Part 51 (1/2)
As he paused, examining the tracks, he heard a noise behind him, and, turning, he found himself confronted by Hardwick.
”I want to know what you are following me about for?” demanded the man, savagely.
CHAPTER XXV.
HAL'S ESCAPE FROM HARDWICK.
Hal could not help but shrink back as Hardwick advanced.
”Did you hear what I said?” demanded the man, after a second of silence.
”I did,” replied Hal, in a disguised voice. He did not know whether or not Hardwick had discovered his real ident.i.ty, and he intended to run no risk in the matter.
”Then answer me.”
”Supposing I refuse to do so?”
”It won't help you,” fumed Hardwick. ”I know perfectly well who you are.”
”You do?” cried Hal, and he was taken aback by the ex-book-keeper's words.
”Exactly. You are one of those mighty smart detectives old Sumner has employed to shadow me.”
Hal could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. His ident.i.ty was still a secret.
”Ain't I right?” went on Hardwick, seeing the youth did not reply.
”I decline to answer,” replied Hal, firmly.
”Oh, you do?” sneered Hardwick.
”I do.”
”Then you understand I've got you in a corner.”
”I understand nothing of the sort.”
”Supposing I should pull out my pistol?”
”You won't dare to do so.”
”And pray why? How do I know but what you are not a footpad?” cried Hardwick, getting angry at Hal's apparent coolness.
”Because a shot might bring others to the spot,” said the youth, bravely.
”No one is around.”
”You forget that in New York detectives often travel in pairs.”