Part 47 (2/2)
”This is Mr. Hal Carson, one of my employees,” went on Mr. Sumner. ”Hal, this is my daughter, Laura.”
Laura Sumner extended her hand, and Hal took it. Their eyes met, and from that instant the two were friends.
”You are trying to help papa find the stolen bonds?” she said.
”Yes, Miss Sumner.”
”He has done some excellent work on the case,” said Mr. Sumner. ”He is disguised now, as you can see,” he added, with a faint smile, which made poor Hal blush again.
”Oh, I trust you get the bonds back for papa,” cried Laura. ”If you do, I'll be friends with you for life.”
”It's a whack--I mean a bargain,” returned Hal, and then both laughed.
”But you haven't told me why you did not mention the matter to me, papa,” went on Laura, turning to Horace Sumner.
”I did not wish to worry you, pet. Since your mother died you have had enough on your shoulders running the household.”
”And haven't you had more than your share, papa, with troubles in the office, and trying to find a trace of baby Howard?”
”I have given up all hopes of ever learning of the fate of my little boy,” sighed Mr. Sumner, and as he spoke a tear stole down his cheek, which he hastily brushed away.
CHAPTER XXIII.
HAL'S BOLD SCHEME.
Hal could not help but feel a keen interest in the conversation between Mr. Sumner and his daughter. Evidently there was some deep family sorrow behind the words that had been uttered.
He stood respectfully by until Laura turned to him suddenly.
”Excuse me, but I suppose I interrupted you when I came in.”
”No, I had about finished,” replied Hal. ”You have no further instructions?” he continued, turning to Mr. Sumner.
”No, save that you must keep from trouble, Hal.”
”I will keep my eyes open, sir.”
”Then that is all.”
”For the present, you will get along without me in the office, I hope.”
”Yes. The new book-keeper is a very rapid man, and we shall not attempt to do anything more until Mr. Allen and I dissolve partners.h.i.+p.”
”Then I will go. Good-day, Miss Sumner,” and with a deep bow Hal withdrew.
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