Part 8 (2/2)
”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?”
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