</p> + +<p>"I think that boy robbed the safe," interrupted Hardwick, pointing to +Hal. "I thought it was a mistake to take such a stranger into the +place."</p> + +<p>At these words Hal's eyes flashed fire.</p> + +<p>"That is a falsehood!" he cried, indignantly. "I never went near the +safe, excepting to dust the outside."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner clasped and unclasped his hands nervously. The ring in the +youth's voice made him hesitate as to how to proceed.</p> + +<p>"You robbed the safe," went on Hardwick. "You know you are guilty."</p> + +<p>"I know no such thing," returned Hal, in a peculiar, strained tone of +voice. "But there is one thing I do know."</p> + +<p>"And what is that?" asked Mr. Sumner, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I know Mr. Hardwick contemplated robbing that safe, and I feel certain +in my mind that he is the one who did it."</p> + +<p>Hal had hardly spoken before the book-keeper sprang upon him, forcing +him over backward against the safe door.</p> + +<p>"I'm the thief, am I?" he cried in Hal's ear. "Take that back, or I'll +make you!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>HAL STANDS UP FOR HIMSELF.</h3> + + +<p>Hal now found himself in a tight situation. Felix Hardwick had him by +the throat, and was slowly but surely choking him.</p> + +<p>"Don't! don't!" cried Mr. Sumner, in great alarm.</p> + +<p>"The miserable tramp!" cried Hardwick. "I'll teach him to call a +gentleman a thief."</p> + +<p>He continued his choking process, paying no attention to his employer's +efforts to haul him away.</p> + +<p>But by this time Hal began to realize that Hardwick was in earnest. He +began to kick, and presently landed a blow in the book-keeper's stomach +that completely winded the man.</p> + +<p>Hardwick relaxed his hold, and Hal sprang away.</p> + +<p>"Stop! stop!" ordered Mr. Sumner. "I will not have such disgraceful +scenes in this office."</p> + +<p>"But he intimated I was a thief," said Hardwick, trying to catch his +wind.</p> + +<p>"And he said the same of me," retorted Hal.</p> + +<p>"So you are!"</p> + +<p>"I never stole a thing in my life, Mr. Sumner." Hal turned to the +broker. "And I am not a tramp."</p> + +<p>"Then supposing we make it a poor-house beggar," returned Hardwick, with +a short laugh.</p> + +<p>Hal turned red. The shot was a cruel one.</p> + +<p>"Hush! Hardwick," cried Mr. Sumner. "There is no necessity for such +language."</p> + +<p>The broker turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>"You just made a strange statement, Carson," he said. "How do you know +Mr. Hardwick contemplated robbing the safe?"</p> + +<p>"Because I do."</p> + +<p>"That is no answer."</p> + +<p>"I overheard him and Mr. Allen talking about the bonds being in the +safe."</p> + +<p>"When?"</p> + +<p>"The evening I came to New York."</p> + +<p>"What was said?"</p> + +<p>"I can't repeat the words, but they said the bonds were worth nearly +eighty thousand dollars, and that the safe was often left open during +the day."</p> + +<p>"It's an infamous story!" put in Hardwick, his face growing red. "Mr. +Sumner, don't you believe the beggar."</p> + +<p>"I am telling the truth," said Hal, as calmly as he could.</p> + +<p>"Hush, Hardwick!"</p> + +<p>"But, sir——" began the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"One story at a time. I will hear what you have to say later."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say you would take that boy's word against mine?" +demanded Hardwick, haughtily.</p> + +<p>"I intend to listen to his story without further interruption from you," +responded the broker, sternly. "So please keep silent until your turn +comes."</p> + +<p>Hardwick pulled at the ends of his mustache, but he did not dare to +reply after this.</p> + +<p>"Now go on, Carson," said Mr. Sumner to Hal.</p> + +<p>"I haven't much to tell, sir," replied the youth.</p> + +<p>And he related all he could remember of the fragment of a conversation +which he had overheard.</p> + +<p>The broker listened attentively, but his face fell when Hal had +finished.</p> + +<p>"And is that all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner shook his head, and then turned to Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Is his story true?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"It is true we spoke of the bonds," replied the book-keeper. "But +nothing was said about stealing them. Why, Mr. Sumner—why should your +own partner and trusted book-keeper conspire to rob you? It is +preposterous! I have an idea."</p> + +<p>"What is this?"</p> + +<p>"That he heard us speaking of your careless habit, and endeavored to +form some scheme to get into the office and get hold of the bonds."</p> + +<p>"Hardly. It was I told him to come here; he did not come of himself."</p> + +<p>"Then he formed his plan after he got here."</p> + +<p>"I know nothing of railroad bonds," put in Hal. "I wouldn't know what to +do with them, if I had them."</p> + +<p>At that moment Mr. Allen arrived. He saw that something unusual had +taken place.</p> + +<p>"What's up?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"The tin box containing the Mason railroad bonds is missing," replied +Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"Missing!" ejaculated Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"And all the bonds?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Phew!" Mr. Allen gave a low whistle. "How did it happen?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner related the particulars.</p> + +<p>"And this boy means to say we concocted a scheme to steal them," added +Hardwick, pointing to Hal.</p> + +<p>"We steal them!" ejaculated Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Allen turned and caught Hal by the arm.</p> + +<p>"Boy, are you crazy?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"That's what I would like to know," said Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"No, I am not crazy," replied the youth, stoutly.</p> + +<p>"He overheard part of our conversation on the ferry-boat the other +night," went on the book-keeper, hastily, "and from that he judged we +must be plotting to rob Mr. Sumner."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's rich!" Mr. Allen broke into a laugh. "Excuse me, Sumner, +but I can't help it. Of course, you don't think any such thing."</p> + +<p>"No, I can't say that I do," replied the elderly broker, slowly. +"But"—he turned to the safe—"the tin box is gone and I would like to +know what has become of it."</p> + +<p>"Better call in the police," suggested Hardwick. "And in the meantime +keep an eye on this boy."</p> + +<p>"And also on that man," added Hal, pointing to the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner was in deep perplexity. He ran his hand through his hair.</p> + +<p>"Let us talk this matter over first," he said. "You say, Hardwick, you +left Carson alone in the office yesterday afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How long?"</p> + +<p>"Not more than ten minutes."</p> + +<p>"When was this?"</p> + +<p>"A few minutes after you and Mr. Allen went out."</p> + +<p>"When you came back what was Carson doing?"</p> + +<p>"He was at the desk, pretending to write."</p> + +<p>"Was there anybody else here?"</p> + +<p>"By Jove! yes," exclaimed Hardwick, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Ah! who?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir."</p> + +<p>"A man?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Rather a common-looking fellow, about thirty-five years of age."</p> + +<p>"What did he want?"</p> + +<p>"He asked for Mr. Allen, and when I said he wouldn't be back during the +rest of the day he went off."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner turned to Hal. The youth stood staring at the wall.</p> + +<p>"What have you to say about this stranger?"</p> + +<p>"He came in directly after Mr. Hardwick went out," returned the youth.</p> + +<p>"What was his business?"</p> + +<p>"He wished to see Mr. Allen."</p> + +<p>"Did he go back to the safe?"</p> + +<p>"I—I don't think so."</p> + +<p>"You are not sure?"</p> + +<p>"Not positive, sir. I was busy writing, and did not notice him closely."</p> + +<p>"Did the man give any name?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you didn't know him?"</p> + +<p>Hal shook his head. He was beginning to believe he had made a big +mistake by not watching the stranger during the time he was in the +office back of the railing.</p> + +<p>"I believe I saw the man wink at this boy as he went out," put in +Hardwick. "I am pretty certain the two knew each other."</p> + +<p>"That is not true," burst out Hal.</p> + +<p>For some reason, this insinuation made him think more than ever that the +book-keeper was guilty.</p> + +<p>"Which way did the man go?" went on the elderly broker.</p> + +<p>"Toward Broadway," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"Did he have anything under his arm?"</p> + +<p>"He had a small bundle, but he had that when he came in."</p> + +<p>"About how large?"</p> + +<p>Hal illustrated with his hands.</p> + +<p>"Probably that was an empty box, or something of that sort," ventured +Mr. Allen. "He placed the tin box into it."</p> + +<p>"Quite likely," returned Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"And the only question in my mind," went on his partner, "is whether or +not this boy here was in with the fellow. If you will take my advice, +Sumner, you will have him arrested without delay."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>HAL DETERMINES TO ACT.</h3> + + +<p>As Mr. Allen spoke he caught Hal by the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"You had better own up, Carson," he said, harshly.</p> + +<p>"Let go of me!" retorted Hal, trying to break away.</p> + +<p>"Not much! Do you think I am going to give you the chance to slide out +of the door?"</p> + +<p>"I have nothing to own up to, and I don't intend to run away," panted +the youth.</p> + +<p>He broke away, and placed himself beside Mr. Sumner, who looked at him +earnestly.</p> + +<p>"I believe the boy speaks the truth," he said, firmly.</p> + +<p>"You do?" cried Hardwick and Allen, in concert.</p> + +<p>"I mean in so far as he says he is innocent," added the elderly broker, +hastily. "Of course, I believe he is mistaken in supposing that either +of you had anything to do with this robbery."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" returned Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"That's different," said Hardwick.</p> + +<p>Both of them looked relieved.</p> + +<p>"I wish he had watched this stranger."</p> + +<p>"I wish that myself, Mr. Sumner," cried Hal. "If he stole the tin box, +then I am mostly responsible, although I supposed the man was some +business man around here, and was to be trusted."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand one thing," said the elderly broker. "I am almost +sure I locked the safe when I went away yesterday afternoon."</p> + +<p>"So you did," said Mr. Allen. "I saw you do it."</p> + +<p>"Then, how could the stranger have opened it?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't Carson know the combination?" asked Hardwick, who seemed +determined to convict Hal.</p> + +<p>"I think not."</p> + +<p>"Indeed I did not!" cried the youth. "I never worked a safe combination +in my life."</p> + +<p>"I saw him watching you open the door yesterday morning," went on the +book-keeper. "Do you dare deny it?" he continued, turning to Hal.</p> + +<p>"I certainly do deny it," retorted Hal. "I might have been looking that +way, but I did not watch him, and I do not know how it was done."</p> + +<p>"You did not notice if the door was open after I was gone, did you?" +said Mr. Sumner, turning to the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"It was closed," replied Hardwick, promptly.</p> + +<p>"You are certain?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. When I left Carson here alone I saw to it that both safes and +the main desks were closed."</p> + +<p>"Why did you do that?" put in Mr. Allen, knowing well what the answer +would be.</p> + +<p>"I saw no necessity for trusting Carson, who was totally unknown to us."</p> + +<p>"That was right, Hardwick." Mr. Allen turned to his partner. "I believe, +Sumner, you took in Carson without recommendations."</p> + +<p>"I admit I did, Allen, but his face——"</p> + +<p>"Faces are very deceitful, very. It was poor business policy, Sumner. It +would never have happened while I was around."</p> + +<p>"Well, I am the loser, not you," replied Mr. Sumner, rather sharply. He +did not like the way Mr. Allen criticised his action.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but still, it might have been——"</p> + +<p>"But it was not," interrupted Mr. Sumner, dryly. "And as we are to +separate on the first of the year, Allen, the least said on that score +the better."</p> + +<p>"Well, just as you say," returned Mr. Allen, stiffly. "I hope you get +your bonds back, that's all."</p> + +<p>"So do I," added Hardwick. "I don't want the least shadow hanging over +my name."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner began to walk up and down the office uneasily. He was in a +terrible state of mind. The loss of the bonds might mean utter ruin.</p> + +<p>He hesitated and looked at Hal. The youth noticed it, and springing +forward, caught him by the arm.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner, tell me you do not believe me guilty," he cried, with a +curious lump rising in his throat.</p> + +<p>"Hal, I believe you innocent," returned the elderly broker.</p> + +<p>In after years the man looked back at those words. What had led him to +utter them? Let the reader wait, and perhaps he will be able to reason +the matter out.</p> + +<p>Mr. Allen sneered at the words, and Hardwick's lip curled.</p> + +<p>The youth noticed neither of them. The tears stood in his eyes, as he +replied:</p> + +<p>"Thank you for saying that, Mr. Sumner," he returned, in a low voice. "I +may be nothing but a poor-house boy, but I am honest, and will help you +get back your bonds, and prove my innocence to the world."</p> + +<p>Again Mr. Allen's sneer was heard, and Hardwick's lip curled, even more +than before. Neither Mr. Sumner nor Hal paid any attention to either of +them. The broker stepped to the telephone.</p> + +<p>"Who are you going to summon?" asked Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"The chief of the police department."</p> + +<p>"That's right."</p> + +<p>The proper connection was obtained, and a long conversation ensued over +the wires. At length Mr. Sumner closed the instrument.</p> + +<p>"A couple of detectives will be here in ten minutes," he said. "The +chief says they are now with him and have nothing on hand to do."</p> + +<p>Hal listened to this statement with interest. He had often heard of +detectives, but had never seen such a personage.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner continued to walk up and down. Hal watched him, the youth's +heart beating rapidly.</p> + +<p>The clock hands moved slowly, but at last twelve minutes had passed.</p> + +<p>Then two young men entered. They were very ordinary looking individuals, +and Hal was somewhat disappointed in their appearance.</p> + +<p>"We were sent here by the chief," explained one as he entered. "My name +is Harry Parker. This is Ralph Hamington."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see you," replied Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"You have been robbed?" questioned Harry Parker, coming at once to the +point.</p> + +<p>"Yes. A tin box, containing seventy-nine thousand dollars' worth of +railroad bonds, has been stolen from that safe."</p> + +<p>Both detectives elevated their eyebrows at this statement.</p> + +<p>"Was the safe broken open?" continued Parker.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Door left open?"</p> + +<p>"I think not."</p> + +<p>"When did you see the box last?"</p> + +<p>"Yesterday afternoon."</p> + +<p>"What time?"</p> + +<p>"A little before two."</p> + +<p>"You locked it up at that time?"</p> + +<p>"I am under that impression."</p> + +<p>"I see. When did you discover your loss?"</p> + +<p>"Not over half an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"Did any one beside yourself have the combination of the safe?"</p> + +<p>"Not to my knowledge."</p> + +<p>"No one in the office?"</p> + +<p>"I know nothing of it," replied Allen.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Caleb Allen, Mr. Sumner's partner."</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," added Hardwick. "I am the book-keeper," he explained.</p> + +<p>"Who is this boy?"</p> + +<p>"He belongs in the office," replied Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"I know nothing about the safe," said Hal, speaking up for himself. He +began to believe detectives were very much like other men.</p> + +<p>"Please give me a list of the people who might have got at the safe +during your absence," continued Parker, while his companion prepared to +write down the names.</p> + +<p>"These gentlemen," began the elderly broker.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"The janitor of the building."</p> + +<p>"What is his name?"</p> + +<p>"Daniel McCabe."</p> + +<p>Hal started and wondered if the janitor could be any relation to Jack +McCabe, his acquaintance of the previous day.</p> + +<p>"Go on," continued the detective.</p> + +<p>"A strange man was in yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Ah! tell us of him."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner told what he knew. Parker turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Would you know this fellow again, if you saw him?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I believe I would."</p> + +<p>"Please describe him as closely as you can."</p> + +<p>The youth started and gave a pretty accurate description of his visitor. +Both detectives listened attentively.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it was Larkett," suggested Hamington, in an undertone.</p> + +<p>"Did the fellow have a cast in his eye?" asked Parker.</p> + +<p>"How would the boy know that?" asked Hardwick, nervously. "He says he +hardly glanced at the man."</p> + +<p>"Answer me," said Parker, paying no attention to the interruption.</p> + +<p>Hal was doing his best to think. Had that fellow really had something +the matter with his left eye?</p> + +<p>"I—I can't really say," he returned, slowly. "Was it the left eye?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"He might have had. It runs in my mind so, but I am not positive."</p> + +<p>Parker exchanged glances with his companion.</p> + +<p>"More than likely he was the guilty party," he said to Mr. Sumner. "If +he is the man we imagine, he is an old offender, and it will not be a +very difficult matter to run him down."</p> + +<p>"If you recover the bonds I will give you five thousand dollars as a +reward," said the elderly broker.</p> + +<p>"We will do what we can, Mr. Sumner."</p> + +<p>"The quicker you get to work the better it will suit me."</p> + +<p>"We shall start on our hunt at once, eh, Hamington?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. But let us take a look around the office first. And, Mr. +Sumner?"</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"It might be just as well to keep this matter a secret for a few days. +Of course, information will be sent out from headquarters, but the +general public need not know of it."</p> + +<p>"That will suit me," returned the elderly broker, with a groan. "If the +word gets out it will all but ruin me. I only held the bonds in trust, +and will be expected to make the loss good in case they are not +recovered."</p> + +<p>"You will give us a list of the paper?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly." Mr. Sumner took out a memorandum book. "Here you are. +Anything else?"</p> + +<p>"We will take a look around the premises."</p> + +<p>And the two detectives started on a tour of investigation, in which Hal +took a lively interest.</p> + +<p>The door to the safe was carefully examined. Not a mark was found upon +it.</p> + +<p>"Either left open or opened by some one who had the combination," said +Parker.</p> + +<p>He got down on his knees and examined the carpet.</p> + +<p>"Anything?" asked Hamington, briefly.</p> + +<p>Parker shook his head.</p> + +<p>In the rear of the office was a window opening upon a narrow court. The +two detectives glanced at the fastening of the window.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Parker gave a cry.</p> + +<p>"This fastening was forced not long ago."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?" asked Mr. Sumner, while Hal pricked up his ears.</p> + +<p>"Here are the marks made by a knife blade. They are quite fresh."</p> + +<p>"Here are the marks of foot-prints upon the window-sill," added +Hamington. "See, they lead toward that door yonder. Where does that door +lead to?"</p> + +<p>"An alley-way," replied Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"Opening on the next street?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then these marks add a new feature to the case," said Parker. "Has +anybody been through the window to your knowledge?"</p> + +<p>Every one shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Queer," said Mr. Sumner. "If the thief came through the window how did +he know the combination of the safe?"</p> + +<p>"I have it," said Hamington. "You often opened the safe during the +daytime, did you not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then the would-be thief watched you from the window. By looking from +the left side he could easily see you work the combination without being +seen himself. He watched you until he was sure he had the combination +down fine, and last night he opened the window, stepped inside, opened +the safe and took out the tin box, closed the door again, and escaped as +he had come."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>A BLOW IN THE DARK.</h3> + + +<p>Was Hamington's explanation the correct one?</p> + +<p>"By Jove! I believe that's the straight of it!" exclaimed Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"So do I," said Mr. Allen. "It is the only way to account for the marks +on the window-frame and the sash."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner said nothing. Indeed, to tell the truth, his loss had set his +mind in a whirl.</p> + +<p>Parker turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Did you open the office this morning?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You opened the window when you cleaned up?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Was it locked?"</p> + +<p>Hal tried to think.</p> + +<p>"I believe it was."</p> + +<p>"You are not sure?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"He ought to be," broke in Mr. Allen. "I would know, if I was in his +place."</p> + +<p>"See, if you cannot think, Hal," said Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"If anything, I think the window was locked," said the youth, candidly.</p> + +<p>"You do?" said Parker.</p> + +<p>"Yes, for I believe I had some trouble to unfasten it."</p> + +<p>The two detectives looked at each other.</p> + +<p>"If that is so, it alters the case," said Hamington. "But I believe the +boy is mistaken."</p> + +<p>"So do I," added Hardwick, promptly.</p> + +<p>Parker opened the window again, and leaping out, made his way to the +alley. Hamington went after him. Then several customers came in, and Mr. +Allen and Hardwick went forward to wait upon them.</p> + +<p>It was a quarter of an hour before the detectives came back, and then +they had very little to say, excepting that they would report the +particulars at headquarters and endeavor to run down the criminal.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner was broken down by his loss. He sat in his private office +nearly all of the remainder of the day, his head resting in his hands. +Mr. Allen went off on business, and Hardwick stuck to his books as if +his life depended on it.</p> + +<p>Hal resumed his duties with a heavy weight on his heart. For some reason +he had expected to be discharged, but nothing was said about his +leaving.</p> + +<p>Hardwick scowled at the youth every time their eyes met, and kept piling +the work upon Hal. The book-keeper was nervous, and the youth did not +fail to notice this, and it set him to thinking.</p> + +<p>If only he had listened more attentively to what had been said on the +ferry-boat that night! Hal was sure if he had done this he would have +known if Hardwick and Allen were guilty or not.</p> + +<p>Then Hal began to speculate on the foot-marks on the window-sill. If the +thief had entered the office that way, why were not some of the same +marks visible on the carpet in front of the safe?</p> + +<p>When Hardwick went out to lunch, Hal watched him from the office window. +At the corner he saw the book-keeper joined by Dick Ferris, and the two +seemed to be in earnest conversation as they walked along.</p> + +<p>When Hardwick came back Hal was given a half hour. The boy put on his +hat and coat and went out. He did not feel like eating, and he walked up +to the corner and around to the back street, intending to pay a visit to +the alley through which the robber was supposed to have escaped.</p> + +<p>Just as he was about to turn into the narrow place, now piled high with +snow, somebody caught him by the shoulder. Turning, he found himself +confronted by Dick Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, there!" said the tall boy.</p> + +<p>"How are you?" returned Hal coldly.</p> + +<p>"I hear you've got my place," went on Ferris.</p> + +<p>"What if I have?" asked Hal, abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I thought you were hanging around trying to do me out of it."</p> + +<p>"I didn't try to do you out of it. Mr. Sumner asked me to call at his +office and I went. Then he offered me the place and I took it."</p> + +<p>"Did he know you?"</p> + +<p>"May I ask what business that is of yours?"</p> + +<p>"Shut up, you little street tramp, you!" retorted Ferris. "Do you know +what I've a good mind to do?"</p> + +<p>"I must admit I do not."</p> + +<p>"Give you a mighty good thrashing."</p> + +<p>"Two can play at that game," replied Hal, with a nervous little laugh.</p> + +<p>"What, do you mean to say you can stand up against me?" demanded Ferris. +"Maybe you don't know I am an athlete."</p> + +<p>"And perhaps you are not aware that I am perfectly able to take care of +myself," returned Hal.</p> + +<p>"Take that!" cried Ferris.</p> + +<p>He hauled off and aimed a wicked blow at the youth's nose. Had it struck +Hal it would have injured him considerably.</p> + +<p>But the youth dodged; and the next instant Dick Ferris received a crack +fairly between the eyes that made him see stars, and caused him to +stagger up against the side of a building.</p> + +<p>"What—what——" he gasped.</p> + +<p>"That for attacking me," replied Hal. "Don't you try any such game +again."</p> + +<p>"I'll fix you!" roared Ferris. He was boiling with rage. "You miserable +street cur!"</p> + +<p>He sprang at Hal and caught him by both arms, intending to trip the +youth up.</p> + +<p>But Hal stood his ground, and by a sudden twist freed himself.</p> + +<p>"Let me alone, Ferris," he commanded.</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course I will!" replied the tall boy, sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"If you don't, you'll regret it."</p> + +<p>"Will I? Take that, and that!"</p> + +<p>Ferris struck out twice. Hal parried the first blow, but the second just +grazed his lip, causing that member to bleed slightly.</p> + +<p>"Told you I'd fix you!" roared Ferris.</p> + +<p>He had hardly spoken the words before Hal pulled himself together and +went at him. The youth's arms shot out right and left, and before he was +aware of what was taking place, Ferris received a stinging blow on the +forehead, and then came one on the chin that sent him rolling over in +the snow.</p> + +<p>"Dat's right, give it ter him!" shouted a newsboy who stood by, grinning +from ear to ear. "Do him up in one round!"</p> + +<p>Ferris got upon his feet slowly. His head felt dizzy from the shock he +had received.</p> + +<p>"Want any more?" demanded Hal, facing him with clenched fists.</p> + +<p>"Cheese it! here comes der cops!" put in the newsboy.</p> + +<p>Hal looked up, and saw a policeman bearing toward the spot. Ferris also +gave a glance, and he muttered something under his breath.</p> + +<p>"What did you say?" demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>"I'll settle with you another time," replied Ferris.</p> + +<p>And picking up his hat, which had landed in a near-by drift, he placed +it on his head, and sneaked down the street at a rapid gait.</p> + +<p>In a minute the policeman arrived at the spot.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble here?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"A fellow attacked me," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"I see your lip's cut. Why did he do it?"</p> + +<p>"I got a job he used to have, and he's angry over it."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" The policeman tossed his head. "Did you hit back?"</p> + +<p>"I defended myself," replied Hal, briefly.</p> + +<p>He was half afraid he might be called on to make some sort of a charge, +a thing he did not wish to do now the encounter was over.</p> + +<p>"He did der feller fer keeps!" put in the newsboy.</p> + +<p>"Go on with you!" cried the policeman, and the newsboy ran off, while +Hal started on his way back to the office.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with your lip?" inquired Hardwick, as the youth +entered.</p> + +<p>"I cut it," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>The book-keeper turned and smiled to himself.</p> + +<p>"I guess Ferris kept his word," he muttered. "He said he was going to +fix the boy. I wish he had killed the tramp."</p> + +<p>That afternoon dragged heavily, but at last it was time to close up. Mr. +Sumner hardly spoke to either when they bade him good-evening.</p> + +<p>Hardwick walked up Wall Street, and then turned into Nassau, instead of +continuing to Broadway.</p> + +<p>Suddenly an idea entered Hal's head to follow Hardwick.</p> + +<p>Despite all the evidence pointing in other directions, the youth thought +Hardwick either guilty of the robbery or else that the book-keeper knew +much concerning it.</p> + +<p>Hardwick continued up Nassau Street until he reached Park Row.</p> + +<p>Hal kept out of sight behind the man, and presently Hardwick continued +up Park Row until he came to one of the side streets just beyond the +entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge.</p> + +<p>He turned into this street, piled high on either side with dirty snow, +and then entered one of the worst thoroughfares in New York City.</p> + +<p>By this time it was quite dark, and Hal had to keep close, for fear of +losing sight of his man. He was now thoroughly interested, for he knew +Hardwick boarded somewhere uptown, and it must be some special business +that would bring the book-keeper to this part of the city on such a +disagreeable evening.</p> + +<p>At length Hardwick paused and glanced behind him. As soon as he saw the +movement the boy stepped behind a bill-board out of sight.</p> + +<p>Presently Hardwick continued on his way, walking faster than ever. The +youth increased his speed.</p> + +<p>"Hi! look sharp there!"</p> + +<p>Hal was just about to cross a street when he almost ran into a heavy +truck. He stepped back, and allowed the truck to pass. When he reached +the opposite curb Hardwick had disappeared.</p> + +<p>"He must have gone on straight ahead," thought the youth. "I will soon +catch up to him again."</p> + +<p>But though he continued onward for more than a block, he saw nothing of +the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>He looked up and down the side streets, and tried to peep into the +curtained windows of several saloons that were close at hand.</p> + +<p>"He must have gone in somewhere, that's certain," said Hal to himself. +"I wonder if he discovered that I was following him?"</p> + +<p>This last thought disturbed the youth not a little. His experience with +Hardwick in the office had convinced him that the book-keeper was an +evil man when aroused.</p> + +<p>Slowly he retraced his steps, not certain if he could find his way back +to Park Row, a spot he had got to know fairly well since his coming to +the metropolis.</p> + +<p>He was just passing a place where a new building was in the course of +construction when a peculiar noise to one side of him attracted his +attention. By instinct he jumped toward the gutter. The next instant a +mass of bricks came tumbling down. One struck him on the head, and this +knocked him insensible.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL DETERMINES TO INVESTIGATE.</h3> + + +<p>When Hal came to his senses he found himself in the arms of a boy +slightly taller than himself, who was doing all in his power to restore +consciousness by the application of snow to Hal's forehead.</p> + +<p>"What—what——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Good! yer come around at last, have yer?" cried the boy. "Blessed if I +didn't think yer was a goner."</p> + +<p>Hal put his hand up to his head.</p> + +<p>"Where am I?" he asked, faintly.</p> + +<p>"Yer all right; don't worry," replied the tall boy. "Don't yer remember +me?"</p> + +<p>Hal pulled himself together, and looked at the speaker.</p> + +<p>"Jack McCabe!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"Yer struck it fust clip. Say, wot was der matter wid yer? Yer couldn't +have been froze, coz it wasn't cold enough."</p> + +<p>"I was struck on the head."</p> + +<p>"Gee crickety! Who struck yer?"</p> + +<p>"I—I—nobody, I think. It was some bricks from that building."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dat's it. How do yer feel now?"</p> + +<p>"Awfully light-headed," responded Hal, telling the exact truth.</p> + +<p>"Kin yer walk about a block? I only live jest around dat corner."</p> + +<p>Hal started at these words.</p> + +<p>"You do?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Tell me, is your father janitor of a building down in Wall Street?"</p> + +<p>"O' course not. Didn't I tell yer we lived here?"</p> + +<p>Hal looked relieved.</p> + +<p>"What has that got to do with it?" he asked, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Why, dem janitors all lives in der buildin's da takes care of," +explained Jack.</p> + +<p>"The reason I ask is because there is a Daniel McCabe janitor of the +building I work in."</p> + +<p>"I t'ink dat's me uncle. Better now?"</p> + +<p>Hal took a deep breath and straightened up.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a good deal better."</p> + +<p>"Yer got a lump on yer forehead as big as an egg."</p> + +<p>"It feels twice that size to me," laughed Hal. "Jack, you have done me a +good turn I won't forget in a hurry."</p> + +<p>The street boy blushed.</p> + +<p>"Ah! go on, dat wasn't nuthin'," he replied. "I kinder like you, tell +der truth."</p> + +<p>"And I like you, Jack," replied Hal, giving his hand a tight squeeze.</p> + +<p>"Did yer git dat job?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How much?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Wot do da pay yer!"</p> + +<p>"Seven dollars a week."</p> + +<p>Jack McCabe's eyes opened like saucers.</p> + +<p>"Yer foolin'."</p> + +<p>"It's true, Jack."</p> + +<p>"Gee crickety! but yer struck a snap. Say, if dere's enny more o' dem +jobs layin' around put in a word fer me, will yer."</p> + +<p>"I certainly shall," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"I only git t'ree dollars where I am, an' have ter work like a horse. +I've jest been home ter grub, an' now I've got ter go back an' work till +nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Then don't let me keep you," returned Hal, "or you may be late."</p> + +<p>"I've got ten minutes yet."</p> + +<p>"By the way, how long were you with me before I came to?"</p> + +<p>"About ten minutes. I dragged yer inter der buildin', an' I was jest +gittin' ready ter call der cop an' have yer tuk to der hospital when yer +give a gulp an' opened yer eyes."</p> + +<p>"While you were sitting here did you notice anybody leave the building?"</p> + +<p>Jack scratched his head.</p> + +<p>"I t'ink I did."</p> + +<p>"What kind of a person was it?"</p> + +<p>"A man."</p> + +<p>"Heavy sort of a chap?"</p> + +<p>"I t'ink he was. I didn't pay much attention ter him on account o' +havin' you on my hands."</p> + +<p>"Where did the man come from?"</p> + +<p>"Der back o' der building."</p> + +<p>"You didn't notice which way he went?"</p> + +<p>"Up toward der East River."</p> + +<p>"That way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Don't let me keep you any longer. Maybe I'll be up to see +you soon."</p> + +<p>"Glad ter have yer, 'specially if ye git dat seven dollar job fer me."</p> + +<p>And with a broad laugh Jack McCabe hurried on.</p> + +<p>Hal turned into the building, and walked toward the rear. A ladder stood +lashed to the back wall. The youth hesitated, and then mounted to the +floor above.</p> + +<p>A near-by electric light cast its rays full into the open front. Over +the beams were placed a number of loose boards, and on these the snow, +which had been swept in by the wind, lay to the depth of several inches.</p> + +<p>Taking care that he should not slip through an opening, Hal examined the +surface of the snow with great care.</p> + +<p>It was not long before he came to a number of foot-prints leading to a +pile of bricks close to the front.</p> + +<p>The foot-prints was fresh, and looked as if they had been made by a +man's boot.</p> + +<p>The last of them were at a spot that commanded a good view of the +sidewalk below. Hal looked down, and then shuddered.</p> + +<p>Was it possible that Hardwick had pushed those bricks down upon him?</p> + +<p>"It looked so," murmured Hal to himself. "I must be more cautious in the +future. He must have seen me when I started to hide behind the +bill-board."</p> + +<p>Hal descended the ladder, and was soon upon the street once more.</p> + +<p>He thought over the situation, and then started for his boarding-house, +satisfied that it would do no good to search farther for the book-keeper +that night.</p> + +<p>As has been mentioned, the boarding-house was up in Tenth Street. Hal +soon walked the distance, and, getting out his night-key, he let himself +in.</p> + +<p>He was about to ascend to his room, and wash up a bit before going to +supper, when the sounds of voices broke upon his ear, coming from the +parlor.</p> + +<p>"And he has your place, Dick?" he heard Mrs. Ricket, the boarding +mistress say.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has, Aunt Amanda," returned the voice of Dick Ferris.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad."</p> + +<p>"How did you come to allow the tramp in the house?"</p> + +<p>"He paid in advance, Dick, and he appeared to be a very nice young +fellow."</p> + +<p>"Nice!"</p> + +<p>"Yes. What is wrong about him?"</p> + +<p>"He was brought up in a poor-house."</p> + +<p>"Who said so?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I know it for a fact."</p> + +<p>"Well, even that wouldn't make him a bad boy."</p> + +<p>"But you don't want any tramps around here, do you?"</p> + +<p>"He isn't a tramp so long as he works and pays his board."</p> + +<p>"You say he paid in advance?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for one week. He said he would pay two, if I wished it."</p> + +<p>"Then you can make sure there is something wrong about him. Better look +out for your silverware."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ricket laughed.</p> + +<p>"A robber would never make much out of what little I possess, Dick," she +replied.</p> + +<p>"Still, you wouldn't want to lose it."</p> + +<p>"I'll trust Carson."</p> + +<p>"Well, have your own way. He's a tramp, and I don't want anything to do +with him."</p> + +<p>"What makes you so down on him?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't I tell you he took my place away from me?"</p> + +<p>"How could he do that? I am sure Mr. Sumner would have kept you at work, +if you had done right."</p> + +<p>"Didn't I do right?" blustered Dick Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Hardly."</p> + +<p>"What was wrong?"</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't get up the day before yesterday, although I called you +twice."</p> + +<p>"Well, I was to a sparring match the night before, and I was tired out."</p> + +<p>"You should have stayed at home, Dick."</p> + +<p>"Huh! you don't want a fellow to have any fun!" growled the boy.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes I do, but not the kind that is going to lose you your place. +What do you intend to do, now?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll find something else to do," replied Ferris, in a careless +fashion.</p> + +<p>"I cannot support you in idleness, even if you are my dead sister's +son," went on Mrs. Ricket. "You haven't paid me any board now in eight +weeks."</p> + +<p>"Only six, Aunt Amanda."</p> + +<p>"No, it is eight. I have it on my account book. I don't see why you let +it run, it is so little, only three dollars a week. That Carson pays me +five, and he has not so good a room."</p> + +<p>"There goes that Carson again," stormed Dick Ferris. "I don't want to +hear a word more. He's a tramp and a thief and you'll be sorry you took +him in before a great while."</p> + +<p>With this speech on his lips, Dick Ferris walked across the parlor, +threw open the door—and confronted Hal.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>FELIX HARDWICK IS ASTONISHED.</h3> + + +<p>Dick Ferris started back on catching sight of Hal, who stood on the +bottom step of the stairs.</p> + +<p>"You!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dick Ferris," returned Hal, coolly. "And let me say that I +overheard your conversation with Mrs. Ricket, your aunt."</p> + +<p>Ferris changed color.</p> + +<p>"Been playing the spy, eh?" he sneered.</p> + +<p>"No; I just came in and overheard you speaking about me, and stopped to +learn what you would have to say."</p> + +<p>"It's the same thing——"</p> + +<p>"I hope you will excuse me, Mr. Carson," broke in Mrs. Ricket, who was +blushing furiously. "I—I don't approve of what Dick said."</p> + +<p>"I know you do not, Mrs. Ricket. If I thought you did I would pack up +and leave at once."</p> + +<p>"It would be a good job done," put in Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Stop, Dick. I will not have you insult one of my boarders," cried the +woman, sharply.</p> + +<p>"All right, have your own way," returned Ferris, insolently. "If you +want to take in any tramp that comes along, why, go ahead and do it."</p> + +<p>He had on his hat and coat, and now he started for the door.</p> + +<p>Hal caught him by the arm.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" he cried. "I am not a tramp, and I won't be called one by you or +anybody else!"</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, really."</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"If you insist in indulging in such language in the future I will give +you even a worse whipping than I gave you this noon."</p> + +<p>"What, did you fight?" cried Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>"He attacked me and I defended myself," replied Hal. "He is down on me +for taking the situation from which he was discharged."</p> + +<p>"I know that."</p> + +<p>"If I had known he was boarding here I would not have applied to +you——"</p> + +<p>"You bet he wouldn't," put in Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Not that I am afraid of your nephew," went on Hal. "But I do not wish +to cause any trouble."</p> + +<p>"You have caused no trouble, Mr. Carson," returned Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>"That's what I call cool," exclaimed her nephew.</p> + +<p>"It is Dick is the cause of it all. You know you are, and you ought to +be ashamed of yourself," she added, turning to the boy.</p> + +<p>"That's right, go right against me; you always do," howled Dick Ferris, +"There ain't no use for me to stay here any longer."</p> + +<p>And he marched out of the front door, and down the street to his +favorite hanging-out place, the corner pool-room.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ricket was profuse in her apologies to Hal after Ferris had gone.</p> + +<p>"He's a good enough boy," she said. "But he has got into bad company, +and I can't do anything with him."</p> + +<p>"Aren't his parents living?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Only his father, and he is a sea captain and ain't home more than three +or four times a year. I wish he would take Dick along with him some +time, it might do him good."</p> + +<p>"So it might," replied Hal. "By the way, Mrs. Ricket, do you know a man +by the name of Hardwick?"</p> + +<p>"The book-keeper for the firm where Dick used to work?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I saw him once, when he was here to see Dick."</p> + +<p>"Oh, did he come here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, about a week ago."</p> + +<p>"He came to see your nephew, did he?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Dick took him up to his room, and the gentleman stayed about an +hour or more."</p> + +<p>"Do you know where he lives?"</p> + +<p>"On East Twenty-third Street, near Third Avenue."</p> + +<p>"The Third Avenue elevated runs close to it, then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Why do you want to know?"</p> + +<p>"I may have to go up on business sometime. I didn't care to ask your +nephew for the directions."</p> + +<p>"I see."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ricket passed to the rear of the hall, and Hal continued on his to +his room.</p> + +<p>"So the two are friends," he said to himself, as he was washing himself +and combing his hair. "And both of them are my enemies. This is getting +interesting, to say the least." He paused for a second. "I have half a +mind to do it. It won't do any harm. I will."</p> + +<p>He hurried down to supper, which was being served in the basement, and +as soon as it was over, donned his coat and cap once more and made his +way over to Third Avenue.</p> + +<p>An elevated train was just entering the station, and, paying his nickel, +he dropped his ticket in the box, and rushed aboard.</p> + +<p>The Fourteenth and Eighteenth Street stations were soon passed. Then +came Twenty-third Street, and here Hal alighted.</p> + +<p>It had begun to snow again, and the youth was compelled to pull his +coat-collar well up around his ears, and his cap far down over his eyes, +to protect himself from the elements.</p> + +<p>He walked down East Twenty-third Street slowly, scanning the buildings +closely as he passed. It was now about half-past eight o'clock, and he +knew it would probably be some time before Hardwick would make his +appearance.</p> + +<p>Having walked several blocks, Hal retraced his steps, and then took up a +position in a sheltering door-way.</p> + +<p>He had hardly done so before a well-known form passed by.</p> + +<p>"Dick Ferris!" cried Hal to himself. "What can he be doing here?"</p> + +<p>There could be but one answer to that question. Ferris must have come to +see Hardwick.</p> + +<p>He kept his eye on the tall boy, and as soon as Ferris was a short +distance ahead Hal left the door-way and followed him.</p> + +<p>Ferris walked along for the space of two blocks. Then he came to an +elegant brown-stone front mansion, the parlor of which was brilliantly +illuminated.</p> + +<p>Ascending the steps, he rang the bell, and the door was opened almost +immediately.</p> + +<p>Hal, who stood near the area-way below, heard him ask for Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, he just came in."</p> + +<p>"May I see him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Please step into the parlor."</p> + +<p>Ferris stepped inside, and the door was immediately closed.</p> + +<p>Hal drew a deep breath. If only he could find out Ferris' mission. He +felt certain the meeting between the book-keeper and the former +office-boy was to be an important one.</p> + +<p>He looked at the windows. Every one of them were tightly closed.</p> + +<p>"Too bad it isn't summer time," muttered Hal to himself.</p> + +<p>On either side of the mansion were others, so there was no way to get to +the rear, excepting through the door below, and this was tightly barred.</p> + +<p>"I would like to know what a detective would do in a case of this kind," +thought Hal. "I suppose he would find some way to effect an entrance."</p> + +<p>He was just about to give up trying to form some plan, when the door +opened and Hardwick and Ferris came out. Hal crouched near the foot of +the steps, and the pair passed within three feet of him.</p> + +<p>"It isn't safe to talk over private matters in a house like that," +remarked Hardwick. "I know a place where we will be far more at liberty +to discuss the thing I have in mind."</p> + +<p>"Where is it?" asked Ferris.</p> + +<p>"A private club-room just up the avenue."</p> + +<p>"That will just suit me," replied Ferris.</p> + +<p>The two passed on. Hal raised himself from his cramped position, and +made after them.</p> + +<p>Once around the corner of Sixth Avenue, Hardwick led the way into an +open hall-way, lit up with a single gas-jet. The pair commenced to +ascend the stairs, which had several sharp turns. Hal was not far +behind.</p> + +<p>"I'll find out what they are up to, if I die for it," he said, and +clenched his hands.</p> + +<p>Several sentences were spoken which the youth did not catch, and then +came a cry from Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"What is that you say?" he demanded. "You saw this Carson just before +you left your aunt's house?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Impossible!"</p> + +<p>"Why should it be!" asked Ferris.</p> + +<p>Hardwick did not reply.</p> + +<p>"I was right," thought Hal, with a shudder. "He threw those bricks on +me, and thought I was either dead or next door to it. He is a thorough +villain, and no mistake."</p> + +<p>"Why shouldn't I see Carson at the house?" went on Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Why—I thought he wasn't going home till late," stammered Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Did he say so?"</p> + +<p>"I believe he said something about it. I didn't pay much attention." +Hardwick was beginning to recover from his shock. "So you saw him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You two don't get along very well, do you?"</p> + +<p>"I'd like to thrash him," growled Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>Hal did not hear the reply. The two passed into a room on the third +floor, and the door was closed behind them.</p> + +<p>For an instant the youth hesitated. Then he mounted to the door and +applied his eye to the key-hole.</p> + +<p>There was a brilliant light inside, but no one appeared to be present.</p> + +<p>Having satisfied himself on this point, Hal tried the knob of the door.</p> + +<p>It turned, and he pushed the door open cautiously. He knew he was +treading on dangerous ground and was running a great risk. Yet a strange +courage seemed to have come over him, and he was not one bit nervous.</p> + +<p>Once inside the room, he saw that it was a club apartment. Papers were +scattered over the table, and cards and other games rested on a side +stand.</p> + +<p>To the left was another door, having a curtain strung over it.</p> + +<p>From beyond the curtain came the voices of Hardwick and Ferris, and Hal +knew they had seated themselves and were taking it easy.</p> + +<p>Approaching the outer door he locked it.</p> + +<p>"Now I cannot be surprised in that direction," he thought. "And if +Hardwick or Ferris try to leave I can hide in the closet."</p> + +<p>Having made these preparations against being discovered, Hal approached +the curtain to listen to whatever might be said.</p> + +<p>"You say you wish you could fix Carson?" he heard Hardwick say.</p> + +<p>"I do," returned Ferris. "I hate him, and I would do almost anything to +get square."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll tell you of a little plan that you can work, Dick. I don't +like the fellow myself, and it will delight me to see you get the best +of him."</p> + +<p>"How does the beggar do the office work?"</p> + +<p>"I must say first class."</p> + +<p>"Humph! It didn't suit me, Hardwick. If there hadn't been other +money——"</p> + +<p>"Hush!" cried the book-keeper, in alarm. "That matter must remain a +secret, never to be mentioned."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>THE PLOT AGAINST HAL.</h3> + + +<p>Hal Carson was sure that he had just missed a most important statement.</p> + +<p>"I wish Ferris had finished what he intended to say," he thought.</p> + +<p>He waited breathlessly for the two to go on.</p> + +<p>"What makes you so scared?" asked Ferris. "Can anybody hear us here?"</p> + +<p>"I think not. Still we want to be careful."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——"</p> + +<p>"Not another word on that point, Dick." Hardwick's voice grew stern. "I +am a man, while you are a boy, and I know what is best for both of us."</p> + +<p>"Well, have your own way."</p> + +<p>"I think it will be a wise plan for you to get Carson out of the way. He +is altogether too smart a fellow to have around," continued the +book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"I don't think he looks very smart," sneered Ferris, who could not stand +hearing Hal praised.</p> + +<p>"He's smarter than you or most people think. That yarn about his being +brought up in the poor-house may be true, but I have my doubts."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Ferris, in high curiosity.</p> + +<p>"I can't explain now." There was a brief pause. "Here, take a cigar. +Those nasty cigarettes make me sick."</p> + +<p>There was the striking of matches, and then another pause.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to continue as book-keeper when Allen leaves?" asked +Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"I thought you were to go with Allen in his new venture."</p> + +<p>"I will—later on."</p> + +<p>"Has he made any definite plans yet?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"The reason I asked is because I want you to put in a word for me."</p> + +<p>Hardwick laughed.</p> + +<p>"Dick, you are getting to be a pretty big boy."</p> + +<p>"Didn't I do what you wished of me?" demanded Ferris.</p> + +<p>"I must say you did."</p> + +<p>"Then you ought to be willing——"</p> + +<p>"All right, it shall be as you say."</p> + +<p>At this instant came a heavy hand on the door-knob outside.</p> + +<p>"Who's that?" cried Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Must be Churchley or Wister," replied Hardwick.</p> + +<p>As the door was locked, the person outside began to knock.</p> + +<p>"I must have locked the door," added the book-keeper. "Wait till I open +it."</p> + +<p>As soon as the noise outside reached his ears, Hal made for the closet, +which stood in one corner of the room. He found the door unlocked, and +the interior empty, save for a broom and a duster and several similar +things.</p> + +<p>He entered the closet, transferring the key to the inside as he did so, +and locked the door behind him.</p> + +<p>A second later Hardwick entered from the inner room, and opened the door +leading to the hall.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Churchley!" Hal heard him exclaim.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Hardwick?" returned the new-comer. "Locked me out, did +you?"</p> + +<p>"I must have turned the key without thinking," replied the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"All alone?"</p> + +<p>"No, there is a young fellow with me."</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Ferris."</p> + +<p>"Don't know him."</p> + +<p>"I just brought him around to show him the place, and have a quiet +smoke. He is in the other room."</p> + +<p>"Then don't let me disturb you," replied Churchley. "I just want to look +over the news-papers and find out how that prize-fight over in Hoboken +came off."</p> + +<p>Hal heard the man drop into a seat by the table, and after a few more +words concerning the prize-fight Churchley had mentioned, Hardwick +rejoined Ferris in the other apartment.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" asked Ferris.</p> + +<p>"A man named Churchley," replied Hardwick, in a low tone, so that he +might not be overheard.</p> + +<p>"One of the club members?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Will he overhear us?"</p> + +<p>"I guess not. He is reading about the prize-fight, and when Churchley +gets on to anything of that kind he gets completely absorbed."</p> + +<p>"Then we can go on with our talk?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but not too loud."</p> + +<p>"I want to know about this plan against Carson," said Ferris, in a +whisper.</p> + +<p>"Are you willing to go in against him?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't I say I was?"</p> + +<p>"But I mean seriously?"</p> + +<p>Ferris changed color.</p> + +<p>"Of course I don't want to kill him," he faltered.</p> + +<p>"I understand. But you are willing to get him into serious trouble."</p> + +<p>"I am."</p> + +<p>"Then listen to me. Can you get into his room at your aunt's house?"</p> + +<p>"I think I can."</p> + +<p>"I mean without being seen."</p> + +<p>"I have the whole run of the place."</p> + +<p>"Then supposing somethings belonging to the others were found in +Carson's trunk——"</p> + +<p>"He has no trunk," interrupted Ferris.</p> + +<p>"So much the better, for you can merely hide the stuff in among his +things."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean for me to take them?"</p> + +<p>"Some of them."</p> + +<p>"Some of them?" questioned Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Yes, those from your aunt's boarders. At the same time I will give you +several articles belonging to the office that you can place with the +others. Is there any one of the boarders you know well?"</p> + +<p>"I know Saunders pretty well."</p> + +<p>"Then let Saunders lose most of the stuff, and put a flea in his ear to +the effect that you think Carson is the guilty party. This will cause +the fellow's room to be searched and the stuff will be found. You must +be on hand to identify the office stuff; see?"</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Carson will be arrested, and you will have your revenge."</p> + +<p>"That's a boss plan!" exclaimed Ferris. "When will you furnish me with +stuff from the office?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow noon, if you will meet me at the corner of Wall and Nassau."</p> + +<p>"I'll be on hand. It made me sick the way my aunt stuck up for Carson. +Of course, I wouldn't go into the thing, only I know the tramp's a bad +egg," returned Ferris, trying to excuse his willingness to enter into +such an outrageous plot.</p> + +<p>"Of course he is a bad egg, and it is our duty to get him out of the +way," replied Hardwick. "You will be on hand sure to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And when will you put the things in his room?"</p> + +<p>"Sometime during the afternoon. That will bring matters to a head as +soon as Saunders and the others get home."</p> + +<p>"You must expose Carson while he is in his room, if possible."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he'll be home with the rest."</p> + +<p>"Then that's all right. Of course, there is no necessity to caution you +to be careful."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't I careful before?"</p> + +<p>"Hush!"</p> + +<p>"Then don't talk that way. Say, do you know these cigars are mighty +strong?"</p> + +<p>Hardwick laughed.</p> + +<p>"That's because you are not used to them, Dick. Now, I generally smoke +them twice as strong."</p> + +<p>Just at this instant, the two heard Churchley jump to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Who's there?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with Churchley?" said Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"He's talking to somebody," replied Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! the door's locked," they heard Churchley continue.</p> + +<p>"What's up, Churchley?" called out Hardwick, walking toward the other +room.</p> + +<p>"There is somebody in this closet," was the startling reply. "I heard a +noise half a dozen times."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>HAL IS ACCUSED.</h3> + + +<p>When Hal Carson locked himself into the closet of the club-room, he +realized that he was in a perilous position.</p> + +<p>Supposing somebody undertook to open the door? They might suppose it +very strange to find the door locked, and think it necessary to open it, +in which case he would be discovered in short order.</p> + +<p>He remained perfectly quiet for a long while and heard Churchley +admitted, and heard the man seat himself at the center table, and rustle +the paper he was perusing.</p> + +<p>Of the conversation carried on by Ferris and Hardwick, he heard nothing +further, and he was, consequently, totally in the dark concerning the +nefarious plot that had been formed to get him into serious trouble.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes passed, and the youth began to wonder how long he would have +to remain a self-made prisoner.</p> + +<p>Then all became quiet in the room beyond, and he wondered if Churchley +had not joined the two in the adjoining apartment.</p> + +<p>He peered through the key-hole, but could see nothing but a portion of +the wall opposite.</p> + +<p>Growing bolder, he turned the key in the lock, and cautiously opened the +door for the space of several inches. Looking out, he saw that Churchley +still sat at the table, which was but a few feet away.</p> + +<p>At that instant the man moved and gave a deep breath. Hal thought he +intended to look around, and hastily closed the door once more.</p> + +<p>The youth's movement was so quick that the door made a sharp sound as +the catch clicked. This was followed by the sound made by the key in the +lock as Hal once more imprisoned himself.</p> + +<p>Hal almost held his breath as he heard Churchley jump up.</p> + +<p>"Who's there?" called the man.</p> + +<p>Hal made no reply.</p> + +<p>Then Churchley came and tried the door.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! the door's locked!"</p> + +<p>At that moment Hardwick entered, followed by Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Somebody in the closet?" cried Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"There seems to be."</p> + +<p>"Open the door."</p> + +<p>"I can't. It's locked."</p> + +<p>"Who is in there?" called the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>Of course, Hal did not answer.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it was a rat," suggested Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Might have been," grumbled Churchley. "I know there are plenty of them +in the building, because I once ran across one in the hall-way."</p> + +<p>"Where is the key?" asked Hardwick. "We'll soon find out."</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"It ought to be in the lock."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Jackson carted it off. He's an odd sort of a coon."</p> + +<p>Hardwick looked around on the mantel and in several other places.</p> + +<p>"It's gone."</p> + +<p>He came over and shook the door.</p> + +<p>"See if the key is on the inside of the lock," suggested Ferris.</p> + +<p>At these words Hal put down his hand and felt to make sure that the key +was turned to one side.</p> + +<p>"I can't see anything," said Hardwick, after an examination.</p> + +<p>"Then Jackson must have put it in his pocket," said Churchley.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it was nothing but a rat after all," said Ferris.</p> + +<p>"I have half a mind to run up and ask Jackson," said Hardwick. "He lives +right on the floor above."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't bother!" returned Churchley. "If it's a rat you may be sure +he has gone back to his hole long ago."</p> + +<p>A little more conversation followed, to which Hal listened intently, and +then the youth heard Hardwick and Ferris go out.</p> + +<p>Churchley continued to read the papers, and during that time the youth +hardly dared to move for fear the man might re-commence his +investigation.</p> + +<p>But at the end of the hour Churchley gave a yawn and arose. Then two +more men entered the room, and the trio adjourned to the other +apartment.</p> + +<p>Making sure that the coast was clear this time, Hal unlocked the door +and let himself out. Then he locked the door again, and threw the key +under the table.</p> + +<p>"That will tend to stop suspicion," he reasoned. "And I must be sharp in +dealing with these rascals."</p> + +<p>He tiptoed his way to the door leading to the hall-way, and was soon +outside.</p> + +<p>Hardwick and Ferris had gone long before, and below all looked deserted. +It was still snowing heavily, and Hal made up his mind that the best +thing he could do would be to return to his boarding-house.</p> + +<p>He was soon on the elevated train and riding downtown.</p> + +<p>Happening to glance toward the other end of the car in which he was +seated, he saw Dick Ferris sitting in the corner, apparently absorbed in +thought.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I spotted him," thought Hal. "I must take care he does not see +me."</p> + +<p>East Tenth Street was soon reached. In making for the house Hal crossed +over the street, and ran ahead. By this means he managed to get inside +and up to his room before Dick Ferris put his key in the door.</p> + +<p>To tell the truth, Hal did not sleep much that night. His mind seemed to +be in a whirl. What was the plot Hardwick and Dick Ferris had hatched +out against him?</p> + +<p>He was up early on the following morning. At the breakfast table he had +a pleasant word with Saunders, who was a clerk in a dry-goods store, and +a pretty good sort of a fellow. Ferris did not appear, but this was not +strange, as he had not been down early since his discharge from Sumner, +Allen & Co.'s establishment.</p> + +<p>Hal was the first to appear at the office in Wall Street. He opened up +as usual, and after cleaning and dusting, began copying from the point +at which he had left off on the previous day.</p> + +<p>At quarter past nine Hardwick hurried in. The book-keeper's face was +very red, but whether from the cold or from drink it was hard to +determine.</p> + +<p>Mr. Allen soon followed Hardwick, and the two entered into a low and +earnest conversation in the rear. Hal did not dare to approach them, but +he strained his ears to their utmost, and caught the words "he must be +watched," and "the detectives will learn nothing," and these set him to +thinking deeply.</p> + +<p>Presently Mr. Sumner arrived. The elderly broker's face showed deep +lines of care and anxiety. He had been up to the police headquarters to +see if the detectives could give him any words of encouragement, but he +had been disappointed.</p> + +<p>"We shall have every one about your establishment watched, Mr. Sumner," +the superintendent had said. "And I would advise you to go on with +business as if nothing had happened."</p> + +<p>And to this the elderly broker had agreed.</p> + +<p>Hal watched Hardwick narrowly, and the book-keeper showed plainly that +he did not appreciate the attention. Once he put his hand on Hal's arm +and glared at him.</p> + +<p>"What are you looking at me for?" he demanded, in a low tone, so that +Mr. Sumner might not hear.</p> + +<p>"Was I looking at you?" asked Hal, innocently.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you were, and I don't like it."</p> + +<p>Hal bowed, and turned away. Nevertheless, he still kept watch on the +sly.</p> + +<p>Presently, just before the time that Hardwick usually went out for +lunch, he saw something which he thought rather odd, although of no +great importance.</p> + +<p>On a small shelf over one of the desks rested two new inkstands and +several boxes of pens. Going to the desk, Hardwick pretended to be busy +examining some papers. While thus engaged, Hal saw the book-keeper +transfer the inkstands and the boxes of pens to his overcoat pocket.</p> + +<p>"Now, what is he up to?" thought the youth.</p> + +<p>Having transferred the articles to his clothes, Hardwick put down the +papers and walked to where Mr. Sumner sat, busily engaged over his +correspondence.</p> + +<p>"Shall I go to lunch now, Mr. Sumner?" he asked.</p> + +<p>The elderly broker glanced at the clock.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>Hardwick at once went out, and presently Mr. Allen followed. Mr. Sumner +continued to write for a minute, and then called Hal.</p> + +<p>"You may mail these letters, and then get your lunch also," he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the youth.</p> + +<p>Then he hesitated as he took up the letters.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it, Hal?" asked the broker.</p> + +<p>"Nothing much, Mr. Sumner. I wished to ask you about those inkstands and +the pens that were on the shelf over there."</p> + +<p>"What of them? You may use whatever you find necessary."</p> + +<p>"It isn't that, sir. I just saw Mr. Hardwick slip the things into his +pocket."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" Mr. Sumner looked surprised. "Did he say what he intended to +do with them?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"I will ask him when he comes in."</p> + +<p>Hal hesitated.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would not, Mr. Sumner," he said.</p> + +<p>The elderly broker looked surprised.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because I think Mr. Hardwick is hatching up some plot against me, and I +wish to find out what it is."</p> + +<p>"A plot?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. He is on friendly terms with Dick Ferris, your former +office-boy, and both of them hate me."</p> + +<p>"This is certainly news. I knew Hardwick did not like you because you +suspected him, but I thought that had passed over."</p> + +<p>"No, sir. He is down on me worse than ever, and I feel certain he is up +to something to get me into trouble."</p> + +<p>"And you think the inkstands and pens have something to do with the +matter?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Perhaps he'll say I stole them."</p> + +<p>"I can't think Hardwick so bad," mused Mr. Sumner. "Why, if he would do +that, he would steal the tin box."</p> + +<p>Hal said nothing to this. He preferred to discover more than he had +before making any revelation.</p> + +<p>"You saw them this morning, didn't you?" went on the youth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I got a pen only ten minutes ago."</p> + +<p>"Then you know I didn't take them."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And you will keep silent—that is, for the present?"</p> + +<p>"If you wish it, Hal."</p> + +<p>And Mr. Sumner turned away and heaved a sigh. It is terrible to have +around you somebody you cannot trust.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later Hal went out to lunch—a light affair, as the youth +had spent ten cents more than intended in following Hardwick the +previous evening, and he knew he must be sparing of his capital.</p> + +<p>He was just about returning to the office, when, chancing to glance up +the street, he saw Hardwick and Ferris just separating at the corner.</p> + +<p>He entered the office, and a minute later Hardwick followed. Neither +spoke, and but little was said all the afternoon, excepting such as +pertained to the business on hand.</p> + +<p>Although his thoughts were busy on other matters, Hal paid strict +attention to his work, and Mr. Sumner was well pleased with all the +youth did.</p> + +<p>"A good, manly fellow," he muttered to himself. "He could never have had +anything to do with the robbery of the bonds. I would rather suspect my +own son were he still alive. But poor Howard is gone."</p> + +<p>Sudden tears sprang into the broker's eyes, which he as suddenly brushed +away, afraid that some customer might drop in and see his weakness.</p> + +<p>Hal did not leave the office until after four o'clock, there being a +number of things to be written up before he could go. Hardwick had gone +an hour before, and Hal did not know in what direction.</p> + +<p>There being nothing else to do, Hal proceeded leisurely up to his +boarding-house, never dreaming of the surprise in store for him. The +streets were filled with snow, and he enjoyed the jingle of the +sleigh-bells and the bustle of metropolitan life around him. Several +times he was strongly tempted to follow the newsboys and bootblacks into +the street and catch a ride.</p> + +<p>When he entered Mrs. Ricket's house he found Saunders and several others +already there. Dick Ferris was in the group in the front parlor, and at +a glance Hal saw that something unusual was going on.</p> + +<p>He nodded pleasantly, and was about to pass up the stairs when Mrs. +Ricket called him back.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Saunders' room has been robbed!" burst out the woman.</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Hal. "Was there much taken?"</p> + +<p>"A pair of cuff-buttons, a gold watch-chain and my pocket-book with +fourteen dollars in it," replied Saunders.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad," sobbed Mrs. Ricket. "I would not have had that happen in +my house for a hundred dollars. I wonder who could have done it?"</p> + +<p>Suddenly Dick Ferris pulled Saunders aside, and whispered something into +his ear.</p> + +<p>The dry-goods clerk looked astonished.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean it!" he gasped.</p> + +<p>"I do," replied Ferris.</p> + +<p>Saunders advanced toward Hal.</p> + +<p>"Were you in my room this morning after I left?" he asked, sharply.</p> + +<p>"Me?" returned Hal, with a start. "No."</p> + +<p>"Dick says you were, and he thinks you are the thief," continued +Saunders.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>FOR AND AGAINST.</h3> + + +<p>Saunders was excited or he would not have spoken so hastily or so +bluntly.</p> + +<p>Hal grew very pale, and clenched his hands.</p> + +<p>"You say I entered Mr. Saunders' room?" he demanded, turning to Ferris.</p> + +<p>"I do," replied the tall boy.</p> + +<p>He had hardly spoken, when Hal strode over with such a determined air +that Ferris was forced to beat a retreat until he backed up against a +side table.</p> + +<p>"You know you are saying what isn't so," said Hal, in a low voice. "And +I want you to take it back."</p> + +<p>"I—I am telling the truth," stammered Ferris.</p> + +<p>"It is false. It is more likely that you entered Mr. Saunders' room +yourself."</p> + +<p>"When did you see Carson enter my room?" put in the dry-goods clerk.</p> + +<p>"Just as I was getting ready to come down."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you speak of it before?" asked Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>"I thought he had gone in to see Tom."</p> + +<p>"There is not a word of truth in what he says, and he knows it," said +Hal, calmly. "It is merely a scheme to get me into trouble because he +does not like me."</p> + +<p>"No scheme about it," blustered Ferris. "If I were you I'd search his +room."</p> + +<p>"If the stolen things are there, Ferris put them there," added Hal, +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Mean to say I'm a thief?" roared Ferris, turning red in the face.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Take care, or I'll give you a sound thrashing."</p> + +<p>"Similar to the one you gave me the other day, I presume," replied Hal. +"I am ready for you at any time."</p> + +<p>"We don't want any fighting in the house," cried Mrs. Ricket. "This +affair is bad enough without making it worse. Mr. Carson, do you object +to me and Mr. Saunders going up to your room?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all. Come on."</p> + +<p>Hal led the way, followed by the others. Dick Ferris smiled darkly to +himself as he came on behind.</p> + +<p>"He'll find out he can't insult me for nothing," he muttered to himself.</p> + +<p>The room reached, Hal threw open the door, and allowed Mrs. Ricket to +pass him.</p> + +<p>"You had better make the search," he said. "That will be fair all +around."</p> + +<p>"I will. Oh, what a trouble all this is." And crying softly to herself, +the landlady began her investigation.</p> + +<p>Nothing was found in the closet nor in the drawer of the table. Then +Hal's meager possessions were hauled over, and still nothing came to +light.</p> + +<p>"Look in the bureau drawer," suggested Saunders, anxiously.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ricket did so. From the rear the woman brought forth a large flat +box, rolled up in a newspaper.</p> + +<p>The newspaper was cast aside, and the box opened. Out came a pair of +cuff-buttons, a gold watch-chain, a flat pocket-book, two inkstands, and +several boxes of pens.</p> + +<p>The instant Hal saw the articles he understood the trick that had been +practiced upon him.</p> + +<p>Saunders gave a cry.</p> + +<p>"Those are mine! Let me see if the money is safe." He opened the +pocket-book. "Gone, every dollar of it!"</p> + +<p>He turned upon Hal.</p> + +<p>"Give me that fourteen dollars, or I will have you locked up at once!"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Saunders, I never took these things," replied Hal, as calmly as he +could.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——" the dry-goods clerk was so angry he could hardly speak.</p> + +<p>"I know it looks black against me, but perhaps I can clear myself," went +on the youth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you can," sneered Ferris. "Look here," he pointed to the inkstands +and the pens. "Aunt Amanda, do you know who those things belong to?"</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"They belong to Sumner, Allen & Co.," replied Ferris, triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"You are sure?" asked Saunders.</p> + +<p>"I am, unless Carson will stick out for it that the firm gave them to +him," returned Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Is that so?" questioned Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>"They were not given to me," replied Hal, promptly. "But I know who +brought them into the house."</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Your nephew, Mrs. Ricket. I am sorry for you, but I am telling the +truth."</p> + +<p>"Dick a thief!"</p> + +<p>"See here, do you know what you are saying?" blustered Ferris, taken +aback by this statement.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"I won't have you talking to me in this fashion."</p> + +<p>"Then you had better own up to what you have done," replied Hal, calmly.</p> + +<p>"How could I get the things?" demanded Ferris. "The firm knows they were +there after I left."</p> + +<p>"I know they do," returned Hal, significantly. "And they know more than +that."</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris grew almost white at these last words. He seemed about to +say something in return, but suddenly changed his mind.</p> + +<p>"Carson, this is a serious matter," said Saunders. "I hate to say much +about it, but the stuff has been found here, and I don't see how I can +do otherwise than look to you for that fourteen dollars."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Saunders, I didn't take the things, and I don't know anything about +your money."</p> + +<p>"Easy enough to say, but——" and Saunders finished with a shrug of his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Of course, I can't prove what I say, but I can give you my word of +honor that I am telling the truth."</p> + +<p>"That's all very well, but it doesn't restore my money, which I can't +afford to lose," replied Saunders, sharply.</p> + +<p>Hal looked around in perplexity. What was he to do?</p> + +<p>"I can't believe you guilty," said Mrs. Ricket. "But if you have the +money you had better return it."</p> + +<p>"Of course, he's got the money," put in Ferris, who had somewhat +recovered from the effects of Hal's last words to him.</p> + +<p>Hal picked up the newspaper which had been around the box and crumpled +it nervously. Suddenly a peculiar look lit up his features.</p> + +<p>"I guess I had better send for a policeman," said Saunders, after a +moment of silence.</p> + +<p>"Just wait a moment," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"I wish to ask a few questions."</p> + +<p>"Better see that he doesn't escape," suggested Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Let that remark apply to Ferris as well as myself," said Hal.</p> + +<p>Saunders walked to the door, and locked it, putting the key in his +pocket.</p> + +<p>"When did you miss your things?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"About an hour ago."</p> + +<p>"At five o'clock?"</p> + +<p>"A little before. I got off early to visit my uncle in Nyack. But I +can't go without my money."</p> + +<p>"Were you home to dinner?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Did Dick Ferris come home?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"When did your nephew come home?" asked Hal, turning to Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>"Don't answer him, aunt," cried Ferris. He was beginning to get alarmed +again.</p> + +<p>"What harm will it do?" questioned the woman. "If you are innocent, +Dick, it won't matter."</p> + +<p>"He wants to get me into trouble."</p> + +<p>"Please answer my question," said Hal, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Dick came home about two o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Has he been home ever since?"</p> + +<p>"I believe so."</p> + +<p>"Now, Mrs. Ricket, where were you all the afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"Me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I hope you don't suspect me!" cried the landlady, in alarm.</p> + +<p>"No, I do not. But please answer me."</p> + +<p>"After dinner I cleaned all the halls from top to bottom, and then saw +to it that Katie cleaned the front stoop and the windows."</p> + +<p>"Then you were in the halls and around the front door most of the time?"</p> + +<p>"I was."</p> + +<p>"Did I come in at any time during the afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't see you?"</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you have seen me if I had?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose I would," admitted the woman.</p> + +<p>"What does all this talk amount to?" put in Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Shut up!" cried Hal, sharply. "I am not addressing you."</p> + +<p>He turned to Saunders.</p> + +<p>"You hear what Mrs. Ricket says. I was not here to steal your things."</p> + +<p>"Humph! They might have been stolen this morning!" exclaimed Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Or last night," added Saunders. "The last I saw of the cuff-buttons was +last night, and the pocket-book yesterday noon."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how that can be possible," replied Hal, quietly.</p> + +<p>"It's easy enough," exclaimed Ferris. "Just because I was home during +the afternoon, and you were not, doesn't prove that you didn't take the +things."</p> + +<p>"No, that doesn't, but something else does," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"This newspaper, which was wrapped around the box."</p> + +<p>At these words Ferris grew white, and trembled from head to foot.</p> + +<p>"What about the paper?" asked Saunders, curiously.</p> + +<p>"It is an afternoon paper, dated to-day. It could not possibly have been +put around the box before one o'clock this afternoon."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL IN A FEARFUL SITUATION.</h3> + + +<p>Every one in the room was surprised at Hal Carson's unexpected +statement.</p> + +<p>"Let me see the paper!" cried Saunders.</p> + +<p>Hal handed it over, and the dry-goods clerk scanned it eagerly.</p> + +<p>"You are right," he muttered, and shook his head.</p> + +<p>"That can't be the same paper that was around the box," put in Dick +Ferris, very red in the face.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is," replied Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I saw Carson pick it up from the spot where I threw it," returned +Saunders. "This puts a new face on the matter," he added, with a sharp +look at Ferris.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Ricket also looked at her nephew.</p> + +<p>"Dick, come here," she commanded.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" he demanded, doggedly.</p> + +<p>"I want you to return Mr. Saunders' fourteen dollars."</p> + +<p>"I haven't got it."</p> + +<p>"I know better."</p> + +<p>"What, Aunt Amanda, are you going back on me, too?" cried Ferris, in a +pretended reproachful tone.</p> + +<p>"I tried to believe all along against my better judgment that you were +innocent," said the landlady. "But I can't believe it any longer, and +when you try to throw the blame on somebody who is innocent, I've got to +speak my mind." Mrs. Ricket's voice began to grow stern. "Give up the +money, and ask Mr. Saunders to forgive you before he sends for a +policeman and has you arrested."</p> + +<p>This was a long speech for Mrs. Ricket, and she almost gasped for breath +after she had finished.</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris' face grew black as he listened to the words.</p> + +<p>"You're a nice aunt to me!" he stormed. "Just wait till I tell dad about +it when he comes home next time."</p> + +<p>But now Saunders had the fellow by the collar.</p> + +<p>"Which is it, the money or the station-house?" he asked, shortly.</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris looked into the determined black eyes, and then his courage +oozed away.</p> + +<p>"Will you promise not to do anything, if I give you fourteen dollars?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then here you are." He brought forth his pocket-book, and took out a +roll of bills. "I didn't take your money, but it's no fun to be hauled +up."</p> + +<p>"Why, Dick, where did you get so much money?" cried Mrs. Ricket, in +amazement.</p> + +<p>"I earned it," replied the fellow, coolly. "Here you are, Saunders. Now, +unlock the door and let me out."</p> + +<p>Saunders took the fourteen dollars, counted them over, and then did as +requested. Without another word Ferris hurried out and down the stairs.</p> + +<p>"I hope you are satisfied," said Hal, to the dry-goods clerk.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry I suspected you," returned Saunders. "What a mean dog Ferris +is."</p> + +<p>"He is down on me because I am filling the position he was discharged +from," explained Hal.</p> + +<p>"Unless he takes a turn for the better I shall tell him to leave the +house," cried Mrs. Ricket, trying to dry away her tears. "Ever since he +came, two years ago, he has been a torment to me. I only keep him for my +poor dead sister's sake."</p> + +<p>"How about this stuff?" questioned Saunders, pointing to the inkstands +and the boxes of pens.</p> + +<p>"I shall return them to Sumner, Allen & Co."</p> + +<p>"Queer how that boy got hold of those things," said Mrs. Ricket.</p> + +<p>Hal pretended not to hear the remark, and a moment later Saunders and +the landlady left the room.</p> + +<p>"So that was the plot against me," muttered Hal, as he fixed up to go to +supper. "I wonder what Hardwick will say when he hears how it turned +out?"</p> + +<p>The youth was compelled to smile to himself. The book-keeper would, no +doubt, be very angry.</p> + +<p>"It was lucky I looked at the newspaper," Hal went on. "It was that +saved me, and nothing else. Ferris overreached himself. I wish I could +gain such an important point in that bond matter. It would be a great +feather in my cap to recover the tin box and its contents."</p> + +<p>A little later Hal went down to supper. Ferris did not appear, and +nothing was said about the recent happening upstairs.</p> + +<p>"Please keep it quiet," whispered Mrs. Ricket to him, as he was about to +leave the room. "It will only hurt my reputation to say anything."</p> + +<p>The next morning, when Hal arrived at the office, he found Mr. Sumner +already there. This was most unusual, and the youth could not help but +show his surprise.</p> + +<p>The elderly broker was pouring over the books, but as soon as Hal +appeared he put them away.</p> + +<p>Hal had the inkstands and the pens in his overcoat pocket, and he at +once handed them over, much to Mr. Sumner's astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Where did they come from?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I will explain later," replied Hal. "Please put them out of sight now, +for Mr. Hardwick is coming, and I wish he wouldn't see them."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner promptly swept the things into his desk, and began to write a +letter.</p> + +<p>When the book-keeper entered he was astonished to see Hal at work +cleaning up. He had fully expected that the youth would be arrested for +the robbery at Mrs. Ricket's, and that Hal was now in jail.</p> + +<p>Then he looked back and saw Mr. Sumner at his desk, and his astonishment +increased.</p> + +<p>"Why, really, Mr. Sumner——" he began.</p> + +<p>"I'm early this morning, eh?" returned the broker. "Well, I wanted to +get this correspondence off my hands, and I seem to be able to do better +work early in the morning."</p> + +<p>"You are a hard worker," commented Hardwick, and that was all he said.</p> + +<p>When Hal was dusting near the rear Mr. Sumner looked up to see that the +book-keeper was not noticing, and then motioned to the youth.</p> + +<p>"Don't say anything about my being at the books," whispered the broker, +in a low tone.</p> + +<p>Hal nodded; and then he went on as if nothing had been said. But the +words set him to thinking deeply.</p> + +<p>At the end of an hour Mr. Sumner arose.</p> + +<p>"I am going out for a couple of hours," he said. "If Mr. Allen comes in +tell him to let that Wabash matter rest until to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"I will," replied Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"You may continue on that copying, Carson," went on the broker. "Mr. +Hardwick will direct you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the youth.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner quitted the place, and hurried up the street.</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris stood on the opposite side near the corner. He then waved +his hand to Hardwick.</p> + +<p>The book-keeper at once put on his hat and coat, and went out. Hal did +not see the man join Ferris.</p> + +<p>Hal did his best to concentrate his thoughts upon his work, but found it +almost impossible to do so.</p> + +<p>A half-hour dragged by slowly.</p> + +<p>Then the door burst open, and Hardwick rushed in. He was pale and +terribly excited. Rushing up to Hal he caught the youth roughly by the +arm.</p> + +<p>"See here, I want to have a talk with you!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"What about?" asked Hal, as coolly as he could.</p> + +<p>"You know well enough, you miserable sneak!" hissed Hardwick. "Tell me +at once all you know."</p> + +<p>"Know about what?" asked Hal, trying to stand his ground.</p> + +<p>Hardwick glared at him for an instant. He seemed to be in a fearful +rage. Suddenly he caught Hal by the throat with one hand, and picked up +a heavy brass-bound ruler with the other.</p> + +<p>"Now, Carson, are you going to speak up or not?" he demanded.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL SHOWS HIS METTLE.</h3> + + +<p>Hal understood perfectly well that a crisis had come. Hardwick had him +by the throat, and unless he acceded to the book-keeper's demand he +would be in immediate danger of being choked to death.</p> + +<p>"Let—let go of me," he gasped.</p> + +<p>"Not until you do as I say," replied Hardwick. "I want you to understand +that you can't get the best of me."</p> + +<p>Hal tried to push Hardwick away, but the book-keeper made a pass at him +with the heavy ruler.</p> + +<p>"Keep quiet, if you value your head!" roared Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Let me go!"</p> + +<p>"Not until you have told me what you mean by your doings."</p> + +<p>"What doings?"</p> + +<p>"Your doings up to Mrs. Ricket's."</p> + +<p>"Who told you about what happened up there?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind; I know all about it."</p> + +<p>"Then Ferris saw you last night."</p> + +<p>"No, he didn't."</p> + +<p>"Or this morning."</p> + +<p>"Shut up. You implicated me."</p> + +<p>"Did Dick Ferris say I did?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Never mind who said so. I want to know what you mean by such work?"</p> + +<p>Hal did not reply. He was trying to think. What was Ferris' object in +telling Hardwick he had been mentioned in connection with the matter?</p> + +<p>Clearly there could be but one reason. Ferris knew Hardwick already +disliked Hal, and he wished to put the book-keeper against the youth, so +as to get Hal into more difficulties.</p> + +<p>"Do you hear me?" demanded Hardwick, giving Hal an extra squeeze on the +throat.</p> + +<p>"I do," gulped Hal. "Let—go—of me."</p> + +<p>"Not until you have answered."</p> + +<p>Hal commenced to struggle. Seeing this, Hardwick tried to strike him +with the ruler, which, on account of its brass-bound edge, was an ugly +weapon. The ruler came down twice, the second time cutting a gash on the +youth's neck, from which the blood flowed copiously.</p> + +<p>This last blow aroused all the lion in Hal's nature. As the reader +knows, he was a well-built boy, and strong for his age. He gave a sudden +wrench and broke away.</p> + +<p>"Stand back!" he cried. "Don't you dare to touch me again!"</p> + +<p>Hardwick glanced toward the door, to see that no one was coming.</p> + +<p>"I'll show you!" he hissed, passionately.</p> + +<p>He rushed at Hal again. The youth saw him coming, and, drawing back his +arm, he planted a blow on Hardwick's nose that sent the blood spurting +in all directions.</p> + +<p>Hardwick was more surprised than hurt. Had that poor house chap dared to +hit him? He turned first red and then white.</p> + +<p>"I'll fix you!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"Stand back, I tell you!" commanded Hal; he was getting excited himself.</p> + +<p>But Hardwick would not stand back, and, as a consequence, he received a +blow on the forehead that almost stunned him.</p> + +<p>"You beggar, you've got muscle, haven't you?" he cried. "We'll try a +different method with you."</p> + +<p>He ran toward his desk, and opened it. An instant later Hal saw a +revolver in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Now we will see who is on top here," said Hardwick.</p> + +<p>It would be useless to deny that Hal was frightened at the sight of the +shining barrel. He backed several feet.</p> + +<p>"I thought that would bring you to terms," said Hardwick. "Now, will you +answer my question?"</p> + +<p>"You will not dare to shoot me," returned the youth, as calmly as he +could.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure. I intend that you shall answer me."</p> + +<p>Hal looked about him. He had backed toward the rear of the office. The +window was unlocked. Could he leap through it?</p> + +<p>Hardwick followed the youth's look and understood it.</p> + +<p>"No, you don't," he said, and, moving toward the window, he locked it.</p> + +<p>The only way that now remained to escape was by the street door. +Hardwick placed himself in front of this.</p> + +<p>"Give me the key to this door," he demanded.</p> + +<p>The key hung on a nail close to where Hal was standing.</p> + +<p>Instead of complying, Hal took down the key, and placed it in his +pocket.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear me?" went on the book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"You are playing with fire, young man."</p> + +<p>"Am I?"</p> + +<p>"You are. You think I haven't nerve enough to go ahead, but you'll find +out your mistake. I'll give you just ten seconds in which to hand me +that key."</p> + +<p>Hal made no reply.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to mind?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>Hardwick aimed the pistol at Hal's head. Whether or not he would have +fired cannot be told, for at that instant the door opened, and Mr. +Sumner stepped in.</p> + +<p>"I forgot my——" he began, and then stopped short in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner!" cried Hal. "I am glad you have come."</p> + +<p>"What is the meaning of this?" gasped the elderly broker.</p> + +<p>He looked at Hardwick and then at the pistol.</p> + +<p>The book-keeper dropped back, unable for the moment to say a word.</p> + +<p>"He intended to shoot me," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"That is a falsehood!" exclaimed Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"It's the truth," retorted the youth.</p> + +<p>"No such thing! The young tramp pulled this pistol, and I just snatched +it away from him."</p> + +<p>Hal was amazed at this deliberate falsehood. Mr. Sumner turned to him.</p> + +<p>"Did you have that pistol first?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"I say he did," put in Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"I never owned a pistol," added Hal.</p> + +<p>"Then he must have stolen it," sneered Hardwick. "I tell you, Mr. +Sumner, he is a bad egg, and he ought to be discharged."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," responded the elderly broker, dryly. "Just hand the weapon to +me."</p> + +<p>Hardwick did so, and Mr. Sumner examined it.</p> + +<p>"Do you carry such a weapon?" he asked, shortly.</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Don't own one, I presume?"</p> + +<p>"I must say I do not."</p> + +<p>"Humph! So you say Carson drew it on you?"</p> + +<p>"He did."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner——" began Hal.</p> + +<p>"Stop, Carson, until I get through with Mr. Hardwick. What was the cause +of this quarrel?"</p> + +<p>"The boy got impudent, and I threatened to report him and have him +discharged."</p> + +<p>"Is that all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. He is an unmannerly dog."</p> + +<p>"I didn't think so when I hired him."</p> + +<p>"He is, Mr. Sumner."</p> + +<p>The elderly broker examined the pistol again.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would explain one thing to me, Mr. Hardwick," he said +slowly.</p> + +<p>"What is that, sir?"</p> + +<p>"It is this: If you do not own a pistol how does it happen that I saw +this very weapon in your desk over a week ago?"</p> + +<p>The book-keeper started back and changed color.</p> + +<p>"What—what do you mean?" he faltered.</p> + +<p>"Just what I say. About a week ago I had occasion to go to your desk for +a certain paper, and I saw this very weapon lying in one corner."</p> + +<p>"There—there must be some mistake."</p> + +<p>"None, sir. This is your pistol, and I believe you pulled it upon this +boy."</p> + +<p>Hal's face beamed. The cloud that had gathered so suddenly seemed to be +breaking away.</p> + +<p>"Why should I draw it on the young cub?" growled Hardwick, not knowing +exactly what to say.</p> + +<p>"Because you have a spite against Carson, and you wish to get him into +trouble. I used to think you a fair and square man, Hardwick, but I find +I am mistaken."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>HAL EXPRESSED HIS OPINION.</h3> + + +<p>The perspiration was standing out upon Mr. Sumner's forehead. He took +out his handkerchief and mopped himself. Hardwick shot an angry glance +at him.</p> + +<p>"I don't see what you find so interesting in the boy," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"I am interested in him because he saved my life."</p> + +<p>"Saved your life?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly. It is true that he came from the poor-house, but he is a young +hero, and I will not have him imposed on, especially when he is doing +his best to get along."</p> + +<p>"Well, every one to his taste," returned Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"I want none of your impudence," cried the broker. "You were not as much +of a man as this boy when I took you in, eight years ago."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," returned Hardwick, coolly. "Perhaps you would just as soon I +would quit your service?"</p> + +<p>"I would."</p> + +<p>"Then I will quit on the first of the year."</p> + +<p>"You will quit to-day, and without recommendations."</p> + +<p>"Without recommendations!"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Let me tell you something. All last evening and this morning early +I spent the time examining your books. I find you have made false +entries, how many I do not know, and that you are a defaulter in the sum +of several thousands of dollars."</p> + +<p>Hal was almost as much surprised at Mr. Sumner's statement as Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"You—have—examined—the—books?" said the book-keeper, slowly.</p> + +<p>"I have."</p> + +<p>Hardwick breathed hard. It was a terrible blow Mr. Sumner had dealt him. +He had supposed his little crooked actions in the office well hidden +from prying eyes.</p> + +<p>"You may have to prove what you say," he exclaimed, haughtily.</p> + +<p>"I can easily do so," returned Mr. Sumner, coolly. "Shall I send for an +officer to take charge of you in the meanwhile?"</p> + +<p>At the mention of an officer, Hardwick grew white, and his lips +trembled.</p> + +<p>"N-no!" he cried. "There must be some mistake."</p> + +<p>"There is no mistake whatever. Do you deny that you have appropriated +the bank funds of the firm——"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Allen gave me the right to——"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Allen had no rights, as you are aware. Our partnership is a limited +one, and I shall settle with Mr. Allen later."</p> + +<p>"You can't hold me accountable for that money."</p> + +<p>"I can, but I won't, for I imagine the greater part of it has been +spent. How much have you in your pocket now?"</p> + +<p>"Sir!"</p> + +<p>"You heard my question; answer me."</p> + +<p>"I will not! I'm no fool!"</p> + +<p>"Very well. Hal, will you call a policeman?"</p> + +<p>Hal started for the door. Hardwick caught him by the arm, and shoved him +back.</p> + +<p>"Stay here! There is my pocket-book."</p> + +<p>"Hal, you may remain." Mr. Sumner took the pocket-book and counted the +money in it. "A hundred and eighty dollars," he went on. "Have you any +more with you?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Is that a genuine diamond you are wearing?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What is it worth?"</p> + +<p>"It cost seventy-five dollars."</p> + +<p>"Then listen to me; I have found out that you are a pretty high liver, +Hardwick, and you have probably squandered nearly all of what you have +stolen——"</p> + +<p>"Look here, I——"</p> + +<p>"Stop, or Hal shall go at once for the officer. Now, what I propose to +do is this: I will keep this money and that pin and the one hundred and +twenty-five dollars of salary coming to you and let the matter drop, so +far as that crookedness in the books is concerned."</p> + +<p>"And if I refuse?"</p> + +<p>"Then Hal shall go for an officer, and you can stand trial."</p> + +<p>Hardwick muttered something under his breath, not at all complimentary +to his employer. He felt that he was in a tight place.</p> + +<p>"There is no alternative?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"None."</p> + +<p>"And you will let this matter rest?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I wish to give you a chance to turn over a new leaf, if there is +any turn over in you."</p> + +<p>Hardwick hesitated for a moment.</p> + +<p>"I accept," he said, doggedly.</p> + +<p>"Very well, hand over the pin."</p> + +<p>The diamond scarf pin was transferred to the broker's hand.</p> + +<p>"Here is your pocket-book and ten dollars. I don't wish to see you go +away without a cent."</p> + +<p>"Keep the money; you might as well rob me of all of it," exclaimed +Hardwick. He reached for his hat and coat. "You will rue this day, +Horace Sumner; mark my word for it. And you, you young tramp!"—Hardwick +turned to Hal—"I will get square, and don't you forget it."</p> + +<p>He went out, slamming the door behind him. Hal watched him from the +window, and saw him turn down Broad Street.</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner gave a long sigh.</p> + +<p>"I am glad I am rid of that man," he said.</p> + +<p>"So am I," responded Hal. "He is a worse villain than you think, Mr. +Sumner."</p> + +<p>The elderly broker smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>"You still think him connected with the disappearance of the tin box, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"The police are almost certain they are on the right track of the +criminal. I cannot give you the details, but the party is not Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"The police don't know everything. Hardwick is thoroughly bad, and he is +in league with Dick Ferris and Mr. Allen."</p> + +<p>"You speak very positively, Hal."</p> + +<p>"Because I know what I am speaking about, sir."</p> + +<p>"You say Hardwick is in with Dick Ferris?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How do you know?"</p> + +<p>"Because they formed a plot to have me arrested. But that is not the +worst of it. Hardwick made an attempt on my life because I followed +him."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible?" Mr. Sumner was now thoroughly interested. "Why did you +not tell me of this before?"</p> + +<p>"Because I wished to follow out the matter on my own hook, and, besides, +I am almost a stranger to you, and you might think I was making up a +yarn."</p> + +<p>"No, Hal, I trust you thoroughly. I don't know why, but you have +something about you that seems perfectly honest."</p> + +<p>"Thank you." The youth was blushing. "I will never deceive you, Mr. +Sumner, and you may depend on it."</p> + +<p>"Tell me about this attempt on your life?" said the broker.</p> + +<p>Standing by Mr. Sumner's desk, Hal related very nearly all that had +occurred since his first appearance at the office. The broker listened +with eager attention.</p> + +<p>"You are right," he said, when Hal had concluded. "And apparently Ferris +is as bad a villain as Hardwick. But how do you account for Mr. Allen +being in with them?"</p> + +<p>"On account of that conversation I overheard on the ferry-boat that +night. They may try to explain it away as they please, I am convinced +that they were talking of robbing your private safe."</p> + +<p>"But Mr. Allen comes of very fine connections——" began the broker.</p> + +<p>"That may be, but didn't you just say he didn't do just right?"</p> + +<p>"So I did, and it is true. But that might be put down to a mere matter +of sharp business practice, legally right if not morally so. But this +other——"</p> + +<p>And the elderly broker shook his head.</p> + +<p>"If a man will cheat legally, I don't think he will stop at cheating any +other way," replied Hal. "He may for a while, but his conscience soon +gets blunted, and that's the end of it. You say the police think +somebody else is guilty?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Do they think the thief came through the window?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"That the man who came in while I was here had nothing to do with it?"</p> + +<p>"That is their theory."</p> + +<p>"But that doesn't explain one point."</p> + +<p>"And what is that?"</p> + +<p>"Why the marks on the window-sill, which are very plain and made by dirt +and ashes, did not extend to the safe."</p> + +<p>"Didn't they?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Who discovered that?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"When?"</p> + +<p>"The day the two detectives were here."</p> + +<p>"Did you say anything about it?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because, as I said before, I wished to sift the matter myself, if I +could. I know I am nothing but a boy, but I intend to do all I can +toward getting back your bonds."</p> + +<p>"Well, you are smart, Hal, there is no denying that. What is your +opinion of the marks?"</p> + +<p>"I think they were only a blind."</p> + +<p>"Put there to form a wrong impression?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly, sir. That robbery was committed by somebody who came in +through the office, and who knew the combination of the safe."</p> + +<p>"Possibly. But that doesn't fasten the crime on Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"It does not. But I look at it in this light. As one of the detectives +said, it is possible that somebody stood outside of the rear window and +saw you work the combination, but I doubt very much if they could learn +the process in that way. There is a glare of light on the window that +renders it very difficult to see at all."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——"</p> + +<p>"Now wait a moment, please," Hal was growing enthusiastic. "Do you keep +the combination written down anywhere?"</p> + +<p>"I do not. I gave it to my daughter, Laura, in case something happened +to me, and I suppose she has it down, but I do not know."</p> + +<p>"Then it isn't likely any one could get the combination unless they +watched you?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose not."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Now, the only persons employed in the office were you, Mr. +Allen, Hardwick, Ferris and myself. I know you and I are innocent. Now, +who knew of the bonds being in the tin box?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner started.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! I never thought of that!"</p> + +<p>"Please answer me."</p> + +<p>"We all knew of it."</p> + +<p>"Did any outsider know?"</p> + +<p>"I think not."</p> + +<p>"Was the tin box locked?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"After you placed the bonds in it no outsider heard of their being +there?"</p> + +<p>"Not unless the others told them."</p> + +<p>"Which they would not likely do. Now, tell me, was anything else taken?"</p> + +<p>"Not a thing."</p> + +<p>"Not even placed out of position?"</p> + +<p>"As far as I could see, no."</p> + +<p>"Was there any trace of the tin box having been opened?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't it seem probable that if the thieves had not been certain of +what was in the box they would have opened it, and if they were ordinary +fellows that they would have taken something else of value?"</p> + +<p>"Hal, you ought to be a detective!" cried the broker, in admiration of +the body's logical reasoning.</p> + +<p>"I tell you that robbery was committed by somebody who knew all about +your private affairs, and was here to obtain the combination of your +safe, and <i>that</i> somebody was either Hardwick, Mr. Allen, Ferris, or +else the three of them."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>HAL DEFENDS A GIRL.</h3> + + +<p>Hal Carson's face glowed with earnestness as he spoke.</p> + +<p>It was easy to see that he was fully convinced of the truth of what he +had just said.</p> + +<p>"It would seem as if you must be right," replied Mr. Sumner, after +rather a long pause.</p> + +<p>"You may depend on it I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"But to think that of Allen!"</p> + +<p>"Many a man in a high position has fallen before now. Did you ever +inquire into his financial standing—that is, outside of your business +relationships?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Then he may not be as well fixed as you think. Could he use the bonds, +if he had them?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. They were not registered, and there are several ways in which they +might have been worked off."</p> + +<p>"You are to dissolve partnership on New Year's Day, I believe?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I am not satisfied with the way matters are running, and I intend +to run the place alone as I used to."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps the dissolution may bring other matters to light, sir."</p> + +<p>"Ha! I never thought of that."</p> + +<p>"That is, if Mr. Allen doesn't wipe them out in the meantime."</p> + +<p>Mr. Sumner jumped to his feet, and began to walk up and down nervously.</p> + +<p>"I understand what you are driving at, Hal," he cried. "Where do you get +such keen wit? I never saw your equal in a boy."</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir, unless it may be because I take such a strong +personal interest in the matter—a thing that most detectives do not."</p> + +<p>"It must be that I must have the books investigated by an expert; I am +too old to go over them myself and do the work as it ought to be done."</p> + +<p>"I think that would be best, but I would not let Mr. Allen know of it."</p> + +<p>"I will not."</p> + +<p>"Not even if you find he has been robbing you."</p> + +<p>"What!"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"But he ought to be arrested——"</p> + +<p>"Not until you have your bonds back, Mr. Sumner."</p> + +<p>"I see."</p> + +<p>"If you arrest him that won't bring your bonds back. I have a plan to +propose, if you will let me carry it out."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"That while I nominally remain here as clerk and office-boy you allow me +to watch him, as well as Hardwick and Dick Ferris."</p> + +<p>"You may get into trouble. See how Hardwick threatened you and attacked +you in the dark."</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid, sir."</p> + +<p>"I would not have you go on such a mission for me and get hurt for all +the bonds on the street."</p> + +<p>"I would be very careful, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, supposing I let you do that, what would you do first?"</p> + +<p>"That will depend on circumstances. Where is Mr. Allen now?"</p> + +<p>"Gone to Philadelphia on business."</p> + +<p>"For the firm?"</p> + +<p>"No, for himself."</p> + +<p>"Then you are not sure if he has gone there or not?"</p> + +<p>"I only know what he said."</p> + +<p>"When do you expect him back?"</p> + +<p>"Not until to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me where he lives?"</p> + +<p>"On Fifty-third Street. The number is on the card over there."</p> + +<p>Hal took it down.</p> + +<p>"Is there anything special to do just now?"</p> + +<p>"I must have those papers written up that Hardwick was at work on. The +books I can write up myself."</p> + +<p>"Then, with your permission, I'll write up the papers and then begin my +hunt."</p> + +<p>"Very well. But mind and keep out of trouble."</p> + +<p>Hal smiled, and turned at once to the desk. A strange feeling filled his +breast. He was really going to turn detective—he, a country boy, and +that, too, in New York.</p> + +<p>"It sounds like the wildest kind of a romance," he thought to himself. +"But it isn't; it's sober truth, and I may find it a mighty hard truth +before I get through."</p> + +<p>He fairly flew at the work, and by two o'clock it was finished. He +handed it to Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"That is excellent," said the broker, glancing over the written pages. +"And now I suppose you are ready to go?"</p> + +<p>"If you are willing, sir."</p> + +<p>"There is nothing more to be done to-day. To-morrow I shall get a +first-class book-keeper whom I happen to know, to take Hardwick's +place."</p> + +<p>In a minute more Hal was off. He knew not exactly in what direction to +go, but thought he would cross Broadway and take the Sixth Avenue +elevated cars to Fifty-third Street.</p> + +<p>As he stepped on the sidewalk in front of Trinity Church, which stands +at the beginning of Wall Street, he happened to glance up, and not far +away saw Hardwick.</p> + +<p>The ex-book-keeper was smoking a cigar and scowling. He did not see Hal, +and the youth soon put himself where he was not likely to be seen.</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed. Then Hardwick began to move slowly up Broadway, +casting sharp glances to his right and left. Hal slowly followed, +keeping several people between himself and the man he was shadowing.</p> + +<p>At length Hardwick stopped at the corner of Cedar Street. Here he was +joined by Dick Ferris, and the two at once began an animated +conversation, which Hal managed to overhear.</p> + +<p>"Got the bounce?" were the first words he heard. "Well, that's rich, +Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"I don't see the point," growled the ex-book-keeper. "I wish I had fixed +the young tramp!"</p> + +<p>"He seems to be worrying us pretty bad," said Ferris. "But, say, how +about that money I was to have?"</p> + +<p>"I can't give it to you now."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't got it."</p> + +<p>"Tell that to your grandmother!"</p> + +<p>"It's a fact. Old Sumner made me fork over every cent I had about me."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"He claims I have been getting in on him."</p> + +<p>"I'll bet he's right, too."</p> + +<p>"Well, he isn't."</p> + +<p>"No, of course not," returned Ferris, sarcastically. "A fellow who +would——"</p> + +<p>"Shut up, you monkey!" cried Hardwick, getting angry. "You know too +much."</p> + +<p>"Well, when am I to have that money?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Sure?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I'll get it for you."</p> + +<p>"What will you do—bleed old Allen?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I'll get it, and that's enough. By the way, I want you to +do something for me."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Deliver a letter to Tommy Macklin. I have got an engagement to-night, +and I want Tommy to get the letter before morning."</p> + +<p>"All right. Hand it over. Where are you going now?"</p> + +<p>"Home to get shaved and fixed up and have a nap. I was up all night, and +I feel it."</p> + +<p>"You're going it pretty strong."</p> + +<p>"Don't preach, Dicky, my boy. For your age, I think you go it pretty +well yourself."</p> + +<p>Ferris laughed and stuffed the letter Hardwick handed him into his +pocket. Then the two separated.</p> + +<p>Hal pondered for a moment, and then concluded to follow Dick Ferris. +Hardwick was going home, "I wish I knew what was in that letter," +thought Hal, as he shadowed Ferris up Broadway to Park Row. "It may be +something that has to do with the missing tin box."</p> + +<p>Ferris passed the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, and then turned into +a side street.</p> + +<p>"I'll wager he's going to the same place Hardwick visited the other +night," exclaimed Hal to himself.</p> + +<p>With increased interest he followed Ferris, until the latter came to a +narrow and dirty alley-way, piled high on one side with empty boxes and +barrels.</p> + +<p>Here a number of children were playing, some making snow-men and others +coasting on home-made "bread-shovel" sleds.</p> + +<p>Ferris tried to walk between them, and in doing so got directly in the +way of a small sled upon which was seated a ragged girl not over ten +years of age.</p> + +<p>The sled brushed against Ferris' leg and angered him.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by doing that, you dirty thing?" he exclaimed. "Take +that, and learn better manners."</p> + +<p>He hauled off and struck the girl in the face. It was a heavy blow, and +it caused her nose to bleed and her cheek to swell.</p> + +<p>"You—you brute!" sobbed the girl.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" howled Ferris. "A brute, am I? There's another for you!"</p> + +<p>He stepped back to hit the girl again. But now there was a rush from the +rear, and on the instant the bully found himself in the strong grasp of +Hal Carson.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>HAL ON THE WATCH.</h3> + + +<p>"Let up there, you brute!"</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris looked around with a startled air.</p> + +<p>When he caught sight of Hal his face fell, and he released the girl.</p> + +<p>"What, you!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. What do you mean by treating this girl so rudely?"</p> + +<p>"You are following me," went on Ferris, ignoring the question which had +been put to him.</p> + +<p>"What if I am?"</p> + +<p>"You think you're smart, don't you?" sneered Ferris.</p> + +<p>"He's a mean, ugly thing!" put in the girl, between her sobs. "I wish he +was arrested."</p> + +<p>"Shut up!" roared Ferris, turning to her. "You ran into me on purpose."</p> + +<p>"I didn't. We've got a right to coast in this alley; mamma said so."</p> + +<p>"You ought to be arrested for striking the little girl," said Hal. "I am +awfully glad I arrived in the nick of time to save her from more +punishment."</p> + +<p>"Good fer you, mister!" cried a small youth standing near. "Give him one +in der eye!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, do him up, mister," cried several others.</p> + +<p>Ferris turned upon them like a savage animal.</p> + +<p>"Get out of here, every one of you," he howled, "unless you want to be +hammered to death."</p> + +<p>"Don't you move," said Hal. "You evidently have more right here than he +has."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" said Ferris, turning to Hal. "I wish you would keep your nose +out of my affairs."</p> + +<p>"Don't let him sass you, mister," put in one of the urchins. "He didn't +have no cause ter hit Katie."</p> + +<p>Ferris pounced upon the boy at once, and cuffed him right and left. In +the midst of the castication, however, Hal caught the bully by the arm, +and a second later Dick Ferris measured his length in the gutter.</p> + +<p>A shout went up from the boys and girls.</p> + +<p>"Dat's der way ter do it!"</p> + +<p>"Ain't der gent got muckle, dough?"</p> + +<p>Then somebody threw a snow-ball, and in a trice the entire crowd were +snow-balling Ferris as furiously as they could.</p> + +<p>Hal looked on, and he was compelled to laugh. Then a sudden idea struck +him. Like a flash he darted out of sight behind the pile of empty boxes +and barrels.</p> + +<p>Muttering something under his breath, Dick Ferris struggled to his feet. +As soon as he did this the street children took to their legs, dragging +their sleds after them. Ferris made after one or two of them, but was +unable to effect a capture.</p> + +<p>"Run off wid yerself!"</p> + +<p>"We ain't got no use fer bullies!"</p> + +<p>Spat!</p> + +<p>A snow-ball took Ferris right in the ear, and caused him to utter a +sharp cry of pain.</p> + +<p>Then another took him in the face, and in trying to dodge he slipped and +went into a snow-drift.</p> + +<p>He was quickly on his feet, and this time ran after the crowd so fast +that he caught one of the boys.</p> + +<p>"Lemme go!" howled the youngster.</p> + +<p>"Not much, you rat! Take that!"</p> + +<p>Ferris struck the boy in the mouth, and the little fellow let out a +yell.</p> + +<p>Hal was just about to dart to his assistance when a policeman came along +and touched Ferris on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"What's the trouble here?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>Ferris turned savagely, but his manner changed when he beheld the +officer of the law.</p> + +<p>"This chap is a rascal," he explained.</p> + +<p>"In what way?"</p> + +<p>"He fired a snow-ball at me and hit me in the ear."</p> + +<p>"I didn't," howled the urchin. "It was anudder fellow wot fired dat +snow-ball."</p> + +<p>And he began to cry bitterly.</p> + +<p>"It was only done in fun, I suppose," said the officer.</p> + +<p>"Fun!" fumed Ferris. "Look at my clothes!"</p> + +<p>The officer did so. Ferris was covered with snow and dirt, principally +the latter.</p> + +<p>"The snow-ball couldn't have done that," said the policeman.</p> + +<p>He was in sympathy with the small boy, whom he knew as the son of one of +his friends.</p> + +<p>"I know. But this boy and a lot of his chums got to throwing at me, and +in trying to dodge I went down."</p> + +<p>The policeman paused for a moment, and then turned to the urchin.</p> + +<p>"See here, bubby, if I let you go will you promise not to throw any more +snow-balls?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," came in one breath, and very eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Then run."</p> + +<p>"What! ain't you going to arrest him?" cried Dick Ferris, in some +excitement.</p> + +<p>"I think not."</p> + +<p>"But he ought to be."</p> + +<p>"I fancy I know my own business best," was the short reply.</p> + +<p>"But he is a little imp, and——"</p> + +<p>"Better let it go. I dare say you throw snow-balls yourself once in a +while."</p> + +<p>And with this remark the policeman moved on.</p> + +<p>"Well, that's a fine way to treat a fellow," muttered Ferris to himself. +"I suppose that policeman would let the whole ward pounce on me without +doing anything toward helping me. I wonder where that Hal Carson is?"</p> + +<p>The tall youth brushed off his clothing hastily, and returned to the +entrance to the alley. He looked around carefully, but Hal kept well +hidden.</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris was undecided what to do. Should he deliver the letter +intrusted to him by Hardwick? He hesitated and then continued up the +alley-way, upon which a number of dirty, dingy tenement houses were +situated.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the very last of these, he ascended the front stoop and +knocked loudly upon the door. There was no reply, and while he was +waiting for some one to answer his summons, Hal managed to skulk up +behind the other buildings and approach within hearing distance.</p> + +<p>At last Ferris got tired of waiting, and he tried the door. It was +unlocked, and, pushing it open, the tall boy entered.</p> + +<p>Hal waited for a moment, and then, mounting the stoop, peered in at the +door, which Ferris had left partly open.</p> + +<p>As the youth had surmised, the hall-way was quite dark. He heard Ferris +mounting the rickety stairs, and like a shadow he followed, fairly +holding his breath, lest some sound might betray his presence.</p> + +<p>Ferris mounted almost to the top of the tenement, and then hammered on a +door in the rear.</p> + +<p>"Come!" cried a voice from inside, and Ferris entered.</p> + +<p>No sooner was the door closed than Hal approached it and applied his eye +to the key-hole. He saw a small apartment, scantily furnished with a +small cook-stove, a table, three chairs, and some kitchen utensils.</p> + +<p>A man sat before the stove, smoking a short briar pipe. He was unshaved, +but his face bore evidence of former gentility and manhood, in spite of +the fact that it was now dissipated.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Ferris!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"How are you, Macklin?" returned the tall boy.</p> + +<p>"Not very well, I can tell you," returned Macklin, removing his pipe and +spitting into the stove. "I've got rheumatism, yer know."</p> + +<p>"Rheumatism!" laughed Ferris. "More likely it's rumatism, Tommy."</p> + +<p>"Don't give me any o' yer jokes, Ferris. Wot brings yer?"</p> + +<p>"I've got a letter for you."</p> + +<p>"From Hardwick?"</p> + +<p>Ferris nodded.</p> + +<p>"I thought I would hear from him before long. Hand it over."</p> + +<p>Ferris did so. Macklin tore open the epistle and began to peruse it +hastily. As he did so Ferris tried to glance over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Here! none o' dat!" cried Macklin, savagely. "Wot's my business is my +business."</p> + +<p>He finished reading the letter and put it in his coat pocket. Then he +pulled away on his pipe for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Well?" said Ferris, by way of inquiry.</p> + +<p>"Tell him it's all right if he doubles the figger."</p> + +<p>"Makes the amount twice as large?"</p> + +<p>"Dat's it. It's a ticklish piece o' business."</p> + +<p>"What is the work, Macklin?" questioned Ferris, sitting down on the +opposite side of the stove.</p> + +<p>The man closed one eye.</p> + +<p>"Hardwick knows," he replied, shortly.</p> + +<p>"I know that," replied Ferris. "And I know something about this new +deal, too."</p> + +<p>"Wot do yer know?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind. I know."</p> + +<p>"Dat's all put on, Ferris; yer don't know a t'ing, see?" cried Macklin, +with a laugh that sounded more like a croak.</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris colored slightly.</p> + +<p>"Hardwick said there was something new on," he explained, lamely.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but he didn't tell yer wot it was."</p> + +<p>Ferris arose, thinking that further attempts at pumping would be +useless.</p> + +<p>"Say, don't be in no hurry," went on Macklin. "Sit down an' git warmed +up."</p> + +<p>"I ain't cold."</p> + +<p>Ferris started for the door, but the man pulled him back.</p> + +<p>"How did yer make out wid Hardwick on dat last deal?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"All right," responded the tall boy, hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Wot do you call all right?"</p> + +<p>"That's my affair, Tommy."</p> + +<p>"Don't git on yer high horse, Ferris."</p> + +<p>"I can keep as mum as you can, Tommy, and don't you forget it."</p> + +<p>"Did he give you more dan a hundred?"</p> + +<p>"Is that what you got out of it?"</p> + +<p>"Naw! I didn't git half o' dat."</p> + +<p>"Hardwick is a close one."</p> + +<p>"Dat's so. But some day he'll have ter pony up, yer see if he don't."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it will be you who will squeeze him," said Ferris, with +another laugh.</p> + +<p>"You bet."</p> + +<p>"He ought to be squeezed a little," said Ferris, reflectively. "He makes +a small fortune alongside of what we get out of it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but der trouble is, yer can't corner him," responded Macklin. "If +yer try, yer git yerself in trouble. But before long——" he did not +finish in words, but bobbed his head vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Where's your wife?" asked Ferris, glancing around.</p> + +<p>"Der old woman's gone to der market."</p> + +<p>"Ain't any one else here, is there?"</p> + +<p>Ferris glanced around suspiciously. "No."</p> + +<p>"Then supposing we come to an understanding?" went on Ferris, in a low +tone. "We both do work for Hardwick, and we ought to get more money for +it."</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"Unless we get together we can't do anything. But when he finds we are +both of a mind he may listen to us, and both of us will make by it."</p> + +<p>Hal listened to every word of this conversation with deep interest. From +it he discovered that Macklin was a tool of Hardwick as well as Ferris +and both were in the habit of doing underhand work for the +ex-book-keeper.</p> + +<p>"If either of them would only mention something definite," he thought. +"The tin box robbery for instance. Then I would be certain I was on the +right track."</p> + +<p>"That's an idea, Ferris," replied Macklin. "It ain't fair fer Hardwick +ter be rollin' in money an' me livin' here."</p> + +<p>"That's it."</p> + +<p>"I uster be jest as fine a liver as him, Ferris, in the flush days. An' +when old Sumner took Hardwick in an' bounced me——"</p> + +<p>Macklin did not finish. There was a racket in the hall-way, and then +came the tones of an excited Irishwoman.</p> + +<p>"Phot's this? Phot be yez doin' here, young mon, sn'akin' along like a +thafe? Tommy Macklin, cum here!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>NEAR TO DEATH.</h3> + + +<p>The Irishwoman had come up behind Hal so softly—she wore rubbers—that +the youth did not hear her, and he was, therefore, thoroughly startled +when she made the exclamation quoted at the end of the preceding +chapter.</p> + +<p>Ferris and Macklin jumped to their feet and both rushed out in the hall.</p> + +<p>"What's the row, Mary?" cried the latter.</p> + +<p>"Sure an' that's phot Oi want to know," replied the woman. "Oi found +this fellow pakin' in the kay-hole of your dure, so Oi did."</p> + +<p>"It's Hal Carson!" exclaimed Ferris. "So this is the way you followed +me, eh?" he continued.</p> + +<p>"Who is Hal Carson?" asked Macklin, grasping the youth by the arm.</p> + +<p>"Old Sumner's new clerk and office boy," replied Ferris. "Don't let him +get away."</p> + +<p>Macklin gave a whistle.</p> + +<p>"Dat's kinder serious, if he follered yer here. Wot have yer got ter say +fer yerself?" he demanded, turning to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Let go of my arm," returned Hal. "Are you the only one who lives in +this building?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Then I presume I have a right to enter the hall-way, haven't I?"</p> + +<p>"That won't wash, Carson!" exclaimed Ferris. "You are doing nothing but +following me, and you know it."</p> + +<p>"Just you step inside, do you hear?" commanded Macklin. "That's all +right, Mary, I'll take care o' him," he added to the woman.</p> + +<p>"Oi wondher if he was up in me apartment," she said, suspiciously. +"Oi'll go up an' see if there is anything missing."</p> + +<p>The woman departed, and Macklin tried to shove Hal into the room.</p> + +<p>"Stop that!" ordered the youth.</p> + +<p>"Don't pay no attention to him," cried Ferris. "He's a regular spy, and +he's trying his best to get us all into trouble."</p> + +<p>Macklin caught Hal by the arm. The next instant Hal received a terrible +blow behind the right ear that almost stunned him.</p> + +<p>"Now I think yer will come in an' mind," howled Macklin. "Take hold o' +him, Ferris."</p> + +<p>The tall boy came out, and before Hal could recover he was dragged into +the apartment and the door was closed and locked.</p> + +<p>When he came to realize what had happened he found himself confronted by +the angry pair.</p> + +<p>"That's what you get for spying on us," said Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Tain't no healthy business fer a feller ter be in around here," added +Macklin, with a coarse laugh.</p> + +<p>"I want you to open the door," returned Hal, as calmly as he could.</p> + +<p>"That's right!" laughed Ferris. "I suppose you think you can command us +to do anything, don't you?"</p> + +<p>Hal walked toward the door and shook it. It was strongly built, and to +break it down was out of the question.</p> + +<p>"Give me the key," he said.</p> + +<p>Another laugh followed this speech.</p> + +<p>Hal glanced out of the window. It was tightly closed, and the distance +to the court below was fully twenty feet.</p> + +<p>The youth looked at Macklin, who had resumed his smoking.</p> + +<p>"What do you propose to do with me?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"That is hard ter tell," replied the tough. "It all depends on wot +Ferris is got ter say."</p> + +<p>"You have the key of the door?"</p> + +<p>"I kinder think it's in my pocket."</p> + +<p>"Give it to me."</p> + +<p>Macklin chuckled.</p> + +<p>"Don't waste yer breath; yer may need it."</p> + +<p>He had hardly spoken when Hal sprang upon him. The youth was thoroughly +aroused, and a well directed blow sent Macklin sprawling in one corner, +while his pipe went flying in another.</p> + +<p>The tough uttered a howl as he went down, and Ferris gave a cry of +consternation.</p> + +<p>"Now will you give me the key?" demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>"Git orf of me!" spluttered Macklin.</p> + +<p>"Let up there," put in Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Stand back, Ferris," cried Hal. "I am not to be trifled with."</p> + +<p>"Pull him orf!" roared Macklin.</p> + +<p>Ferris advanced, but rather gingerly.</p> + +<p>He knew Hal's strength, and he had a great horror of being struck.</p> + +<p>Macklin tried to rise, but Hal hit once more and he went down a second +time. Then Hal sat down on his body.</p> + +<p>"Hand over the key."</p> + +<p>Hal had an idea the key was in Macklin's outer pocket, and into this he +inserted his hand.</p> + +<p>It soon came in contact with what he was searching for. He tried to +withdraw the key, but now Macklin began to squirm worse than ever, and +he had hard work to master the fellow.</p> + +<p>"Help me, Ferris!" howled the tough.</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare come near," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"Don't mind him—help me," said Macklin again.</p> + +<p>Ferris hesitated, but at last approached and caught Hal by the arm.</p> + +<p>"Let Macklin up," he said.</p> + +<p>Instead of replying Hal sprang to his feet. In one hand he held the key, +and with the other he shoved Ferris up against the wall.</p> + +<p>"Now let me pass!"</p> + +<p>"Don't do it!" howled Macklin.</p> + +<p>"I won't," replied Ferris.</p> + +<p>He caught Hal by the coat tail. This compelled the youth to turn once +more. He aimed a blow at Ferris' head, and the fellow went down over the +table.</p> + +<p>Hal now thought he saw his way clear to escape. He bounded toward the +door, and was just inserting the key into the lock when Macklin sprang +up.</p> + +<p>Beside the stove lay a heavy billet of wood, which the man had intended +to split up for kindlings. Macklin caught up the stick, and jumping +behind Hal, hit the youth a fearful blow directly on the top of the +head.</p> + +<p>With a low cry, Hal sank down in a heap. Macklin gave a sudden gasp, and +Ferris straightened up.</p> + +<p>"Have you—killed him?" asked Ferris in a tone, of horror.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied the tough. "Dat was a kinder heavy crack, wasn't +it?"</p> + +<p>Ferris shuddered. A thin stream of blood was issuing from Hal's head, +and this made the tall boy sick. He approached and gazed at Hal's pallid +face and motionless form.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you have killed him, Macklin," he said.</p> + +<p>"Me killed him?" cried the tough. "I kinder think you had as much ter do +wid it as me."</p> + +<p>Ferris had a sudden chill dart down his back-bone at these words. If +anything was wrong it was certain Macklin did not intend to shoulder the +blame.</p> + +<p>"What made you hit him so hard?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't help it. Let's see how bad he is."</p> + +<p>Macklin approached Hal and turned over the limp body. Then he placed his +hand over the youth's heart.</p> + +<p>"He ain't dead yet. Dat was a hard crack, but he's got a strong +constitution, dat feller has. Say?"</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>Macklin came up close to Dick Ferris, who was now as white as a sheet.</p> + +<p>"We is good friends, Ferris, ain't we?"</p> + +<p>"Ye-as."</p> + +<p>"Den let me do sum'thin' fer yer."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell yer. Yer see der feller ain't——"</p> + +<p>Macklin broke off short, as a footstep sounded in the hall-way.</p> + +<p>"It's der old woman comin' back," he muttered.</p> + +<p>"Your wife?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what shall we do with the—the body?" cried Ferris, in alarm.</p> + +<p>As he spoke the door-knob was turned, and then came the tones of a +woman's voice:</p> + +<p>"Let me in, Tommy!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL IN A TIGHT SITUATION.</h3> + + +<p>Before Dick Ferris could say a word or move, Macklin clapped his hand +over the tall boy's mouth.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" he muttered. "I'll fix it all right."</p> + +<p>A square table stood in one corner of the room, and under it was a +quantity of old bagging.</p> + +<p>Macklin seized hold of Hal's body and dragged it toward the table.</p> + +<p>Then he shoved the motionless form under the piece of furniture and +covered it with the loose bagging.</p> + +<p>The key to the door lay on the floor, and picking it up, Macklin +inserted it in the lock and gave it a turn.</p> + +<p>In a second the door was opened and a stout and harsh-looking woman +appeared.</p> + +<p>It was Tommy Macklin's wife.</p> + +<p>She was a heavy drinker, but she was not a really bad woman at heart.</p> + +<p>Had she been as unscrupulous as Macklin himself, the tough would never +have pursued the course he did.</p> + +<p>Before the woman could enter the room he met her and cut her short.</p> + +<p>"I want you to go upstairs," he said, taking the market basket she +carried from her.</p> + +<p>She looked surprised.</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"There was a sneak-thief around, and I want you to see if Mary lost +anything."</p> + +<p>"A thief? Did he get——"</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't give him the chance."</p> + +<p>The woman at once turned and went up the flight of stairs leading to the +top floor. She had not seen Ferris, and the tall boy breathed a sigh of +relief as he turned to listen to what Macklin had to say.</p> + +<p>"We've got a good chance ter git him out o' der way."</p> + +<p>"Out of the way?" whispered Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Dat's wot I said."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean——"</p> + +<p>Ferris stopped short.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. You say he's an enemy ter you an' Hardwick?"</p> + +<p>"He is that."</p> + +<p>"Den I'd git him outer der way."</p> + +<p>Ferris' lip twitched.</p> + +<p>"What would you do with him?"</p> + +<p>"I'll show yer." Macklin scratched his matted hair. "Give me dat potato +bag in der closet."</p> + +<p>Ferris hesitated, and then, opening the closet in the corner, brought +forth an unusually long potato sack.</p> + +<p>Raising up the top part of Hal's body, Macklin slipped the sack over +head and shoulders. Then he tied the string of the sack fast around +Hal's waist.</p> + +<p>The tough opened the door and passed out into the hall way.</p> + +<p>No one was in sight. Macklin returned to the room.</p> + +<p>"Quick, catch him by der legs," he said to Ferris. "I'll take him by der +shoulders, an' we'll have him outer sight in a jiffy."</p> + +<p>"Where—where will you take him?" faltered Ferris. His teeth were +chattering, and his face was as pale as death.</p> + +<p>"I'll show yer. Catch hold."</p> + +<p>Macklin's tones were angry ones, and Ferris complied. With the body of +Hal between them, the pair passed down one flight of stairs, and then to +a narrow stairway in the rear leading to a dirty wash-shed.</p> + +<p>"Wait here wid him till I come back," said Macklin, and he darted out of +the wash-shed door.</p> + +<p>Ferris stood beside Hal's body. Presently he thought he heard a low +moan, and he imagined that Hal moved one arm. His teeth chattered worse +than ever, and it was all he could do to keep from rushing away.</p> + +<p>At length, after what seemed to be an age, but which was really less +than five minutes, Macklin reappeared.</p> + +<p>"We've got der boss chance!" he exclaimed, in a low tone. "Chuck dat +piece of rag carpet over him. Dat's it. Now pick him up ag'in."</p> + +<p>Once more the two took up Hal's body. Their course was now through the +court and into a narrow lane. Here the snow was piled high, but neither +seemed to mind it.</p> + +<p>"Here we are."</p> + +<p>It was Macklin who spoke. He stood at the basement door of an old stone +structure which in years gone by had been a vinegar and pickle factory. +Pushing open the door, he motioned to Ferris, and Hal's body was taken +inside and the door once more closed.</p> + +<p>"Wait till I strike a light," said Macklin.</p> + +<p>"What is this place?" asked Ferris.</p> + +<p>"It's a factory wot ain't in use," was the reply. "His body won't be +found here for two or t'ree months, if da finds it at all."</p> + +<p>Macklin struck a match and lit a bit of dirty tallow candle which he +carried.</p> + +<p>"See dat big hole in der floor over dare?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, what is it?"</p> + +<p>"Sum kind of a vat, I t'ink. Dat's der place. Hold der glim, will yer?"</p> + +<p>Ferris took the candle. His hand shook so that the tallow dropped all +over it.</p> + +<p>"Wot's der matter wid yer nerves?" asked Macklin, sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," returned the tall boy, briefly.</p> + +<p>"Yer shakin' like a leaf."</p> + +<p>"I am cold."</p> + +<p>And for once Ferris told the truth. An icy chill seemed to have struck +his heart.</p> + +<p>Catching hold of Hal's body, Macklin dragged it to the edge of the vat. +There was a slight scraping sound as the body was pushed over the edge +of the hole, and then all became quiet.</p> + +<p>"Dat settles it," said Macklin. "Come on back."</p> + +<p>And Hal was left to his fate.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>A NARROW ESCAPE.</h3> + + +<p>Hal came to himself with a shiver. Where was he, and what had happened?</p> + +<p>For a moment he could not collect his scattered senses. Then the cold +water in the vat reached his mouth and nose, and he gave a gulp.</p> + +<p>He put out his hands. They were tight in the sack. With a struggle he +stood up. The water in the vat reached his waist, and it was icy cold.</p> + +<p>Presently the string of the sack gave way, and he pulled the article off +of him. Then he realized what had happened up in the tenement, and felt +the blood trickling over his forehead.</p> + +<p>"They have put me here thinking I was dead," he thought. "I wonder what +sort of a place this is?"</p> + +<p>He stepped around in the water, and applied some of it to his head. This +stopped the flow of blood, and appeared to clear his brain.</p> + +<p>It was semi-dark in the vat, but presently his eyes grew accustomed to +this, and he saw where he was.</p> + +<p>He gave a shiver. The top of the vat was fully three feet above his +reach. What if he could not get out? He would soon perish from the +extreme cold.</p> + +<p>The vat was some ten or twelve feet in diameter, and Hal walked around +the bottom in hopes of finding some spot higher than that upon which he +was standing.</p> + +<p>In this he was disappointed. The bottom of the vat was perfectly level. +By the time he had discovered this fact, he was shivering so he could +hardly stand upright.</p> + +<p>He jumped up several times in hopes of getting out by that means. But +though his hands once touched the upper edge of the vat, he could gain +no hold, and immediately slipped back again.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" he cried.</p> + +<p>Then he listened. There was no reply. Macklin and Ferris had returned to +the tenement.</p> + +<p>"I'm all alone," he muttered to himself. "I will die here, and no one +will ever know what became of me."</p> + +<p>This thought filled Hal with despair, and he again cried out, louder +than before.</p> + +<p>The cry went echoing through the vast and gloomy building, but there was +no response.</p> + +<p>"This will never do," thought the youth. "Must I die like a rat in a +trap?"</p> + +<p>The very thought was maddening, and again he essayed to reach the top of +the vat.</p> + +<p>It was utterly useless.</p> + +<p>"The building must be deserted," he said to himself. "And I suppose it +is too far to the street for any one to hear my call."</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed. Hal was getting weaker fast. Oh, how his head +ached!</p> + +<p>Filled with something akin to desperation, Hal cried out again, this +time at the very top of his lungs. A deep and profound silence followed.</p> + +<p>"It's no use," he thought. "This is some old building that no one will +visit all winter. I suppose Ferris and that Macklin think——"</p> + +<p>He held his breath. What was that sound overhead?</p> + +<p>He strained his ears. Yes, it was footsteps!</p> + +<p>"Help! help! Come down in the cellar!" he cried.</p> + +<p>Again and again his voice rang out, and the footsteps came closer. Then +his heart seemed to stop beating. Supposing it should be Ferris or +Macklin returning?</p> + +<p>"What's the trouble?" suddenly cried a voice from the stairs in the +corner.</p> + +<p>"Help me out of the vat!" replied Hal. "Quick! I am freezing to death!"</p> + +<p>"Wall, I swan!" ejaculated the voice.</p> + +<p>Then came more footsteps, and an elderly man, carrying a lantern, +appeared at the edge of the vat.</p> + +<p>"Give me your hand," he said, setting down the lantern. "This is a nice +fix ter git into."</p> + +<p>He leaned down, and Hal held up his hand. The new-comer grasped the +youth's wrist, and in a moment Hal was upon the cellar floor.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you!" chattered Hal. "I—I—couldn't have stood it another +minute."</p> + +<p>"'Most froze, be you?" returned the man. "Here, strip off that coat of +yourn and put on mine. That's a most all-fired cold bath. How did you +git in?"</p> + +<p>"I was pushed in," replied Hal. He tried to pull off his coat, but had +not the strength. "Will you help me?"</p> + +<p>"Of course." In a twinkle the man had the coat off, and his own on Hal's +shivering form. "Belong around here?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Then come with me. I live right across the way, and I'll soon warm you +up. It's lucky I came over to see if everything was all right. I'm +looking after the place till spring."</p> + +<p>The man took up his lantern once more and led the way up stairs and +across the street. The two entered a neat-looking tenement, and the man +took Hal to a set of rooms on the second floor.</p> + +<p>A hot fire was blazing in the kitchen, and drawing up a chair the man +motioned for Hal to sit down.</p> + +<p>"Maybe the old woman kin lend you some clothes," said the man. "But I +allow as how you may be better off, if you let the wet ones dry onto +you. It may save you from a spell of sickness."</p> + +<p>"I am doing very nicely now," replied Hal. "I am used to some pretty +tough knocks," he added, and he spoke the truth, for life at the Fairham +poor-house had been anything but easy.</p> + +<p>At that moment, the door opened, and a girl rushed in. She looked at +Hal, and then gave a cry of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! What brings you here?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" put in the man.</p> + +<p>"He saved me from getting a beating," said the girl. "Didn't you?"</p> + +<p>Hal turned and looked at the girl. It was the same that Ferris had +attacked at the entrance to the alley.</p> + +<p>He smiled and nodded.</p> + +<p>"It was awful good of you," she went on. "He's a brave man, pop."</p> + +<p>"Who was going to beat you?"</p> + +<p>The girl gave her version of the affair. The man listened attentively, +and then turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>"I'm doubly glad I did you that service," he said. "Katie is my only +girl, and I don't want her abused. May I ask your name?"</p> + +<p>"Hal Carson."</p> + +<p>"Mine is McCabe."</p> + +<p>"McCabe!" cried Hal. "Are you Jack McCabe's father?"</p> + +<p>"I am. Do you know my boy?"</p> + +<p>"Do I? He saved my life only the other night."</p> + +<p>"So it was you he saved?" exclaimed McCabe.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"He told me about it. It seems you have enemies."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And they are the ones who pushed you into the vat?"</p> + +<p>"One of them did, aided by a chum."</p> + +<p>"You have been struck on the head. Here, let me bind it up. I suppose +you are in no hurry to go?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>McCabe brought out a handkerchief and a strip of cloth, and bound up the +wound, which was but a slight one.</p> + +<p>"You ought to have the pair of them arrested," he said.</p> + +<p>"I have my reasons for not doing so," replied Hal. "But you may rest +assured their time will come."</p> + +<p>"They must be villains."</p> + +<p>"They are. But, Mr. McCabe, let me thank you for what you have done."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't say a word!"</p> + +<p>"I shall never forget it. But for you I might at this moment be dead."</p> + +<p>"I only hope you down the rascals, every one of them. Now, I must go and +finish looking after the place. Come along, Katie. We'll be back in +quarter of an hour. You had better take off your shoes and warm your +feet in the oven."</p> + +<p>"Thank you."</p> + +<p>McCabe and his daughter departed. After they were gone, Hal locked the +door and took off part of his clothing, and also did as the man had +advised.</p> + +<p>The roaring fire soon dried the clothing and warmed Hal through and +through. As soon as he heard McCabe's footsteps on the stairs he +rearranged his toilet.</p> + +<p>"Katie says she saw the fellow that wanted to hit her down in the street +just now," said McCabe.</p> + +<p>Hal jumped up.</p> + +<p>"Which way did he go?"</p> + +<p>"Over toward Park Row."</p> + +<p>The youth thought for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Mr. McCabe."</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mr. Carson?"</p> + +<p>"Will you do me a great favor?"</p> + +<p>"Let's hear what it is."</p> + +<p>"Please keep the fact that you saved me a secret."</p> + +<p>"A secret?" cried the old watchman, in considerable astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"I have my reasons for it."</p> + +<p>"The villains that attacked you ought to be punished. They ought to be +in the hands of the police this blessed minute."</p> + +<p>"You are right, ordinarily speaking, but I have work to do before I have +them locked up."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll do as you say."</p> + +<p>"You see, I want to have them believe that I am really done for."</p> + +<p>"I see."</p> + +<p>"If they think that, I can follow them up wherever they go quite +easily."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how. If they see yer——"</p> + +<p>"I will be disguised."</p> + +<p>"Oh! Goin' ter play a kind of detective part, be you?"</p> + +<p>"That is what it amounts to, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"It's a great plan, Mr. Carson. You have a long head on yer shoulders."</p> + +<p>And the old man chuckled.</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Then I can depend or you to——"</p> + +<p>"I won't say a blessed word."</p> + +<p>"And please caution Katie."</p> + +<p>"All right. I will, sir."</p> + +<p>"Thank you."</p> + +<p>"But when you get through I'll expect to learn how you come out," said +McCabe, hastily.</p> + +<p>"You can rest assured that I will let you know the full particulars. And +I am not going to forget what you have done for me, either."</p> + +<p>"Shoo! that's all right. And say——"</p> + +<p>At that moment Katie came flying into the apartment, her tangled hair +floating in all directions.</p> + +<p>"He's downstairs and coming up!" she cried, shrilly.</p> + +<p>"Who?" questioned her father, while Hal stood still in wonder.</p> + +<p>"The tall boy who hit me."</p> + +<p>"Dick Ferris!" muttered Hal under his breath. "What can he want here?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>FOLLOWING ALLEN.</h3> + + +<p>Hal was astonished to learn from Katie McCabe that Dick Ferris was +coming up the tenement stairs.</p> + +<p>"He can't be coming here!" exclaimed the youth.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do if he does?" asked McCabe.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Perhaps I had better hide. He may——"</p> + +<p>At that instant came a knock on the door.</p> + +<p>"It's him!" whispered Katie.</p> + +<p>Andy McCabe, the father, pointed to a closet. Hal tiptoed his way to it, +and motioned for Katie to follow. The door was closed, and then Andy +McCabe answered the summons.</p> + +<p>Ferris stood at the door, his hair disheveled and his lips trembling.</p> + +<p>"May I ask who lives here?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"My name is McCabe."</p> + +<p>"Isn't there a man by the name of Macklin living here?" went on Ferris.</p> + +<p>"Macklin?" repeated McCabe, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Tommy Macklin."</p> + +<p>"Not as I know on. What does he do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I have a letter to deliver to him. So you don't know +where he lives?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"It's too bad. Will you please tell me what time it is?"</p> + +<p>Andy McCabe glanced at the alarm clock that stood on the mantel-shelf.</p> + +<p>"Quarter to six."</p> + +<p>"As late as that!" cried Ferris. "I must hurry and catch him before six. +Only quarter of an hour. Good-day, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good-day."</p> + +<p>In a moment Ferris was gone. McCabe closed the door, and Hal came out of +the closet followed by Katie.</p> + +<p>"What does he mean?" questioned the man.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what it means," said Hal. "He is trying to prove an +alibi, in case a body was found in the vat. He thinks you can remember +he was here looking for Macklin at quarter to six. If that was true, how +could he have helped Macklin at five o'clock?"</p> + +<p>"Well, well! he's a smart villain, so he is!" exclaimed Andy McCabe. "I +wonder what he would have done if you had stepped out of the closet?"</p> + +<p>"I was strongly tempted to do that," laughed Hal. "But now I must be +off, Mr. McCabe. Please keep quiet, as I told you."</p> + +<p>"I will, Mr. Carson. But where be you going?"</p> + +<p>"To follow Ferris. Say, have you an old slouch hat you will exchange for +this cap of mine?"</p> + +<p>"Here is one of Jack's."</p> + +<p>"That will do first-rate."</p> + +<p>Hal put on the hat and drew it down over his brow.</p> + +<p>"Going to turn spy, be you?" remarked Andy McCabe.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, I wish you luck."</p> + +<p>Hal was soon out of the house. Once in the street, he looked up and +down.</p> + +<p>Ferris was not in view, but he soon caught sight of the fellow coming +out of a tenement across the way. He crossed over and followed Ferris +toward Park Row, and then to the boarding house.</p> + +<p>Here Hal heard the youth say something to his aunt about changing his +clothing, and the boy slipped into the house unobserved by anyone, and +did likewise. Ferris then left again, followed by Hal.</p> + +<p>"I suppose he thinks he has laid good ground-work for his alibi," +thought Hal. "Well, let him think so, he will be surprised before long +to learn the truth."</p> + +<p>At Fourteenth Street Dick Ferris turned and walked toward Broadway. Hal +followed close behind, but in the crowd at the corner he lost track of +the fellow he was after.</p> + +<p>He looked this way and that, and into the restaurants, but Ferris had +disappeared.</p> + +<p>What was to do next? It was past supper-time, but Hal was in no humor +for eating.</p> + +<p>Suddenly somebody brushed him rudely. It was a man wearing a heavy cape +coat. Hal glanced at the individual sharply, and was astonished to see +it was Mr. Caleb Allen.</p> + +<p>Allen had not seen Hal, and the boy at once placed himself where he was +not likely to be noticed.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he and Ferris met?" thought Hal. "It isn't likely, but yet +it may be so. The three of them are into this, and so is that fellow +Macklin. I must be careful, and keep my eyes wide open."</p> + +<p>Allen passed up Union Square on the west side, and Hal made it a point +to follow close behind.</p> + +<p>Arriving at Seventeenth Street, Allen turned down toward the North +River. He passed over several blocks, and finally ascended the steps of +a small mansion on the left.</p> + +<p>The front of the mansion was totally dark, but when the door was opened +Hal saw that the interior was brilliantly illuminated.</p> + +<p>As soon as Allen passed in the door was closed, and all became as dark +as before, Hal hesitated, and then ascending the steps, looked for a +door-plate.</p> + +<p>There was the number in bright silver numerals, but nothing was to be +seen of any name.</p> + +<p>"Most of them have a name," he said to himself. "I wonder who lives +here?"</p> + +<p>Hal descended again to the street, and walked on to the end of the +block.</p> + +<p>Here was a small stand with a flaring gasoline torch, at which an old +German was selling apples and other fruit.</p> + +<p>Hal entered into conversation with the proprietor of the stand, and at +length asked if he knew who lived at the place, mentioning the number.</p> + +<p>"Dot blace?" The man gave a low laugh. "I dinks me nopody vos lif dere."</p> + +<p>"Nobody?"</p> + +<p>"Nein."</p> + +<p>"But there must be somebody," urged Hal. "I saw a man go in."</p> + +<p>"Dot's so, too." The German laughed again. "But da don't vos lif dere."</p> + +<p>"Well, what are they doing there, then?"</p> + +<p>The apple man put his long finger up beside his nose.</p> + +<p>"Dot vos a blace ver dere rich fool vos plow in his money; see?"</p> + +<p>"A gambling-place?"</p> + +<p>"Oxactly."</p> + +<p>"Who runs it?"</p> + +<p>"Dot I don't vos know. I dinks me a fellow named Ditson."</p> + +<p>"Do many men go there?"</p> + +<p>"Yah. Somedimes so many as two dozen by von night."</p> + +<p>"And they do nothing there but gamble?"</p> + +<p>The German nodded. "Of you got some money you don't vont to kept dot's +der blace to lose it."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I need all I have," laughed Hal.</p> + +<p>"Den you don't better keep away, ain't it?"</p> + +<p>"I think that would be best."</p> + +<p>"Dake mine vort it vos."</p> + +<p>"Did you see many men go in to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Vot you ask dot for, hey?"</p> + +<p>"I'm looking for a man I know."</p> + +<p>"I seen nine or ten men go in by dere front door. I don't vos know how +many go py der pack."</p> + +<p>"Then there is a back door?"</p> + +<p>"Yah, on der next street."</p> + +<p>"I see. Well, I guess I won't wait for the man."</p> + +<p>Hal walked back slowly, and passed the house. What should he do next? +Would it be worth while to track Allen farther at present?</p> + +<p>Suddenly an idea popped into his mind. Farther up the street he had +passed a costumers' establishment, where everything in the shape of a +make-up for detective or actor was to be had.</p> + +<p>He walked back to the place, and entered it. Back of the counter stood a +young who came up and asked what was wished.</p> + +<p>"Can I get a small, black mustache cheap?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"We have them for twenty-five cents."</p> + +<p>"Will they stay on?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you adjust them properly."</p> + +<p>"Then let me have one."</p> + +<p>The clerk brought forth the false mustache, and helped Hal to put it on. +The youth looked in a mirror at the effect.</p> + +<p>"Changes me completely," he said.</p> + +<p>"It does, sir. Makes you look five years older, too."</p> + +<p>"Here is your money."</p> + +<p>The clerk took Hal's quarter, and the boy walked forth from the place +without taking the trouble to remove the mustache. Once outside he could +not help but laugh.</p> + +<p>"I am certainly going into the detective business, and no mistake," he +thought. "I trust I am successful in what I undertake to do."</p> + +<p>Hal walked back toward the gambling-house, and after some hesitation +ascended the stone steps and rang the bell.</p> + +<p>A negro answered his summons.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Arnold here?" asked the lad, as coolly as he could.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Arnold?" The negro shook his head.</p> + +<p>"But he must be," persisted Hal. "He said he was coming here."</p> + +<p>"Don't t'ink I see him, sah. What kind ob a lookin' gen'men he is?"</p> + +<p>"About medium built, with a dark mustache," replied Hal. "I have +important news for him. He said he was going to try his luck here +to-night."</p> + +<p>"I see, sah. Den you knows dis place, sah."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!"</p> + +<p>"Come in, sah."</p> + +<p>Hal entered, and the door was closed and locked behind him.</p> + +<p>"Now you kin go upstairs an' see if de gen'men am here," said the negro. +"He might be, yo' know, an' I not know his name, sah."</p> + +<p>"All right; I'll take a look around," replied Hal.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>IN A DANGEROUS PLACE.</h3> + + +<p>Hal felt that his situation was a delicate one, and that he must go +slow. Were it discovered that he had entered the den of vice merely for +the purpose of spying, it might go hard with him.</p> + +<p>The negro waved his hand toward the thickly carpeted stairway, and Hal +ascended to the second floor of the mansion.</p> + +<p>He looked behind to see if the negro had followed, but that burly +individual had disappeared.</p> + +<p>The upper hall-way was as dark as below, but from under several doors a +bright light was streaming.</p> + +<p>Hal approached the first one he came to, and, removing his hat, tried +the handle.</p> + +<p>The door came open, and Hal peered into the apartment.</p> + +<p>No one was present, but a young man asleep in an arm-chair, and Hal +stepped inside.</p> + +<p>The room was gorgeously furnished, costly rugs covering the floor, and +heavy curtains hanging over the doors. On the walls were beautiful +paintings, and on a stand to one side of the room rested a remarkable +piece of statuary representing three jolly gamblers at the gaming-table.</p> + +<p>"It must be some sort of a waiting-room," thought Hal. "I wonder who the +fellow asleep in the chair is?"</p> + +<p>He gave a slight cough, and the young man slowly opened his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Did anybody call me?" he asked, in a heavy tone.</p> + +<p>"Where is the playing-room, please?" asked Hal.</p> + +<p>"Eh? playing-room?" repeated the young man. "Go right in the next room."</p> + +<p>He pointed with his finger, and bowing, Hal did as directed.</p> + +<p>The sight that met Hal's eyes as he opened the door filled the youth +with wonder. He had often heard of such places, but he had never dreamed +of them being as they are. He saw a long hall, brilliantly lighted. +Crowded about the table, some standing and some sitting, were young men +and old, all intent on the games that were going on.</p> + +<p>The table was piled with money, which seemed to change hands rapidly, +for the resort was a well-known one among club men.</p> + +<p>"What do you make it?"</p> + +<p>"A twenty, Charley."</p> + +<p>Hal recognized the last voice. It was that of Mr. Caleb Allen!</p> + +<p>The boy looked at the man. There was an excited appearance upon the +broker's features.</p> + +<p>"He looks as if he has been losing," thought Hal. "I wonder how much he +has staked?"</p> + +<p>No one appeared to notice his coming, and he stood just back of the +crowd, taking in everything so far as it concerned Allen.</p> + +<p>The game went on, and Allen lost. Then the broker played once more, and +lost again.</p> + +<p>"A hundred this time," he said.</p> + +<p>The broker played with extreme caution, as indeed did all of the others. +In consequence the game lasted fully quarter of an hour.</p> + +<p>Hal saw by the broker's actions that the game was going against the man, +and he was not surprised, when the play ended, to hear that Allen had +lost.</p> + +<p>Allen turned away from the table. As he did so he came face to face with +Hal. He started back, and gave the youth a keen look.</p> + +<p>"Where have I met that fellow before?" he muttered to himself.</p> + +<p>He had not recognized Hal with the false mustache.</p> + +<p>The game went on, but Allen took no more interest, and soon disappeared +from the room.</p> + +<p>Hal was about to follow, when a tall man stepped up to him, and tapped +him on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"I want to have a talk with you, my friend," he said, in a low tone. +"Come this way, please."</p> + +<p>Somewhat astonished, the youth followed the man into a side apartment.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I want to know what your game is," was the cool response. "You haven't +put up a cent, and that mustache of yours is false. I have an idea you +are a spy."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL MEETS LAURA SUMNER.</h3> + + +<p>Hal was somewhat taken aback by the statement made to him by one of the +proprietors of the resort he had entered, but he quickly recovered.</p> + +<p>"It is true the mustache is false, but it is not true that I am spying +upon you," he said.</p> + +<p>And this was true, for he cared nothing as to what took place in the +resort so long as it did not appertain to Mr. Allen or Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"That's easy enough to say, but how can you prove it?" was the short +reply.</p> + +<p>"Is it necessary to prove it?" returned Hal, just as quickly.</p> + +<p>"Well, the case is just here, we don't want spies around here."</p> + +<p>Hal could not help but smile.</p> + +<p>"Do you know how I learned of this resort?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"One of the dudes who didn't know how to keep his mouth shut told you, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"No. An old apple-stand fellow told me."</p> + +<p>"Is that true?"</p> + +<p>"It is. So if the police wanted to stop you they could easily do so."</p> + +<p>The proprietor muttered something under his breath.</p> + +<p>"Well, you are sure you don't intend to give us away, then?"</p> + +<p>"I do not."</p> + +<p>"What brought you?"</p> + +<p>"Curiosity concerning a fellow who played here."</p> + +<p>"What fellow?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Caleb Allen."</p> + +<p>"What! the man who just left?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Are you spotting him?"</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, but that's my business. He has gone, and with your +permission I will follow him."</p> + +<p>The man looked at Hal for a second in silence.</p> + +<p>"I'll trust you, for you have the right kind of eyes. You are following +Allen for a purpose, but that's none of my affair. When you go just +forget all about this place, unless you want to come in some time and +try a hand."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, I don't gamble," and without another word Hal left the room +and hurried down stairs.</p> + +<p>A hasty look into the various rooms convinced him that Allen had left +the building, and then Hal lost no time in doing likewise.</p> + +<p>What he had seen disgusted him beyond measure.</p> + +<p>"How men can stay up all night and gamble in a place like that I can't +understand," he murmured to himself. "I would rather be in bed and +asleep. And it stands to reason the proprietors have the best of it, +otherwise how could they run such a gorgeous house?"</p> + +<p>Hal was soon on the snow-covered pavement.</p> + +<p>He looked up and down, but Allen was nowhere in sight.</p> + +<p>"It is no use to try to follow him any farther to-night," thought the +youth. "I may as well get home and get some sleep—but, no, I can't do +that. I must find a new boarding house, and go under a different name +for the present. One thing is sure. Mr. Allen can't gamble in that +fashion with what he makes honestly. He and Hardwick are a couple of +deep rogues, and that's all there is to it, and Dick Ferris and that +Macklin are their tools."</p> + +<p>It was now too late to hunt up a regular boarding place, and upon second +thought Hal resolved for the present to put up at one of the cheap +hotels.</p> + +<p>This he did, and slept soundly until morning.</p> + +<p>When he slouched into the office at ten o'clock, still wearing the false +mustache and Jack McCabe's hat, Mr. Sumner did not at first recognize +him.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" he asked, from the book-keeper's desk, where he was +busy instructing the new man in his work.</p> + +<p>"I wish to see you in private, sir," was Hal's reply, and he winked.</p> + +<p>For a second Mr. Sumner was puzzled. Then he smiled and led the way to +his private office.</p> + +<p>"Hal, I hardly knew you!" he burst out, the instant the door was closed.</p> + +<p>"I hardly know myself, Mr. Sumner," was the youth's reply.</p> + +<p>"The mustache is almost a complete disguise."</p> + +<p>"I have news for you. Mr. Allen was not in Philadelphia yesterday."</p> + +<p>"No? Where, then?"</p> + +<p>"He spent a great part of the time in the evening in a gambling-house +uptown."</p> + +<p>"You are certain?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I followed him into the place and watched him play."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Did he win?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, he lost heavily."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner gave something like a groan.</p> + +<p>"I am being deceived on all sides," he said. "If a man is a gambler he +is often something worse. How about Hardwick?"</p> + +<p>"I have reason to believe he went home last night. He gave a note to +Dick Ferris and I followed Ferris. It nearly cost me my life."</p> + +<p>And Hal related the particulars. Horace Sumner listened with keen +interest. When he learned how Hal had been struck down, and afterward +found himself in the icy vat, he shuddered.</p> + +<p>"That will never do," he cried. "Hal, you must give up running such +risks. I would not have you lose your life for all the bonds in New +York. We will call in one of the regular detectives and——"</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. Sumner, I started on my theory and I wish to finish the work. I +did not know how desperate the men were with whom I have to deal, but in +the future I shall be prepared for them. And I wish to ask a favor."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Will you advance me a little money? I may need it in traveling around, +and my disguises may cost——"</p> + +<p>"You shall have what you please, Hal. You are the only one I have in the +office to depend on, and you are doing a remarkable work for one so +young."</p> + +<p>"If you will let me have, say ten or fifteen dollars——"</p> + +<p>"Here are fifty," returned Mr. Sumner, handing over five crisp +ten-dollar bills. "When you need more let me know."</p> + +<p>"But—but I won't want this much!" gasped Hal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you will, if you are determined to go ahead. Don't let dollars +stand in the way. Why, I have already spent one hundred and fifty +dollars on the detectives, and they have done absolutely nothing."</p> + +<p>Without another word Hal pocketed the bills. As he did so there was a +knock on the door, then it was flung open and a girl rushed in.</p> + +<p>She was apparently a year or two younger than Hal, and had blue eyes, +light hair, and a remarkably pretty face. She rushed up to Mr. Sumner +and kissed him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, why didn't you tell me?" she burst out, with something like a +sob in her voice.</p> + +<p>"Tell you what, pet?" asked Mr. Sumner with a shadow on his face.</p> + +<p>"About all those bonds being gone. Lucy Cavaler mentioned it to me this +morning when I called on her to go shopping. Have you got them back?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet, pet."</p> + +<p>"And who stole them?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. This young man and I have just been trying to find out."</p> + +<p>The girl turned to Hal, who took off his hat, bowed, and then blushed +furiously.</p> + +<p>"This is Mr. Hal Carson, one of my employees," went on Mr. Sumner. "Hal, +this is my daughter, Laura."</p> + +<p>Laura Sumner extended her hand, and Hal took it. Their eyes met, and +from that instant the two were friends.</p> + +<p>"You are trying to help papa find the stolen bonds?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss Sumner."</p> + +<p>"He has done some excellent work on the case," said Mr. Sumner. "He is +disguised now, as you can see," he added, with a faint smile, which made +poor Hal blush again.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I trust you get the bonds back for papa," cried Laura. "If you do, +I'll be friends with you for life."</p> + +<p>"It's a whack—I mean a bargain," returned Hal, and then both laughed.</p> + +<p>"But you haven't told me why you did not mention the matter to me, +papa," went on Laura, turning to Horace Sumner.</p> + +<p>"I did not wish to worry you, pet. Since your mother died you have had +enough on your shoulders running the household."</p> + +<p>"And haven't you had more than your share, papa, with troubles in the +office, and trying to find a trace of baby Howard?"</p> + +<p>"I have given up all hopes of ever learning of the fate of my little +boy," sighed Mr. Sumner, and as he spoke a tear stole down his cheek, +which he hastily brushed away.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL'S BOLD SCHEME.</h3> + + +<p>Hal could not help but feel a keen interest in the conversation between +Mr. Sumner and his daughter. Evidently there was some deep family sorrow +behind the words that had been uttered.</p> + +<p>He stood respectfully by until Laura turned to him suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, but I suppose I interrupted you when I came in."</p> + +<p>"No, I had about finished," replied Hal. "You have no further +instructions?" he continued, turning to Mr. Sumner.</p> + +<p>"No, save that you must keep from trouble, Hal."</p> + +<p>"I will keep my eyes open, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then that is all."</p> + +<p>"For the present, you will get along without me in the office, I hope."</p> + +<p>"Yes. The new book-keeper is a very rapid man, and we shall not attempt +to do anything more until Mr. Allen and I dissolve partnership."</p> + +<p>"Then I will go. Good-day, Miss Sumner," and with a deep bow Hal +withdrew.</p> + +<p>"What a nice young man!" murmured Laura, as the outer door closed.</p> + +<p>"He is little more than a boy, pet," said her father. "That mustache he +wears is a false one."</p> + +<p>"Why, papa?"</p> + +<p>"He is playing a part. He is a very smart young man."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it. Where did you meet him?"</p> + +<p>"It was he who saved my life the night I told you of."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! That was grand of him. But, papa," Laura's voice grew serious, +"these missing bonds—are they going—going to ruin you?"</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner turned away.</p> + +<p>"If they are not recovered, yes," he answered, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"My poor papa!"</p> + +<p>"They are worth seventy-nine thousand dollars, and that, coupled with +some bad investments made through Allen, will send me to the wall."</p> + +<p>"Can nothing be done to get the bonds back?"</p> + +<p>"I am doing everything I can. Besides Carson, there are two regular +detectives from the department on the case, and a private man from the +agency."</p> + +<p>"Then all together ought to bring in a good result."</p> + +<p>"We will hope for the best, Laura," said the old broker, bravely.</p> + +<p>"If you do not recover the bonds, cannot you get outside help to tide +over the crisis?"</p> + +<p>"I could have done so years ago. But I find that I made a big mistake in +going into partnership with Caleb Allen. While many are willing to help +me individually, they do not trust Allen, and therefore will not now +assist me."</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Allen, then, such a bad man?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know how bad he is. He is in with Hardwick, so Carson says, and +Hardwick is a villain."</p> + +<p>At the mention of the ex-book-keeper's name, Laura drew herself up.</p> + +<p>"I never liked him, papa, and I am glad to find that you have discovered +his true character."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner looked in surprise at his daughter.</p> + +<p>"Why, pet, I do not understand you."</p> + +<p>"Then let me tell you something. For the past two months Mr. Hardwick +has been paying his addresses to me, and—"</p> + +<p>"Laura!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's so. I did not mention it to you, because I did not wish to +humiliate him. I told him there was no hope for him, and asked him to +drop the matter."</p> + +<p>"And has the villain done so?"</p> + +<p>"Partly, but he frequently follows me about when he gets the chance, and +I do not like it."</p> + +<p>"If he does so in the future I'll cowhide him," cried Horace Sumner. +"But I have discovered his true character, and sent him off, and in the +future I imagine he will not dare approach you."</p> + +<p>"If he does not, I will be thankful, papa."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner passed his hand over his brow, and heaved a deep sigh.</p> + +<p>"Everything seems to go wrong of late years," he said. "The +disappearance of little Howard has undermined my whole prosperity."</p> + +<p>"And you have given up looking for him?" questioned Laura.</p> + +<p>"Yes. What is the use? I have had detectives on the case for years, and +it has cost me thousands of dollars."</p> + +<p>"And they have learned nothing?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing further than that a man took the child to Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"They could not trace him in that city?"</p> + +<p>"No. The half-decomposed body of a man was found, a month later, in the +Schuylkill River, and the detectives thought it must be his remains."</p> + +<p>"But there was no child with him?"</p> + +<p>"No, nor had the police seen anything of the little one."</p> + +<p>"Howard must be dead," said Laura, softly, and her blue eyes filled with +tears.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid so," returned the father; and then the subject changed.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Hal had left the outer office and hurried up Nassau Street in +the direction of Park Row. On a previous visit to this vicinity he had +noticed a first-class costumer's establishment, where everything in the +shape of a disguise could be bought.</p> + +<p>At the door he hesitated for a moment, and then entered with a brisk +step.</p> + +<p>A fat, pleasant-looking man came to wait on him.</p> + +<p>"I wish to obtain a perfect disguise," Hal explained. "Something for my +face, besides some clothing."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. What sort of a character?"</p> + +<p>"A young business man."</p> + +<p>"Please step this way."</p> + +<p>Hal stepped to the rear of the establishment. Here fully half an hour +was spent in selecting this thing and that, and trying the effect before +the mirror.</p> + +<p>At last the business was finished, and Hal came forth looking for all +the world like a spruce clerk of twenty or twenty-two. He wore a silken +mustache and small mutton-chop whiskers, and the color of his skin was +several shades paler than was natural.</p> + +<p>The cheap suit and overcoat he had worn were cast aside, and a nobby +check outfit took their place.</p> + +<p>"Gracious! I hardly know myself!" he murmured. "This ought to deceive +almost anybody."</p> + +<p>Hal had only rented the things. He was to pay two dollars a day for +them, besides leaving a deposit of forty dollars for their safe return.</p> + +<p>When this transaction was finished the youth visited a hardware store, +and there bought a pistol and some cartridges.</p> + +<p>"Now, I imagine I am ready for them," he said to himself. "Although I +sincerely hope I will not have occasion to draw the pistol."</p> + +<p>Once out on the sidewalk Hal did not know exactly how to proceed. He was +about to take an elevated train to Allen's house uptown, when looking +toward the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, he caught sight of Dick +Ferris standing at the foot of the elevated railroad stairs, smoking his +usual cigarette.</p> + +<p>Hal approached him, and then passed by. Ferris looked at him, but not +the faintest gleam of recognition passed over his features.</p> + +<p>"He is deceived, at any rate," thought Hal. "I wonder if he is waiting +for somebody, or merely hanging around? I think I will remain for a +while and find out."</p> + +<p>Hal crossed Park Row, and took up a stand by the railing to City Hall +Park. A gang of men were clearing off the snow, and the street-cars and +wagons were running in all directions, making the scene a lively one.</p> + +<p>Presently an elevated train rolled in at the station, and in a moment a +stream of people came down the stairs on both sides of the street.</p> + +<p>Hal saw Ferris straighten up, and keep his eyes on the crowd.</p> + +<p>"That settles it; he is looking for somebody," was Hal's mental +conclusion. "Now, I'll wait and see if it isn't Hardwick."</p> + +<p>The crowd passed by. Ferris had met no one, and he resumed his old +stand, and puffed away as before.</p> + +<p>Presently another train rolled in. Again Ferris watched out. In a moment +he had halted a man wrapped up in an immense ulster, and with his hat +pulled far down over his eyes.</p> + +<p>Hal once more crossed the street. He passed Ferris, and saw that the man +the tall boy had stopped was Caleb Allen.</p> + +<p>Hal was surprised at this. He was under the impression that Allen used +the Sixth Avenue elevated to come down from his home. Had the broker +spent the night away from home, instead of going to that place after +leaving the gambling den?</p> + +<p>Standing not over fifteen feet away, Hal saw Ferris talk earnestly to +Allen for fully five minutes. Then the broker put his hand in his vest +pocket, and passed over several bank bills. This was followed by a small +package from his overcoat pocket, which the tall boy quickly placed in +his breast.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what that package contains?" mused Hal, as the two separated.</p> + +<p>Allen continued on the way downtown, calling a cab for that purpose. Hal +felt certain the broker was going to the office, so there was no use of +following him for the present.</p> + +<p>He turned to Ferris and saw the tall youth stride up Park Row, and then +turn into a side street.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible he is going to see Macklin again?" was Hal's comment.</p> + +<p>Such seemed to be Ferris' purpose, and it left Hal in perplexity as to +whether he should follow or not.</p> + +<p>Then he thought of his mission, and a bold plan came into his mind.</p> + +<p>"I will follow," he said to himself. "The only way to get at the bottom +of the tin box mystery is to learn of all the plans this band of +evil-doers form."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>HAL IN A NEW ROLE.</h3> + + +<p>Instead of continuing toward the East River, Dick Ferris soon turned +northward and presently reached Grand Street.</p> + +<p>This neighborhood was entirely new to Hal, and he was at once satisfied +that the tall boy was not going to pay a visit to Tommy Macklin.</p> + +<p>Passing down Grand Street, Ferris presently came to a tall, white +building, with a large open hall-way, the entrance to which was covered +on either side with signs.</p> + +<p>Entering the hall-way, Ferris mounted the stairs to the third floor, and +then passed to a small office in the rear.</p> + +<p>Hal was not far behind, and he had no difficulty in locating the +apartment Ferris entered.</p> + +<p>The upper part of the office door contained a ground-glass panel, upon +which was painted in black letters:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">ROBERT E. HAMILTON,<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Fine Law and Blank Printing</span>.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>For a second Hal studied how to get into the place, but soon an idea +struck him, and he lost no time in entering.</p> + +<p>He saw Ferris in earnest conversation at a small counter, which ran +across the office, which was narrow but quite deep. Hal edged up and +listened to what passed between the tall youth and a man in charge.</p> + +<p>Ferris had a number of slips in his hand, and these the proprietor was +examining with great care.</p> + +<p>"You wish all of them duplicated?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Dick Ferris.</p> + +<p>"It's a nice piece of work."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it is, but the firm is willing to pay for it."</p> + +<p>"Who are the blanks for?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Albert Schwartz. But I am to call for them."</p> + +<p>"I do not know the gentleman."</p> + +<p>"I will leave a deposit on the work," replied Ferris, promptly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right! And how many of each of these blanks do you want?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty of each."</p> + +<p>"What! No more?"</p> + +<p>"No. Next year we are going to have an entirely new set. If you do these +right, Mr. Schwartz says he may give you the new work."</p> + +<p>"I'll do them in the best style. How soon do you want them?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as possible. We are in a great hurry for them."</p> + +<p>"In two days do?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!"</p> + +<p>"Very well. They will cost thirty-six dollars."</p> + +<p>"As much as that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I will have to take my workmen from another job, and we always +charge a little more for a rush."</p> + +<p>"How much of a deposit shall I leave?"</p> + +<p>"Five dollars will do."</p> + +<p>"Then here you are."</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris pulled a five-dollar bill from his pocket, and, after +receiving his receipt, walked out of the office.</p> + +<p>He glanced at Hal as he passed, but our hero's back was turned to him, +and Hal seemed to be interested in some prints which hung upon the wall.</p> + +<p>"Now, sir, what can I do for you?" questioned the proprietor, turning to +Hal.</p> + +<p>He left the slips Ferris had brought lying upon the counter.</p> + +<p>"I would like to know how much you charge for printing wedding +invitations," replied Hal, approaching the counter where the slips lay.</p> + +<p>"Wedding invitations, eh?" The proprietor smiled. "Here is a young man +about to get married," he thought. "By his looks, I think, he wants +something rather nice."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"With an engraved plate, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>"I'll show you our book of specimens."</p> + +<p>The man turned away to where a number of books were lying upon a side +desk. As he did so, Hal carelessly picked up the slips Ferris had left +and examined them.</p> + +<p>He could make nothing of them, excepting that one had the words: "Bonds +of the Second Class, receivable," printed across its face, and another, +"Sumner, Allen & Co. Transfer Slip of Limited Calls, December."</p> + +<p>"Here you are," said the man, coming up with one of the books, and he +gathered up the slips and put them away with a memorandum.</p> + +<p>Hal looked over the book, and noted down the prices of several styles of +invitations.</p> + +<p>"I do not want to order," he said. "I merely wanted the prices."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Glad to see you at any time," returned the man.</p> + +<p>Once down in the street again, Hal looked up and down, but could see +nothing of Ferris.</p> + +<p>But when the youth reached Grand Street he beheld Ferris making for +downtown as rapidly as his long legs would carry him.</p> + +<p>"I suppose he is going to stand outside and meet Mr. Allen when he comes +out," thought Hal. "I will follow him, and see what turns up next."</p> + +<p>Dick Ferris walked up Grand Street until he came to Broadway. Here he +stood upon the corner, and presently waved his hand toward a passing +horse-car.</p> + +<p>Immediately a man descended from the car, and came toward the tall +youth. It was Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! This can't be a chance meeting," said Hal to himself. "No wonder +Ferris hurried to the corner. He almost missed his man."</p> + +<p>As Hardwick stepped from the street to the sidewalk, he glanced toward +where Hal was standing, gazing into a shop window. Then he turned to +Ferris, and the two began an earnest conversation.</p> + +<p>Hal passed the pair, but did not catch a word of what was said. Nor did +the young watcher notice Dick Ferris' quick, nervous look in his +direction.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later, Hardwick and Ferris walked back down Grand Street. +Reaching Chrystie, they turned into it, and walked along several blocks +until they came to a narrow alley leading to a lumber-yard.</p> + +<p>Both passed into the lumber-yard and out of Hal's sight. Wondering what +had become of them, the boy passed the place.</p> + +<p>No one was in sight.</p> + +<p>"That's queer. I wonder if they entered that building in the rear?"</p> + +<p>For fully ten minutes Hal hung around, but neither Hardwick nor Ferris +put in an appearance.</p> + +<p>A wagon was leading up on one side of the yard, but presently this drove +off, and then all became quiet.</p> + +<p>Watching his chance, when he thought no one was observing him, Hal +entered the gate of the lumber-yard and hurried down to the building in +the rear.</p> + +<p>There was a window beside the door to the place, and Hal gazed inside.</p> + +<p>An elderly man was present. He was seated beside a hot stove, toasting +his shins and reading a morning paper.</p> + +<p>"They didn't enter the office, that's certain," said Hal to himself. +"Now, where did they go?"</p> + +<p>Suddenly he stopped short. Was it possible that Hardwick and Ferris had +discovered that they were being followed, and had slipped through the +lumber-yard merely to throw him off the scent?</p> + +<p>"It certainly looks like it," thought Hal. "I'll sneak around the back +way, and see what I can discover."</p> + +<p>Back of the office were great piles of lumber, all thickly covered with +snow. Among them could plainly be seen the footsteps of two people. The +marks were fresh, and led along the back fence and then to the right.</p> + +<p>Hal followed the marks among the piles of lumber until he came to a spot +where all became mixed, as if some one had retraced his steps.</p> + +<p>As he paused, examining the tracks, he heard a noise behind him, and, +turning, he found himself confronted by Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"I want to know what you are following me about for?" demanded the man, +savagely.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>HAL'S ESCAPE FROM HARDWICK.</h3> + + +<p>Hal could not help but shrink back as Hardwick advanced.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear what I said?" demanded the man, after a second of silence.</p> + +<p>"I did," replied Hal, in a disguised voice. He did not know whether or +not Hardwick had discovered his real identity, and he intended to run no +risk in the matter.</p> + +<p>"Then answer me."</p> + +<p>"Supposing I refuse to do so?"</p> + +<p>"It won't help you," fumed Hardwick. "I know perfectly well who you +are."</p> + +<p>"You do?" cried Hal, and he was taken aback by the ex-book-keeper's +words.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. You are one of those mighty smart detectives old Sumner has +employed to shadow me."</p> + +<p>Hal could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. His identity was still +a secret.</p> + +<p>"Ain't I right?" went on Hardwick, seeing the youth did not reply.</p> + +<p>"I decline to answer," replied Hal, firmly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you do?" sneered Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"I do."</p> + +<p>"Then you understand I've got you in a corner."</p> + +<p>"I understand nothing of the sort."</p> + +<p>"Supposing I should pull out my pistol?"</p> + +<p>"You won't dare to do so."</p> + +<p>"And pray why? How do I know but what you are not a footpad?" cried +Hardwick, getting angry at Hal's apparent coolness.</p> + +<p>"Because a shot might bring others to the spot," said the youth, +bravely.</p> + +<p>"No one is around."</p> + +<p>"You forget that in New York detectives often travel in pairs."</p> + +<p>It was a random remark, but it told. Hardwick turned pale, and shifted +uneasily.</p> + +<p>"You're a cool customer," he said, eyeing Hal sharply.</p> + +<p>"Detectives have to be cool."</p> + +<p>"You won't gain anything by following me."</p> + +<p>"I haven't said that I was following you."</p> + +<p>"But you have admitted that you are a detective, and that amounts to the +same thing."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it does and perhaps it doesn't."</p> + +<p>As Hal spoke, he looked around for Dick Ferris. The tall youth was +nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>"What are you looking for?"</p> + +<p>"That's my business."</p> + +<p>"Come, don't get cheeky."</p> + +<p>"Then don't question me."</p> + +<p>Hardwick's eyes flashed fire. A dark look of hatred came into his face, +and he made a spring forward.</p> + +<p>"I'll teach you a lesson," he hissed.</p> + +<p>"Stand back!" cried Hal. "Stand back, or take the consequence!"</p> + +<p>Hardly had Hal spoken the words when a sudden shadow caused him to +glance upward.</p> + +<p>It was well that he did so.</p> + +<p>On a large pile of lumber stood Dick Ferris, and in his hands he held a +heavy beam, which he was just on the point of letting fall upon Hal's +head.</p> + +<p>The boy had barely time enough to spring to one side when with a boom +the beam came down and buried itself in the snow.</p> + +<p>"You mean coward!" cried the youth. "Wait till I catch you!"</p> + +<p>He made a dash to the side of the pile, which was arranged like steps, +intending to mount to where Ferris stood.</p> + +<p>As he did so, Hardwick shouted something to the tall boy, and then +leaped the fence of the lumber-yard, and ran out on the side street.</p> + +<p>Ferris could not see Hal now, but he understood what Hardwick said, and +as Hal mounted to the top of the pile the tall boy got down and let +himself drop off the edge.</p> + +<p>He landed in the deep snow, and was not hurt in the least. Before Hal +could discover his flight, he was over the fence and on his way to join +Hardwick.</p> + +<p>It took Hal but a minute to learn of the direction the two escaping +evil-doers had taken, and then he made after them with all possible +speed.</p> + +<p>But the pursuit was a useless one, and at the end of several blocks Hal +gave it up, and dropped into a walk.</p> + +<p>What was best to do next? Hal revolved the question in his mind a number +of times, and then, without wasting time, made his way back to the +costumer's establishment.</p> + +<p>"I wish my disguise changed," he said.</p> + +<p>"What, already?" said the proprietor, in astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Yes, something has happened since I was here, and now I wish you to fix +me up differently."</p> + +<p>"But the same sort of a character?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then supposing I give you a different colored mustache and a beard for +those side whiskers?"</p> + +<p>"That will do, if you will also change this suit and overcoat."</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>The exchange was quickly made, and, looking like an entirely different +person, Hal left the costumer's and hurried down to Wall Street.</p> + +<p>Making sure that no one but the new book-keeper and Mr. Sumner were +about the place, he entered.</p> + +<p>"That's a splendid disguise," said the old broker, when the two were +alone.</p> + +<p>"It's the second I've had to-day," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"The second?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Since I saw you last I've had quite a few adventures."</p> + +<p>"Of what nature, Hal? I trust you had no more trouble?"</p> + +<p>"It didn't amount to much."</p> + +<p>And, sitting down, Hal related all that had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Dick Ferris must be a very wicked boy," remarked the broker, when Hal +had finished. "But about these slips that he is going to have printed. +Are you positive Mr. Allen gave them to him?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. But I think he did. He gave Ferris something and some money, +and Ferris lost no time in getting to the printing establishment."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" Mr. Sumner mused for a moment. "I can hardly believe it, even +though the evidence seems plain enough."</p> + +<p>"What are the slips?" asked Hal, with considerable curiosity.</p> + +<p>"They are of the kind which we use in our daily business. Since Mr. +Allen and myself agreed to end our limited partnership, I have kept the +regular slips in my safe. Formerly they were in Hardwick's charge, where +both of us could have easy access to them, but now—well, to be plain, I +allow no business to be conducted unless under my supervision."</p> + +<p>"And that is right, Mr. Sumner."</p> + +<p>"Now, if Mr. Allen is really having these extra slips printed, it would +seem as if he—he——"</p> + +<p>"Intended to make use of them without consulting you," finished Hal, +bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"He is none too good for that, sir. But wasn't he here this morning?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. We had a very stormy interview. He is angry because I discharged +Hardwick, and would not believe me when I said Hardwick was a +defaulter."</p> + +<p>"That's part of his plan."</p> + +<p>"You may be right, Hal. You are a wonderful boy. As I was saying, we had +a stormy interview, and I doubt if he spends a great deal of time here +during the remaining days of our partnership."</p> + +<p>"The partnership ends on New Year's day, doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>"That was the day set, but by mutual agreement we have made the date the +twentieth of December."</p> + +<p>"Why, that is day after to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"The day the slips are to be finished."</p> + +<p>"So it is."</p> + +<p>"No wonder Ferris wished them as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner arose, and walked up and down the office.</p> + +<p>"If there is to be any crooked work in the matter of the slips, I will +take good care to head it off. I might be swindled out of thousands of +dollars in that way."</p> + +<p>"You will look over the genuine slips, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"I will, in the presence of the new book-keeper and another witness. +There shall be no under-handed work in the matter. I believe you are +altogether right, Hal. I have been surrounded by villains, and they +would pluck me to the end if I but gave them the chance."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>HAL OBTAINS ANOTHER SITUATION.</h3> + + +<p>For a moment there was silence, and then Horace Sumner stopped short +before Hal.</p> + +<p>"There is another matter I might mention," he said. "Caleb Allen is +going, or rather, has gone, into business for himself."</p> + +<p>"What kind of business?" asked the youth, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"A brokerage and loan office."</p> + +<p>"Near here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, right around the corner of Broad Street, not five minutes, walk. +He hired the place from the first, and I understand he and another man +are already doing business there."</p> + +<p>"Who is the other man?"</p> + +<p>"A fellow named Parsons."</p> + +<p>"Has he a good reputation?"</p> + +<p>"Far from it. He was arrested for forgery five years ago, but his +friends hushed the matter up."</p> + +<p>"Have you the number of the place?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, here it is. What do you intend to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I'll take a look at the place. That will do no harm. +Perhaps Hardwick will call on Mr. Allen."</p> + +<p>After a few words more Hal left the private office, and passed out on +Wall Street.</p> + +<p>He soon turned the corner into Broad Street, the second great money +center of New York, and presently came to the building in which was +situated the offices now occupied by the firm of Allen & Parsons.</p> + +<p>The offices were down three steps, and as Hal passed on the pavement +above, a small sign pasted in the corner of the window attracted his +attention:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Young Man Wanted. Rapid Writer</span>.</p></div> + +<p>Stopping short, Hal descended the steps, and peered into the window. A +middle-aged man stood at the front desk, smoking a cigar and writing.</p> + +<p>"That must be either Mr. Parsons or a book-keeper," thought Hal.</p> + +<p>Then a sudden determination sprang up in his mind. Without a second +thought he entered the office and walked up to the desk.</p> + +<p>The man looked up, and laid down his cigar.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, what is it?" he asked, in a pleasant voice.</p> + +<p>"Is this one of the proprietors?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am Mr. Parsons."</p> + +<p>"I see you want a young man, sir."</p> + +<p>"We do." Most of the pleasantness vanished, and a sharp look came to the +man's face. "You are looking for a situation?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Are you a good writer?"</p> + +<p>"I will show you my hand, sir?"</p> + +<p>"All right. Here is paper and ink. Write a sheetful as rapidly as you +can do so in good style."</p> + +<p>Hal took up the pen. He was really a rapid writer, and in five minutes +the job was done. Parsons looked at the work.</p> + +<p>"That might do. Have you any recommendations?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I am a stranger in New York."</p> + +<p>"Ah, a stranger." A certain pleased look came into the broker's eyes. +"What's your idea of salary?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly know. I must support myself."</p> + +<p>"All alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Parsons appeared better pleased than ever.</p> + +<p>"Just the kind of a fellow Allen and I want," he muttered to himself.</p> + +<p>"I will give you a trial on seven dollars a week, and, if you suit, I +will raise you to eight."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>"What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Frank Hallen," replied Hal, using the cognomen of one of his poor-house +associates.</p> + +<p>"Very well, Hallen. Are you ready to go to work at once?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then come inside."</p> + +<p>Hal walked behind the railing, and Parsons showed him where to place his +coat and hat.</p> + +<p>"Here is a copy of a letter I wish duplicated ten times. You can go to +work at this second desk. At one o'clock you can take half an hour for +lunch."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Hal gathered his material about him, and went to work as if his very +life depended on it.</p> + +<p>"He seems to be an awfully shrewd man," he thought, meaning Parsons. "I +wonder what he would say if he knew I had taken the job merely as a +blind?"</p> + +<p>He could not help but smile to himself, and Parsons saw the smile, but +misinterpreted it.</p> + +<p>"He feels good over dropping into a situation, I suppose," he muttered. +"Well, if he's a stranger in New York and alone, he is probably just the +fellow for Allen's work. It won't do to have a chap around who is too +well acquainted."</p> + +<p>Hal had made four copies of the letter when the front door opened, and +Caleb Allen entered.</p> + +<p>The broker looked rather surprised when he saw Hal, but he did not +recognize the youth, and Hal drew a deep sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>"Got a clerk, eh?" said Allen, to his new partner.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Parsons. "Hallen, this is Mr. Allen, your other +employer."</p> + +<p>Hal bowed. Then Allen turned to an office in the rear, and Parsons +immediately followed him.</p> + +<p>The door, which was partly of ground glass, was tightly closed.</p> + +<p>Hal waited for an instant, and then, leaving the desk, tiptoed his way +to the rear.</p> + +<p>By listening intently, he could just catch what was said.</p> + +<p>"You say he is a stranger in New York?" were the first words he heard, +coming from Allen.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Humph! He will have a job finding his way around, I'm thinking."</p> + +<p>"He looks bright enough. I thought it would be better than to hire +somebody who knew too much about financial matters here," returned +Parsons.</p> + +<p>"That's so!" cried Allen. "A good idea. Has Samuels called yet?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"He ought to be here by this time."</p> + +<p>"Samuels is always slow. But tell me, how did you make out over at the +old place?"</p> + +<p>"We had a deuce of a racket," exclaimed Allen, savagely. "Since Hardwick +was found out Sumner has watched me like a cat."</p> + +<p>"Of course, you didn't give him any satisfaction."</p> + +<p>"Not much! But I can tell you I had to talk mighty smooth to keep things +down."</p> + +<p>"How about dissolving?"</p> + +<p>"The affair comes off on the twentieth."</p> + +<p>"What! Can you get ready by that time?"</p> + +<p>"Luckily, yes."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to do as I suggested about those slips?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I was just after the boy who ordered them for me, and he says they +are to be done in two days, sure. It won't take an hour to fix them up +after I get them."</p> + +<p>"Nothing like being a slick penman, Caleb."</p> + +<p>And Parsons chuckled.</p> + +<p>"Hush! That new man might hear you."</p> + +<p>"That's so. But I fancy he's rather green, in spite of the fact that he +wants to appear like a New Yorker."</p> + +<p>"If he's green, so much the better. Now, about this business with +Samuels. Do you think he can be trusted?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I know Samuels thoroughly, and, besides, I have a hold on him."</p> + +<p>"A good hold?"</p> + +<p>"I could send him to prison if I wished."</p> + +<p>"And he will undertake to work off the bonds in Chicago?"</p> + +<p>"I believe so. But he wants big pay."</p> + +<p>"How much?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty per cent."</p> + +<p>"Twenty per cent.!" cried Allen. "Is he crazy?"</p> + +<p>"He says he will run a big risk."</p> + +<p>"Any more than Hardwick and I ran in obtaining them?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. Perhaps you can make him come down."</p> + +<p>"I certainly shall. Hardwick hasn't shown up, has he?"</p> + +<p>"No. Do you expect him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Is it prudent? Old Sumner may have his detectives around."</p> + +<p>"I thought of that, and wrote to Hardwick about it. Hereafter he will +disguise himself, and——"</p> + +<p>Hal heard no more. The front door opened, and a stranger hurried in.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL PLAYS A DARING PART.</h3> + + +<p>Hal lost no time in confronting the new-comer.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Parsons in?" asked the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Tell him Mr. Samuels is here."</p> + +<p>"I will, sir."</p> + +<p>Hal walked back, and knocked on the rear office door.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said Allen.</p> + +<p>"A Mr. Samuels to see Mr. Parsons," said the youth.</p> + +<p>"Show him in."</p> + +<p>Mr. Samuels was conducted to the rear office, and once more the door was +tightly closed.</p> + +<p>Hal was slightly disturbed. Had the new-comer caught him listening in +the back, or had he taken no notice?</p> + +<p>The only way to learn was to remain where he had been before, and this +the youth did.</p> + +<p>"Well, Samuels, on hand I see," said Parsons. "Mr. Allen just came in."</p> + +<p>"Then we can come to business without delay," replied Samuels.</p> + +<p>He was a small-faced Jew, with eyes that appeared to be more than half +closed. As he spoke, he drew up a chair close to where the other two +were sitting.</p> + +<p>"Say," he went on. "Who is the young fellow outside?"</p> + +<p>"Our new clerk."</p> + +<p>"Can you trust him?"</p> + +<p>"I think so. Why?"</p> + +<p>"He might overhear what was said."</p> + +<p>"He won't if you don't talk too loud."</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>"Hold on," put in Allen. "Parsons, send him off to mail some letters."</p> + +<p>The junior partner at once walked outside, and, taking up a bunch of +letters, handed them to Hal.</p> + +<p>"Mail these," he said. "And then you can go to lunch."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Hal at once put on his overcoat and hat, and walked out with the +letters. He wished he could have remained in the office, for he felt +certain the conversation about to ensue would be a most important one.</p> + +<p>He dropped the letters into the nearest box, and then stood undecided +what to do next.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Allen has those bonds, that's certain," he said to himself. "I +wonder if it would do any good to notify the police?"</p> + +<p>But this plan did not appear to be just the right one. If arrested, +Allen would, of course, deny any knowledge of the stolen property and +all the proof Hal had was his own word, and that might not go very far +in a court of law.</p> + +<p>"No, the only thing to do is to find those bonds and get them back +myself," he muttered. "Perhaps Allen only has part of them, and Hardwick +the other part. Besides, I have not yet learned what Macklin and Ferris +have to do with the case."</p> + +<p>He knew there was a window in the back of the rear office; this was +tightly closed, so it would be of no use to attempt to hear anything +from that direction.</p> + +<p>At last Hal took his stand opposite the entrance to the office. He had +hardly done so when Parsons and Samuels came out, and hurried up the +street at the top of their walking powers.</p> + +<p>"Something is up," thought Hal. "Shall I follow them, or remain behind +with Allen?"</p> + +<p>He knew if he wished to keep his place as clerk, he ought to go back +soon. He hesitated, and then decided to remain. So, procuring a sandwich +and an apple, he munched them down, and then walked in.</p> + +<p>Caleb Allen looked at him darkly as he entered, but said nothing, and, +hanging up his coat and hat, Hal resumed the copying of the letter.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, a tall man came in. He was well dressed, and wore a +heavy black mustache and beard.</p> + +<p>He glanced at Hal, and then walked over to where Allen sat at a desk, +writing a letter.</p> + +<p>"I want to see you in private," he said, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>The voice of the stranger sounded strangely familiar to Hal. Where had +he heard it before?</p> + +<p>Allen looked perplexed for an instant, and then seemed to comprehend the +situation. He at once led the way to the office in the rear. The +stranger entered, and the door was once more tightly closed.</p> + +<p>Our young hero at once left off writing, and tiptoed his way back. An +idea had struck him concerning the stranger's identity, and the first +words from behind the thin partition proved that he was correct.</p> + +<p>"So you have donned the disguise, Hardwick," were Allen's words.</p> + +<p>"Yes, deuce take the luck, I was forced to do it."</p> + +<p>"You got my letter advising it?"</p> + +<p>"I did. But that wasn't what brought me to it. I was followed by one of +old Sumner's detectives."</p> + +<p>"Ha! Did he discover anything?"</p> + +<p>"Not from me. But I'm afraid he did in another direction."</p> + +<p>Allen turned pale, and shifted uneasily.</p> + +<p>"What way?" he exclaimed, hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"I am pretty well satisfied the same fellow followed Ferris to the +establishment where you are having those bogus bills printed."</p> + +<p>"And what did he learn?"</p> + +<p>"I am not sure he really followed, and, of course, I don't know how much +he learned."</p> + +<p>"Too bad! Did you come face to face with the man?"</p> + +<p>"I did, but he got away from us."</p> + +<p>"Who do you mean—was Ferris with you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. He thought he recognized the man as one who followed him to the +printing office."</p> + +<p>"I see. We must be careful, Hardwick, very careful."</p> + +<p>"If it hadn't been for that Carson it would be all right," growled the +ex-book-keeper. "I would like to wring that boy's neck."</p> + +<p>"So would I. But what has become of him? He was not at the office this +morning when I was there."</p> + +<p>"I don't know. He boarded with Ferris' aunt, but he has left there, +too."</p> + +<p>"That's queer."</p> + +<p>"I have an idea he isn't so much of a boy as we think," said Hardwick, +with a shake of his head.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I believe if he isn't a regular detective, he is next door to it, and +was hired by Sumner to spot me. That scene in the office when I accused +him was a put-up job on his part and Sumner's. See how easily Sumner +sided with him in every instance."</p> + +<p>"By Jove! you may be right," cried Allen. "We must be more than careful, +or——"</p> + +<p>Hal did not catch the words that followed, for the door of the office +opened and a slouching figure entered. It was Tommy Macklin.</p> + +<p>Veiling his astonishment as best he could, Hal approached the tough.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he asked, briefly.</p> + +<p>"Is der boss in?" asked Macklin.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean Mr. Allen or Mr. Parsons?" asked Hal, although he knew very +well.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Allen."</p> + +<p>"I will see. What name?"</p> + +<p>"Wot's dat?"</p> + +<p>"What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Me name ain't got nothin' ter do wid it. Tell him a gent from der east +side wants ter talk ter him a few minits."</p> + +<p>"I will."</p> + +<p>Hal rapped on the door. It was quickly opened by Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"Here is a man wants to see you, sir," said Hal. "He says he's from the +east side, and won't give any name."</p> + +<p>Allen looked out toward Macklin. He looked disturbed when he recognized +the tough.</p> + +<p>"Step this way," he called out, and Macklin entered the office.</p> + +<p>"Now, what brings you?" demanded Allen, as soon as the door was shut.</p> + +<p>Instead of replying, Macklin looked at Hardwick, who had taken off part +of his disguise.</p> + +<p>"Wot! You here?" he faltered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Tommy, you didn't expect it, did you?" returned Hardwick, with a +short laugh.</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't."</p> + +<p>"What brought you?"</p> + +<p>"I want money," said the tough, coming forward and putting on a bold +front. "I want money from both of yer; see?"</p> + +<p>"How much?" asked Allen.</p> + +<p>"A t'ousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"You are crazy!" cried the broker.</p> + +<p>"No I ain't. I mean just wot I say, Allen. I want five hundred from you, +an' der udder from Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"Supposing we won't pay it?"</p> + +<p>"Den I'll tell der police wot I know; I ain't doin' yer work fer +nothin'."</p> + +<p>And the tough poked his nose close to that of Caleb Allen.</p> + +<p>"Nonsense, Tommy!" put in Hardwick. "I agreed to give you a hundred +dollars for keeping quiet about what you know, and that's all you'll +get."</p> + +<p>"Den I'll—wot's dat?"</p> + +<p>A loud noise in the outer office startled Macklin. Hal, listening at the +door, suddenly found himself in the hands of Parsons and Samuels.</p> + +<p>"A spy, as I thought," cried Samuels. "Hardwick! Allen!"</p> + +<p>The two called, rushed out, and Hal was surrounded.</p> + +<p>"A spy, is he?" cried Allen. "Who can——"</p> + +<p>"That beard is false!" exclaimed Hardwick, tearing it as well as the +mustache from our hero's face. "Hal Carson! Boys, lock the front door! +If he escapes, we shall be ruined!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL IS EXPOSED.</h3> + + +<p>The moment that Hardwick made his announcement, Parsons sprang to the +front door and locked it.</p> + +<p>"Carson!" muttered Allen. "Hardwick, you were right, he is nothing more +nor less than a spy."</p> + +<p>When Tommy Macklin saw the face of Hal he grew pale as death.</p> + +<p>"Carson!" he gasped, falling back.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with you?" demanded Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Dat's der chap wot followed Ferris ter my house."</p> + +<p>"Followed Ferris. When?"</p> + +<p>"Der night he brung me dat letter from you about dat bus'ness over to +der—you know."</p> + +<p>"You are sure?"</p> + +<p>"Sure," repeated Macklin, in deep disgust. "I t'ink I am."</p> + +<p>"How did you happen to catch him?"</p> + +<p>"He was spyin' at der door, same as here. We collared him, and knocked +him down. I t'ought he was dead, an' me an' Ferris chucked him in a vat +in der cellar of der old pickle factory."</p> + +<p>"Ferris said nothing of this to me," said Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"He was most scared stiff, dat feller was," replied Macklin, +disdainfully. "I guess he t'ought he would not say nuthin' ter nobody."</p> + +<p>During this time Hal had not said a word, but now he spoke up.</p> + +<p>"What do you intend to do with me?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"You'll see fast enough," replied Hardwick. "We have got you fast this +time. Do you know what I think? I think you are the same fellow that I +met in the lumber-yard."</p> + +<p>"And if I am, Hardwick, what of it?"</p> + +<p>"It will go so much the harder with you."</p> + +<p>"Let us bind him so he cannot escape," said Allen. "He is a dangerous +young man to have loose."</p> + +<p>"There is a rope in the closet," said Parsons. "Bind him with that, if +you want to."</p> + +<p>The rope was speedily brought forth, and Hal was bound hands and feet. +There was no use trying to escape, and consequently he did not undertake +to do so.</p> + +<p>"Put him in the closet," ordered the broker, when the job of binding Hal +was completed.</p> + +<p>"Gag him first," cautioned Hardwick. "We don't want him to raise the +roof, if he's left alone. We'll fix him later."</p> + +<p>The gag was inserted in Hal's mouth, and then he was lifted up by +Macklin and the others and dumped into the corner of the closet, and the +door was closed and locked upon him.</p> + +<p>From the closet, which was damp and cold, he could hear the confused +murmur of voices, but could not make out a word of what was being said. +The murmur continued fully half an hour, and then all became as silent +as the grave.</p> + +<p>Hal was all but suffocated by the rude gag which had been forced into +his mouth. All was dark, and his position was a painful one, not only +mentally, but bodily as well.</p> + +<p>What the rogues intended to do with him he did not know. If only he +could free himself and get away!</p> + +<p>With might and main he tugged at the rope which bound his hands. At +first it remained tight, but at last it loosened sufficiently to allow +him to slip out his right hand.</p> + +<p>The left soon followed; and Hal's next work was to remove the gag from +his mouth. What a relief it was to once more close his mouth!</p> + +<p>His feet freed, the boy looked about for some means by which to escape +from the closet. The door was locked, as has been mentioned, but it was +a poor affair, and Hal knew he could easily force it open with his +shoulder.</p> + +<p>Before proceeding to this extremity, he listened intently. It must be +near three o'clock, and he wondered if all the others had left.</p> + +<p>Suddenly voices broke upon his ear, and he heard Hardwick and Macklin +enter the rear office. By applying his ear to the key-hole Hal heard +what was said. If they opened the closet door, he determined to make a +bold dash for liberty.</p> + +<p>"How much is der in dis new ob?" Macklin asked.</p> + +<p>"Two hundred dollars, if he never comes back."</p> + +<p>"Den pass over der cash."</p> + +<p>"I'll pay you after the job is done, Tommy."</p> + +<p>"No yer don't. Dis is a cash-in-advance job."</p> + +<p>"Can't you trust me?"</p> + +<p>"I kin, but I ain't goin' ter."</p> + +<p>"It's to your interest as much as ours to have him out of the way."</p> + +<p>"Dat's all right, too, but its pay or no job, Hardwick."</p> + +<p>"If I pay you now you may make a balk as you did before."</p> + +<p>"No, dis will be a sure t'ing, I'll give yer me word."</p> + +<p>"Then here you are."</p> + +<p>A silence followed.</p> + +<p>"Is that right?" asked Hardwick.</p> + +<p>"Yes. But, remember, dis ain't part of dat t'ousand I'm ter have fer dat +udder work."</p> + +<p>"I understand. Now, go for the coach, and I'll stay till you come back. +It's getting dark, and the street is almost deserted."</p> + +<p>"I will. Better lock der door, and don't unlock it again till yer hear +four knocks; see?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>Macklin at once went off, and Hal heard Hardwick lock the door after him +as agreed, but the key was left in the lock.</p> + +<p>By the conversation Hal knew it must be later than he had supposed. +Under cover of the darkness Macklin was going to bring a coach to the +place. For what purpose?</p> + +<p>In spite of his naturally brave spirit, Hal shivered. He was in the +power of a desperate set of men, and he had learned enough of their +secrets to convict every one of them. They would not hesitate to do +anything to escape their just deserts.</p> + +<p>"I must fight for it," he muttered to himself, "and now is the best time +to do it."</p> + +<p>He opened the closet door cautiously, and peeped out. Hardwick sat in an +easy-chair, smoking savagely, as if he were out of humor. No one else +was in the place.</p> + +<p>The office was heavily carpeted, so Hal made no noise as he stepped out +of the closet. He had to pass within five feet of Hardwick, who sat with +his back half turned to the boy.</p> + +<p>Hardly daring to breathe, Hal tiptoed his way past Hardwick and into the +outer office, the door to which stood wide open. Here it was quite dark, +and the boy saw through the window that it was again snowing heavily.</p> + +<p>At last the door was reached, and his hand was upon the key, ready to +turn it in the lock.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, Hardwick jumped to his feet and came +out. His intention was to examine something on one of the outer desks, +and when he beheld Hal he stared at the youth in blank amazement.</p> + +<p>"Where—where—" he began.</p> + +<p>Without saying a word, Hal turned the key and caught hold of the latch +of the door. Then, with something that sounded like the growl of a wild +animal, Hardwick pounced upon him.</p> + +<p>"No, you don't!" he hissed. "You sha'n't escape this time. Come back +here!"</p> + +<p>He caught Hal by the coat collar. The youth struggled, and then struck +out with all force.</p> + +<p>The blow landed on Hardwick's chin, and knocked his head back with such +force that for the instant he let slip his grasp and Hal was free.</p> + +<p>But before the plucky youth could open the door the man had him fast +again, and was punching him with all his might.</p> + +<p>"I'll teach you a lesson!" he cried. "Take that! and that! You are +smart, but you are not smart enough for me!"</p> + +<p>"Let go!" cried Hal.</p> + +<p>But Hardwick continued to pound him. Then, in sheer desperation, Hal +closed in and fought tooth and nail, as if his very life depended on it.</p> + +<p>Hardwick was a heavy-built man, but he was no match for the youth, who +all his life had been used to hard labor, and whose muscles, +consequently, were like steel. He struck Hal many times, but the youth +squirmed and twisted, and suddenly hit him a crack between the eyes that +made him see stars.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" he howled, and dropped back, while Hal, taking advantage of this +stroke of good luck, made another dash for the front door.</p> + +<p>He opened the door, and was half-way out when Hardwick, realizing what +escape meant, leaped forward and caught him by the coat.</p> + +<p>"Let go!" cried Hal, and with a jerk he tore away and started up the +steps leading to the street.</p> + +<p>He had scarcely taken half a dozen steps when he ran full tilt into +Macklin, who had just driven up on the box of a closed coach.</p> + +<p>"Wot's dis?" cried the tough. "Carson! no yer don't!"</p> + +<p>He carried his whip in his hand, and as he spoke he brought the butt +down on Hal's head with full force.</p> + +<p>There was a strange flash of fire through Hal's brain, and then all +became a dark blank.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>HAL MAKES A LIVELY MOVE.</h3> + + +<p>When Hal came to his senses he found himself bound and gagged as before, +but instead of being in a closet he was now in a coach that was whirling +along as fast as the deep snow would permit.</p> + +<p>The curtains of the vehicle were tightly drawn, so the youth had no +chance of seeing where he was being taken.</p> + +<p>His head ached fearfully from the blow Tommy Macklin had administered, +and for several minutes he could hardly collect himself.</p> + +<p>"Missed it!" he groaned to himself. "And now those villains have me +completely in their power."</p> + +<p>It was not a pleasant thought, and therefore Hal did not allow his mind +to dwell upon it.</p> + +<p>He wondered if he could get open one of the doors of the coach, and +leap, or rather tumble, to the ground. It would be a dangerous +experiment, considering how he was tied up, but Hal was willing to +assume desperate risks just now.</p> + +<p>He fumbled around with his bound hands for fully five minutes, and at +last succeeded in turning the handle to one of the coach doors, which +immediately swung open.</p> + +<p>Hal looked out. They were on an almost deserted road. It was quite dark, +and still snowing.</p> + +<p>"If I drop out here I may be frozen to death before I can free myself," +he thought. "I will wait until we pass a house of some sort."</p> + +<p>Hal had hardly reached this conclusion before the coach rolled past an +elegant road-house, brilliantly illuminated from top to bottom.</p> + +<p>"Now is my chance," he thought. "There ought to be somebody around to +pick me up."</p> + +<p>Losing no time, for they had now passed several rods beyond the +road-house, the plucky boy wriggled his body toward the open door of the +coach.</p> + +<p>Watching for what he thought a favorable opportunity, Hal gave himself a +lurch forward and tumbled out into the snow. But as he did so one of the +rear wheels of the coach struck him on the side of the head, and the +blow rendered him unconscious.</p> + +<p>His body lay where it had fallen for several minutes. Then two young men +in a cutter came driving from the road-house.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Ike, what's that?" cried one of them, pulling up.</p> + +<p>"Looks like a tramp in the snow," replied the other. "Let's drive out of +the way."</p> + +<p>"We can't leave him here. He'll be frozen to death."</p> + +<p>"By Jove, Will, you're right. Wait, I'll jump out and investigate."</p> + +<p>The speaker leaped out into the snow, and bent over the motionless form.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! It isn't a tramp at all!" he burst out. "It's a well-dressed +young man. Go back and get help. He's hurt on the head."</p> + +<p>The young fellow remaining in the cutter at once did as directed, and +returned with a negro and a white man.</p> + +<p>Hal's body was lifted up, and he was carried to the road-house and +placed on a lounge in the waiting-room.</p> + +<p>Restoratives were applied, and presently Hal gave a gasp and sat up, the +cords with which he had been bound having been cut.</p> + +<p>"Where—where am I?" he asked, in bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"You're safe indoors," was the reply. "What was the matter. How came you +to be bound?"</p> + +<p>"I was trapped, and a man was carrying me off in a coach."</p> + +<p>"What! A regular abduction, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter? Did the fellow want to get your money?"</p> + +<p>"No. I know too much, and he, or rather the men who employ him, want to +get me out of the way."</p> + +<p>"Humph! They ought to be locked up! We don't want any such work as that +around New York City."</p> + +<p>"Where am I?" asked Hal, again.</p> + +<p>"You are at the half-way house on the Jerome Avenue road."</p> + +<p>"How far is that from downtown?"</p> + +<p>"Quite a few miles, young man."</p> + +<p>"Which is the nearest way down?"</p> + +<p>"There is a station on the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad not +far from here. But there won't be a train down until half-past ten."</p> + +<p>"And what time is it now?"</p> + +<p>"Quarter past nine."</p> + +<p>"Then I think I'll wait."</p> + +<p>"You had better. That crack on the head is an ugly one."</p> + +<p>"I must have gotten it when I jumped from the coach."</p> + +<p>"It was a desperate leap. Who was the fellow who was carrying you off?"</p> + +<p>"A tough from the east side."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he'll be coming back looking for you."</p> + +<p>"That's so," cried Hal. "Is there a police officer around?"</p> + +<p>"I'll find out."</p> + +<p>"Macy is down by the stable," put in a man present.</p> + +<p>"Call him, please," said Hal.</p> + +<p>The policeman was summoned, and to him and the proprietor of the place +the youth told his story, omitting all details that were not necessary.</p> + +<p>"We might follow him in one of the rigs here," said the policeman. "But +it's more than likely he'll be back."</p> + +<p>"Will you arrest him for me?"</p> + +<p>"Sure."</p> + +<p>A few minutes passed. Then the door opened, and the negro who had helped +to pick Hal up came in.</p> + +<p>"A feller wid an empty coach jess drove up," he said, somewhat +excitedly.</p> + +<p>"It must be Macklin!" exclaimed Hal. "Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"Jess gitting ready ter cum in, I reckon, sah."</p> + +<p>"We'll go down and meet him," said the policeman, and he led the way.</p> + +<p>The door leading to the bar-room was partly of glass. Beaching it, the +policeman pointed to a man standing at the bar, gulping down a glass of +liquor.</p> + +<p>"Is that the chap?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Hal gave a look.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's Macklin. Don't let him get away!"</p> + +<p>"No fear. I've dealt with many a tough customer, and I know how to +handle them."</p> + +<p>"I will step in first, and give him a surprise," said the youth, and he +opened the door.</p> + +<p>Macklin's back was turned at the time, and he did not see our hero until +Hal tapped him on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Well, Macklin, were you looking for me?"</p> + +<p>The tough turned quickly. Then he grew pale, and the glass almost +dropped from his hand.</p> + +<p>"Wot—where——" he stammered.</p> + +<p>"You didn't expect to meet me here, did you?" went on Hal, pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"No—dat is—where did yer cum from?"</p> + +<p>"From your coach, Macklin. I got tired of riding in such a cramped +fashion."</p> + +<p>The tough shifted uneasily. Hal beckoned to the policeman.</p> + +<p>"Here, officer, is the rascal."</p> + +<p>Macklin wheeled about, and gave the policeman a single glance, when, +muttering something, he made a dash for the door.</p> + +<p>But both Hal and the policeman were after him, and our hero caught him +by the arm, and held him until the officer had slipped a pair of +hand-cuffs onto him.</p> + +<p>"I'll fix yer fer dis!" hissed Macklin in Hal's ear.</p> + +<p>"Your days for fixing people are about over, Macklin," replied the +youth. "You and the others have overreached yourselves for once."</p> + +<p>"I didn't do nuthin'."</p> + +<p>"We will see about that later. Where are Hardwick and Allen?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know dem," replied the tough, sullenly.</p> + +<p>"All right; then you want to take the whole responsibility of this +matter on your own shoulders!"</p> + +<p>At this the tough winced. It was putting the matter in a different +light.</p> + +<p>"Say, supposin' I put you on to dere game, will yer be easy wid me?"</p> + +<p>"That depends on how much you have to tell," said Hal.</p> + +<p>"I knows more dan da t'inks I do."</p> + +<p>"About what?"</p> + +<p>"About dem—never mind. I know wot you are after, an' don't fergit it!"</p> + +<p>"The tin box?"</p> + +<p>Macklin nodded</p> + +<p>"Who has it, Hardwick or Allen?"</p> + +<p>"I ain't sayin' anyt'ing."</p> + +<p>"All right, officer, take him to the station-house, and I will go along +and make a charge."</p> + +<p>"No, no!" cried Macklin. "I wasn't goin ter do yer, I was only goin' ter +take yer to an old house up der river, an' Hardwick and Allen was goin' +ter settle wid yer in der mornin'."</p> + +<p>"Where is the old house?"</p> + +<p>"Der Flack mansion."</p> + +<p>"I know the place," said the policeman. "It has been unoccupied for +years."</p> + +<p>"What time were they coming up?"</p> + +<p>"Hardwick said at eight o'clock sharp," replied Macklin. He seemed +anxious now to inform on his companions in villainy.</p> + +<p>"Very well, we will see what happens at that time," returned Hal, +briefly.</p> + +<p>His words meant a good deal.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> + +<h3>THE MISSING TIN BOX.</h3> + + +<p>Less than an hour later Macklin was taken to the police station in his +own coach and locked up.</p> + +<p>As soon as this was accomplished Hal lost no time in making his way to +Horace Sumner's elegant mansion.</p> + +<p>It was now quite late, and only a single light gleamed out from the +mansion, and that from the library, where the old broker sat, busy with +his accounts.</p> + +<p>His face was furrowed with care, and just before Hal rang the bell he +heaved a deep sigh.</p> + +<p>"Unless the tin box containing the stolen bonds is recovered I will be a +ruined man!" he groaned. "It is impossible to cover the loss. Allen has +ruined me, and even though he tries to use those slips, and I have him +arrested, it will do no good."</p> + +<p>The ring at the bell aroused him, and, as the servants had retired, he +answered the summons himself.</p> + +<p>"What, Hal!" he cried. "You must have important news, or you would not +come at this hour of the night."</p> + +<p>"I have important news, Mr. Sumner," replied the youth. "And I came +because I want your assistance the first thing in the morning."</p> + +<p>"You shall have it, Hal. But what news do you bring? Come into the +library and tell me."</p> + +<p>The two passed into the sumptuously-furnished apartment, and, seated by +the open grate fire, the youth told of all that had occurred since he +had obtained employment at Allen & Parsons'.</p> + +<p>"You have had several narrow escapes, my boy," cried the old broker, +shuddering. "You must be more careful, really you must."</p> + +<p>"I think we have about reached the end of the matter," returned Hal.</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you mean? The tin box——"</p> + +<p>"I have an idea Hardwick, Allen, and the others intend to come to some +sort of a settlement to-morrow, either at the old house, or at the +office in Broad Street. This Samuels is about to take some of the bonds +to Chicago, and we must be on hand to stop the scheme."</p> + +<p>"You are right, Hal, and mighty smart. What do you propose? You have +done so well thus far I must really allow you to go on."</p> + +<p>"I propose we go to the old house, accompanied by a couple of officers, +and lay low for Hardwick and Allen. When they come I can appear before +them with my hands and feet bound, and accuse them of the crime. They +will not know that Macklin has been arrested—I have taken care of +that—and they may give themselves away."</p> + +<p>"A good plan. What rogues they are, and how blind I have been! Hal, I +shall not forget all you have done for me."</p> + +<p>A little more conversation ensued, and then the youth arose.</p> + +<p>"Where are you going, now?"</p> + +<p>"To the hotel to get some sleep."</p> + +<p>"No need of going to the hotel. I will call up one of the servants, and +she can show you to a room."</p> + +<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Sumner——"</p> + +<p>"It is nothing, Hal, in comparison to what you have done for me. I shall +reward you well if the missing box is recovered."</p> + +<p>Quarter of an hour later Hal was shown to a bedroom on the second floor. +It was quite the finest apartment of the kind he had ever entered. The +servant opened the bed and drew the curtains, and then retired.</p> + +<p>"Gracious, this is style!" murmured the youth, as he began to disrobe. +"I wonder if I will ever own anything as nice?"</p> + +<p>On the walls were a number of steel engravings and etchings, and on the +mantel rested a large photograph of a handsome, middle-aged lady.</p> + +<p>Hal gazed at the portrait for fully five minutes. The features were so +motherly they appealed to his heart.</p> + +<p>"It must be a picture of the late Mrs. Sumner," he thought. "What a good +woman she must have been! No wonder Mr. Sumner and Miss Laura miss her."</p> + +<p>And then, as he thought of his own condition—that of a mere poor-house +foundling—his eyes grew moist.</p> + +<p>"How I wish I had known a mother, and that she was like her," was his +soliloquy. "Or that I had a father like kind Mr. Sumner—and such a girl +like Miss Laura for a sister," he added, suddenly, and then he blushed.</p> + +<p>His mind presently turned back to the missing tin box, and thinking over +this, he soon fell asleep.</p> + +<p>He was up bright and early. When he went down to the library he found +Laura Sumner there, and the old broker soon joined them.</p> + +<p>A hasty breakfast was had, livened by the bright conversation of Laura, +who was of a vivacious turn of mind, and then Mr. Sumner and Hal hurried +off to police headquarters.</p> + +<p>Their quest was soon explained to the officer in charge, and two men +were detailed to accompany them to the old mansion up on the Jerome +Avenue road.</p> + +<p>It had stopped snowing, and the early morning sun made everything +glisten. A large sleigh was procured, and one of the policemen and Hal +mounted the box and off they drove.</p> + +<p>It was twenty minutes to eight when the vicinity of the old Flack +mansion was reached. The sleigh was driven around a bend and into a +clump of trees, and then the party dismounted.</p> + +<p>"I'll go ahead, and see if anybody is around," said Hal. "If it's all +right I'll wave a handkerchief from one of the windows."</p> + +<p>The youth was somewhat excited. Supposing Macklin had made up the story +of the meeting between Hardwick and Allen? Such a thing was possible.</p> + +<p>"But no, he wouldn't dare," thought Hal. "He is thoroughly scared, and +wants to gain our good graces by giving the others away."</p> + +<p>The deserted mansion was in a dilapidated condition. More than half the +shutters were gone, and the front door stood wide open.</p> + +<p>Sneaking up along an old hedge, Hal gained the half-tumbled-down piazza +and glided swiftly into the hall, now more than quarter filled with +snow, which the sharp wind had driven in.</p> + +<p>"Certainly a cheerless place," he thought. "But I suppose they thought +no one would come here, and so they would be free from interruption."</p> + +<p>He entered the parlor of the house, and then walked through to the +dining-room, the library, and then the kitchen. Nothing was disturbed, +and the smooth snow, wherever it had drifted in, did not show the first +sign of a footstep.</p> + +<p>"Good! I am in plenty of time," said Hal to himself. "I must tramp +around a bit, and then bind myself up as best I can."</p> + +<p>He waved his handkerchief out of one of the windows and then proceeded +to tie his feet together.</p> + +<p>He had just finished the work, when Horace Sumner and two officers +rushed in.</p> + +<p>"They are coming!" exclaimed the old broker. "There are Allen, Hardwick, +and two strangers."</p> + +<p>"The strangers must be Parsons and Samuels," said Hal. "Here, bind my +hands, and shove me into the closet, and then hide."</p> + +<p>This was done, and less than a minute later a stamping was heard, and +Allen, Hardwick, Parsons, and Samuels entered the parlor.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, Macklin, where are you?" cried Hardwick.</p> + +<p>Of course, there was no reply.</p> + +<p>"Must have gone off to get his breakfast," said Allen. "Wonder what he +did with the boy?"</p> + +<p>"Boy!" cried Hardwick. "Better say man. Carson is altogether too smart +to be called a boy."</p> + +<p>"We must get him out of the way, and then finish this bond matter," went +on Allen.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and hurry up," put in Samuels. "I want to catch, the twelve +o'clock train to Chicago, and you might as well give me the bonds to +take along. The sooner they are worked off the better."</p> + +<p>"That's an easy matter to settle," said Hardwick. "I have the tin box +right here with me. I didn't dare leave it behind, for fear old Sumner +might get a search warrant and go through my house."</p> + +<p>As the ex-book-keeper spoke, he unbuttoned his great coat, and brought +forth the missing tin box for which Hal and the others had been so long +searching.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> + +<h3>HARDWICK'S DASH FOR LIBERTY.</h3> + + +<p>Hal and the others listened with keen interest to Hardwick's words. The +ex-book-keeper had the missing railroad bonds with him, and he intended +to transfer them to Samuels, to be disposed of to the best advantage.</p> + +<p>"Now is the time to capture the gang," thought Hal. "I wish my hands +were free."</p> + +<p>"Let us see what has become of Carson first," said Allen, nervously. +"Somehow I don't feel safe as long as that boy is within possible +hearing."</p> + +<p>"Don't get afraid," replied Parsons. "Tommy Macklin has probably done +him up, or you would hear something from him."</p> + +<p>"Macklin tried to remove him once before," returned Allen, with a shake +of his head. "That boy beats all for shrewdness."</p> + +<p>"I would like to settle him myself," growled Hardwick. "We would never +have had the least bit of trouble if it hadn't been for him. Like as not +I would still have been Sumner's head and confidential clerk," he added, +with a sarcastic laugh.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I could have made life bitterness itself for Horace Sumner," +cried Allen. "I wanted to do more than ruin him."</p> + +<p>"What makes you so bitter against Sumner?" asked Parsons.</p> + +<p>"That's my affair," replied Allen, shortly.</p> + +<p>"It's because Sumner married the girl Allen wanted," put in Samuels. +"Allen was clean gone on her, and when she married Sumner it broke him +all up."</p> + +<p>"Shut up, Samuels!" exclaimed Allen, evidently angry at having the +matter mentioned. "There are but few know of it, and I don't want it to +reach Horace Sumner's ears, or——"</p> + +<p>"It won't reach him through me, Allen, and he will never suspect that +you had anything to do with his son's——"</p> + +<p>"Will you shut up!" roared Allen, turning white with rage. "One would +think, by the way your tongue rattles, that you had been drinking."</p> + +<p>"Only had a couple of glasses," returned Samuels, coolly. "So don't get +worked up, Allen."</p> + +<p>Hal listened to this conversation with deep interest. It revealed why +Allen was so bitter against Horace Sumner, and so willing to cheat his +partner.</p> + +<p>"But I don't understand about that child business yet," muttered Hal to +himself.</p> + +<p>While the others were talking Hardwick had been examining the closets, +and he now came to the one in which the others had placed Hal.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! here he is!" he shouted. "Well, how do you feel, you beggar?" +the last to the boy.</p> + +<p>"Not very well," replied Hal coolly. His hands were now loose, but he +kept them behind him.</p> + +<p>"You'll feel a sight worse before we are done with you," returned +Hardwick, grimly.</p> + +<p>"What do you intend to do with me?"</p> + +<p>"You'll see soon enough," said the ex-book-keeper.</p> + +<p>He turned to the others, and as he did so Hal bent down and freed his +feet.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! he's loose!" cried Parsons, glancing around.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I intend to stay so," cried Hal, stepping into the room. +"Hardwick, I want that tin box."</p> + +<p>"Ho! ho! hear him talk!" exclaimed Hardwick. "Jump on him, boys!"</p> + +<p>"Stand back, every one of you!" cried Hal. "I am not alone here. There +is plenty of help!"</p> + +<p>He uttered the last word loudly, and on the instant the doors leading to +the dining-room, and the one from the library opened, and Horace Sumner +stepped into the parlor, followed by the two officers.</p> + +<p>"Trapped!" howled Allen. "Macklin has either been outwitted or he has +played us false!"</p> + +<p>The two officers held pistols in their hands, and they lost no time in +coming to the front.</p> + +<p>"Surrender, all of you!" cried one of them.</p> + +<p>"Never!" cried Allen. "Do you think I am to be caught like a rat in a +trap?"</p> + +<p>He made a dash for the hall-way, and was quickly followed by Samuels.</p> + +<p>But the two policemen were too quick for the pair, and they were +speedily overtaken, and then a desperate struggle ensued.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Parsons tried to jump through the door-way leading to +the library. In order to do this he had to pass Horace Sumner, and +putting out his foot the old broker sent the man sprawling to the floor, +and then ended his struggles by sitting down on him so suddenly that +Parsons' wind was knocked completely out of him.</p> + +<p>Hal still confronted Hardwick, whose eyes were fairly blazing with +passion.</p> + +<p>"Give me the box!" commanded Hal. "Quick! I mean what I say."</p> + +<p>Instead of complying Hardwick made a vicious blow for Hal's head. The +boy dodged, but in doing so slipped and went down on his back.</p> + +<p>Before he could recover, Hardwick sprang for one of the open windows, +and leaped through, carrying part of the long sash with him.</p> + +<p>He had hardly disappeared when Hal was on his feet again. Without +hesitation the youth followed through the broken window. Hardwick was +making for the road, where stood a team of horses attached to a fine +sleigh.</p> + +<p>"If he gets away in that he and the tin box are goners!" was Hal's rapid +conclusion. "I must stop him at all hazards."</p> + +<p>Hardwick had a good start, but Hal made quick time after him, and when +the ex-book-keeper reached the sleigh the boy was not a dozen yards +behind.</p> + +<p>"Stop, Hardwick!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"Not much, Carson! Take that!"</p> + +<p>Hardwick pulled out his weapon. There were two reports in rapid +succession. Hal was struck in the side, and Hardwick stumbled down.</p> + +<p>Hal was quite badly hurt, but he braced up and staggered to where +Hardwick lay.</p> + +<p>"Now give up the tin box," he ordered, in as steady a voice as he could.</p> + +<p>"Never to you!" roared Hardwick. "You have been the cause of all my +trouble. Take that!"</p> + +<p>He fired. One bullet grazed Hal's shoulder, the others flew wide of +their mark. Then the boy took the butt of his own weapon and with one +blow on Hardwick's head knocked the villain unconscious.</p> + +<p>The mist was swimming before his eyes as he gathered up the tin box and +its precious contents, and staggered toward the house. The policemen had +made prisoners of the gang, and Horace Sumner ran out to meet the youth.</p> + +<p>"You are shot, Hal?" he cried, in quick alarm.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Sumner—I—I am shot," was the low reply. "But here is the tin +box and—the—bonds—safe."</p> + +<p>And with these words Hal pitched over insensible into the broker's arms.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> + +<h3>A SURPRISING REVELATION.</h3> + + +<p>Horace Sumner was terribly alarmed. Paying no attention to the tin box, +he knelt down and raised Hal up on his knee.</p> + +<p>"Shot in the shoulder and in the side," he murmured after a brief +examination. "Oh, I trust it be not serious!"</p> + +<p>All of the prisoners had been handcuffed, and one of the officers +followed Mr. Sumner out.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! is he shot?" he cried.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Where is the fellow with the tin box?"</p> + +<p>"The box is here, safe. There lies the fellow. Arrest him, and fix it so +he cannot get away."</p> + +<p>The policeman at once hurried to Hardwick's side, and before the +ex-book-keeper had fully recovered consciousness he was handcuffed and +then placed in a room with the other prisoners.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with us?" he demanded of the policeman who +stood guard at the door, pistol in hand.</p> + +<p>"You will see later. Not another word now."</p> + +<p>And Hardwick was forced to keep silent, as were also the others.</p> + +<p>There was another house not far distant, and getting the sleigh, Mr. +Sumner placed Hal's form into it, and drove him around to the door.</p> + +<p>Matters were quickly explained, and as the broker showed that he was a +wealthy man, and well able to pay for accommodations, Hal was at once +lifted into the house and placed on a comfortable bed in one of the +upper rooms.</p> + +<p>"Send for the nearest doctor, please," said Horace Sumner. "And tell him +he must come at once, no matter what the expense. Tell him I am Horace +Sumner, the broker, of Wall Street."</p> + +<p>The man about the place at once hurried off, and placing the tin box, +which he had picked up out of the snow, on the table, Horace Sumner bent +over Hal's motionless form, and sought by every means in his power to +restore him to consciousness.</p> + +<p>In working over Hal's clothing the golden locket the youth considered +his birthright came to light. For the moment Horace Sumner paid no +attention to it, but placed it on top of the tin box.</p> + +<p>At last Hal opened his eyes and stared around him.</p> + +<p>"Hal, how do you feel?" questioned the old broker, with real anxiety in +his tones.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Sumner! the box—did you——"</p> + +<p>"It is safe, Hal."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad," and a smile came over the pallid face.</p> + +<p>"But, my poor boy, you are hurt—Hardwick shot you. Can't you feel it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, in my side and my shoulder, but I don't think it's very bad, and +I'll soon——"</p> + +<p>Before Hal could finish he fainted away. Less than ten minutes later the +man about the place returned with an experienced physician.</p> + +<p>"Not dangerously wounded," was his opinion, after a thorough +examination. "He will be as sound as a dollar in a couple of months. But +he ought not to be moved for several weeks."</p> + +<p>"He shall not be," said Horace Sumner.</p> + +<p>And he at once made arrangements with the owner of the house to have the +use of that room and the next for the entire time mentioned with board +and care for a nurse and Hal.</p> + +<p>An hour later Hal was resting easier, and then Horace Sumner arose to +leave and find out what the officers had done with the captured +criminals.</p> + +<p>As he turned to pick up the tin box he noticed the golden locket. He +took it up rather carelessly, but suddenly a peculiar look stole into +his eyes, and dropping the tin box he hurriedly opened the locket.</p> + +<p>"My heavens!" he ejaculated.</p> + +<p>The exclamation was so pronounced that it awoke Hal, and the youth +opened his eyes wide, and stared at the man.</p> + +<p>"Where—where did you get this locket?" demanded Horace Sumner, in a +voice husky with emotion.</p> + +<p>"It is my birthright—or at least all I have of one," replied the youth.</p> + +<p>"Your birthright?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I call it, sir. It was around my neck when I was found on +the streets of Fairham."</p> + +<p>"Can this be true? When was this?"</p> + +<p>"About sixteen years ago. But what—what—"</p> + +<p>"Stop! what part of the year, Hal? answer me quickly."</p> + +<p>"It was one Fourth of July night."</p> + +<p>Horace Sumner staggered back.</p> + +<p>"Fourth of July," he muttered to himself. "And little Howard disappeared +on the twenty-seventh of June. Can it be——"</p> + +<p>"You say you do not know anything about yourself?" he asked of Hal.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. The people at Fairham tried to find out, but they didn't make +a very great effort, I'm thinking, and so I—I—well, you can see how it +is."</p> + +<p>"You are not to blame, Hal. A better or more noble boy never +lived—and—and I thank God that is so, for it—I will explain later. I +must see Caleb Allen without delay."</p> + +<p>And with his tin box under his arm, Horace Sumner rushed from the house, +taking the golden locket with him.</p> + +<p>When he appeared at the station-house he seemed almost like a crazy man, +so eager was he to interview Allen. A private meeting between the two +was speedily arranged.</p> + +<p>"Allen, I have come on an important mission," began Horace Sumner.</p> + +<p>"Have you? I thought you had your bonds," returned the swindler, as +cooly as he could.</p> + +<p>"I am not referring to the bonds. This matter is far more important."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"When you and the others were at the old Flack mansion Samuels mentioned +a subject that lies close to my heart."</p> + +<p>"Samuels didn't know what he was saying," growled Allen, turning pale.</p> + +<p>"He did, Allen. I have been blind, but my eyes are now wide open. Caleb +Allen, years ago you stole my son, my little baby boy."</p> + +<p>"It's not true!" almost shouted Allen, but he trembled from head to +foot.</p> + +<p>"It is true. I have the evidence to prove it. Do you deny that you took +the little one first to Philadelphia and then to the village of Fairham, +and on the night of the Fourth of July——"</p> + +<p>Caleb Allen jumped up as if shot.</p> + +<p>"So Tommy Macklin has been blabbing, had he?" he screamed. "But it won't +do you any good, Horace Sumner. The boy is lost to you—you will never +hear of him again."</p> + +<p>"So?" The old broker pulled the golden locket from his pocket. "Look at +this. It was around his neck when he was stolen, and it has been the +connecting link to prove his identity. He is found, and my little boy +Howard is—Hal Carson, the youth who helped to bring you to justice."</p> + +<p>Here we must bring our tale to a close.</p> + +<p>What Horace Sumner had said was true. Hal Carson was really his son, who +had been stolen by Caleb Allen and Tommy Macklin, the latter having, +even in those days, been a ready tool of the swindler.</p> + +<p>Even after having robbed Sumner of his only son, Allen's hatred was not +satisfied, and he entered into the limited partnership only for the +purpose of ruining the man.</p> + +<p>Allen had fallen in with Hardwick at a gambling house uptown, and the +two soon became firm friends. At that time Dick Ferris was a great +admirer of Hardwick, who found the tall boy a fellow without scruples of +any kind.</p> + +<p>Hal was amazed when he learned the truth concerning himself. At first he +could not believe it, but when it came home to him he was overjoyed. He +speedily recovered from the wounds Hardwick had inflicted, and one fine +day in the early part of the following year Horace Sumner and Laura took +him to the elegant mansion which was in future to be his home as well as +theirs.</p> + +<p>Hardwick, Allen, Macklin, and Samuels were all tried, and sentenced to +various terms of imprisonment. Parsons escaped, and went to England.</p> + +<p>When the police started to find Dick Ferris they found that the tall boy +had shipped on a three years, whaling voyage. To this day he has not +returned to New York.</p> + +<p>The recovery of the tin box containing the railroad bonds saved Horace +Sumner from ruin. He and his son are now in partnership on Wall Street, +and trusty Jack McCabe is their office boy. Hal, or Howard, as he is now +called, is rich, and is surrounded by friends, but it is not likely that +he will ever forget the time he came to New York a poor boy, and solved +the mystery of the Missing Tin Box.</p> + +<h3>THE END</h3> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Missing Tin Box, by Arthur M. Winfield + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSING TIN BOX *** + +***** This file should be named 30864-h.htm or 30864-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/0/8/6/30864/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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