Part 29 (1/2)

”What is the meaning of this?” gasped the elderly broker.

He looked at Hardwick and then at the pistol.

The book-keeper dropped back, unable for the moment to say a word.

”He intended to shoot me,” said Hal.

”That is a falsehood!” exclaimed Hardwick.

”It's the truth,” retorted the youth.

”No such thing! The young tramp pulled this pistol, and I just s.n.a.t.c.hed it away from him.”

Hal was amazed at this deliberate falsehood. Mr. Sumner turned to him.

”Did you have that pistol first?” he asked.

”No, sir.”

”I say he did,” put in Hardwick.

”I never owned a pistol,” added Hal.

”Then he must have stolen it,” sneered Hardwick. ”I tell you, Mr.

Sumner, he is a bad egg, and he ought to be discharged.”

”Perhaps,” responded the elderly broker, dryly. ”Just hand the weapon to me.”

Hardwick did so, and Mr. Sumner examined it.

”Do you carry such a weapon?” he asked, shortly.

”No, sir.”

”Don't own one, I presume?”

”I must say I do not.”

”Humph! So you say Carson drew it on you?”

”He did.”

”Mr. Sumner----” began Hal.

”Stop, Carson, until I get through with Mr. Hardwick. What was the cause of this quarrel?”

”The boy got impudent, and I threatened to report him and have him discharged.”