Part 19 (2/2)

Those nasty cigarettes make me sick.”

There was the striking of matches, and then another pause.

”Are you going to continue as book-keeper when Allen leaves?” asked Ferris.

”Certainly.”

”I thought you were to go with Allen in his new venture.”

”I will--later on.”

”Has he made any definite plans yet?”

”No.”

”The reason I asked is because I want you to put in a word for me.”

Hardwick laughed.

”d.i.c.k, you are getting to be a pretty big boy.”

”Didn't I do what you wished of me?” demanded Ferris.

”I must say you did.”

”Then you ought to be willing----”

”All right, it shall be as you say.”

At this instant came a heavy hand on the door-k.n.o.b outside.

”Who's that?” cried Ferris.

”Must be Churchley or Wister,” replied Hardwick.

As the door was locked, the person outside began to knock.

”I must have locked the door,” added the book-keeper. ”Wait till I open it.”

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.

He entered the closet, transferring the key to the inside as he did so, and locked the door behind him.

A second later Hardwick entered from the inner room, and opened the door leading to the hall.

”Hullo, Churchley!” Hal heard him exclaim.

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