Part 51 (2/2)

It was a random remark, but it told. Hardwick turned pale, and s.h.i.+fted uneasily.

”You're a cool customer,” he said, eyeing Hal sharply.

”Detectives have to be cool.”

”You won't gain anything by following me.”

”I haven't said that I was following you.”

”But you have admitted that you are a detective, and that amounts to the same thing.”

”Perhaps it does and perhaps it doesn't.”

As Hal spoke, he looked around for d.i.c.k Ferris. The tall youth was nowhere to be seen.

”What are you looking for?”

”That's my business.”

”Come, don't get cheeky.”

”Then don't question me.”

Hardwick's eyes flashed fire. A dark look of hatred came into his face, and he made a spring forward.

”I'll teach you a lesson,” he hissed.

”Stand back!” cried Hal. ”Stand back, or take the consequence!”

Hardly had Hal spoken the words when a sudden shadow caused him to glance upward.

It was well that he did so.

On a large pile of lumber stood d.i.c.k Ferris, and in his hands he held a heavy beam, which he was just on the point of letting fall upon Hal's head.

The boy had barely time enough to spring to one side when with a boom the beam came down and buried itself in the snow.

”You mean coward!” cried the youth. ”Wait till I catch you!”

He made a dash to the side of the pile, which was arranged like steps, intending to mount to where Ferris stood.

As he did so, Hardwick shouted something to the tall boy, and then leaped the fence of the lumber-yard, and ran out on the side street.

Ferris could not see Hal now, but he understood what Hardwick said, and as Hal mounted to the top of the pile the tall boy got down and let himself drop off the edge.

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