.

Sumner related the particulars.

      "And this boy means to say we concocted a scheme to steal them," added Hardwick, pointing to Hal.

      "We steal them!" ejaculated Mr. Allen.

      "Yes, sir."

      Mr. Allen turned and caught Hal by the arm.

      "Boy, are you crazy?" he demanded.

      "That's what I would like to know," said Hardwick.

      "No, I am not crazy," replied the youth, stoutly.

      "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."

      "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."

      "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."

      "Better call in the police," suggested Hardwick. "And in the meantime keep an eye on this boy."

      "And also on that man," added Hal, pointing to the book-keeper.

      Mr. Sumner was in deep perplexity. He ran his hand through his hair.

      "Let us talk this matter over first," he said. "You say, Hardwick, you left Carson alone in the office yesterday afternoon?"

      "Yes, sir."

      "How long?"

      "Not more than ten minutes."

      "When was this?"

      "A few minutes after you and Mr. Allen went out."

      "When you came back what was Carson doing?"

      "He was at the desk, pretending to write."

      "Was there anybody else here?"

      "By Jove! yes," exclaimed Hardwick, suddenly.

      "Ah! who?"

      "I don't know, sir."

      "A man?"

      "Yes. Rather a common-looking fellow, about thirty-five years of age."

      "What did he want?"

      "He asked for Mr. Allen, and when I said he wouldn't be back during the rest of the day he went off."

      Mr. Sumner turned to Hal. The youth stood staring at the wall.

      "What have you to say about this stranger?"

      "He came in directly after Mr. Hardwick went out," returned the youth.

      "What was his business?"

      "He wished to see Mr. Allen."

      "Did he go back to the safe?"

      "I – I don't think so."

      "You are not sure?"

      "Not positive, sir. I was busy writing, and did not notice him closely."

      "Did the man give any name?"

      "No, sir."

      "I suppose you didn't know him?"

      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.

      "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."

      "That is not true," burst out Hal.

      For some reason, this insinuation made him think more than ever that the book-keeper was guilty.

      "Which way did the man go?" went on the elderly broker.

      "Toward Broadway," replied Hal.

      "Did he have anything under his arm?"

      "He had a small bundle, but he had that when he came in."

      "About how large?"

      Hal illustrated with his hands.

      "Probably that was an empty box, or something of that sort," ventured Mr. Allen. "He placed the tin box into it."

      "Quite likely," returned Mr. Sumner.

      "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."

      CHAPTER V.

      HAL DETERMINES TO ACT

      As Mr. Allen spoke he caught Hal by the shoulder.

      "You had better own up, Carson," he said, harshly.

      "Let go of me!" retorted Hal, trying to break away.

      "Not much! Do you think I am going to give you the chance to slide out of the door?"

      "I have nothing to own up to, and I don't intend to run away," panted the youth.

      He broke away, and placed himself beside Mr. Sumner, who looked at him earnestly.

      "I believe the boy speaks the truth," he said, firmly.

      "You do?" cried Hardwick and Allen, in concert.

      "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."

      "Oh!" returned Mr. Allen.

      "That's different," said Hardwick.

      Both of them looked relieved.

      "I wish he had watched this stranger."

      "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."

      "I don't understand one thing," said the elderly broker. "I am almost sure I locked the safe when I went away yesterday afternoon."

      "So you did," said Mr. Allen. "I saw you do it."

      "Then, how could the stranger have opened it?"

      "Didn't Carson know the combination?" asked Hardwick, who seemed determined to convict Hal.

      "I think not."

      "Indeed I did not!" cried the youth. "I never worked a safe combination in my life."

      "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.

      "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."

      "You did not notice if the door was open after I was gone, did you?" said Mr. Sumner, turning to the book-keeper.

      "It was closed," replied Hardwick, promptly.

      "You are certain?"

      "Yes, sir. When I left Carson here alone I saw to it that both safes and the main desks were closed."

      "Why did you do that?" put in Mr. Allen, knowing well what the answer would be.

      "I saw no necessity for trusting Carson, who was totally unknown to us."

      "That was right, Hardwick." Mr. Allen turned to his partner. "I believe, Sumner, you took in Carson without recommendations."

      "I admit I did, Allen, but his face – "

      "Faces are very deceitful, very. It was poor business policy, Sumner. It would never have happened while I was around."

      "Well, I am the loser, not you," replied Mr. Sumner, rather sharply. He did not like the way Mr. Allen criticised his action.

      "Yes, but still, it might have been – "

      "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."

      "Well, just as you say," returned Mr. Allen, stiffly. "I hope you get your bonds back, that's