Part 27 (2/2)

d.i.c.k Ferris stood on the opposite side near the corner. He then waved his hand to Hardwick.

The book-keeper at once put on his hat and coat, and went out. Hal did not see the man join Ferris.

Hal did his best to concentrate his thoughts upon his work, but found it almost impossible to do so.

A half-hour dragged by slowly.

Then the door burst open, and Hardwick rushed in. He was pale and terribly excited. Rus.h.i.+ng up to Hal he caught the youth roughly by the arm.

”See here, I want to have a talk with you!” he cried.

”What about?” asked Hal, as coolly as he could.

”You know well enough, you miserable sneak!” hissed Hardwick. ”Tell me at once all you know.”

”Know about what?” asked Hal, trying to stand his ground.

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 bra.s.s-bound ruler with the other.

”Now, Carson, are you going to speak up or not?” he demanded.

CHAPTER XIII.

HAL SHOWS HIS METTLE.

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.

”Let--let go of me,” he gasped.

”Not until you do as I say,” replied Hardwick. ”I want you to understand that you can't get the best of me.”

Hal tried to push Hardwick away, but the book-keeper made a pa.s.s at him with the heavy ruler.

”Keep quiet, if you value your head!” roared Hardwick.

”Let me go!”

”Not until you have told me what you mean by your doings.”

”What doings?”

”Your doings up to Mrs. Ricket's.”

”Who told you about what happened up there?”

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