Part 52 (2/2)
”They are of the kind which we use in our daily business. Since Mr.
Allen and myself agreed to end our limited partners.h.i.+p, I have kept the regular slips in my safe. Formerly they were in Hardwick's charge, where both of us could have easy access to them, but now--well, to be plain, I allow no business to be conducted unless under my supervision.”
”And that is right, Mr. Sumner.”
”Now, if Mr. Allen is really having these extra slips printed, it would seem as if he--he----”
”Intended to make use of them without consulting you,” finished Hal, bluntly.
”Yes.”
”He is none too good for that, sir. But wasn't he here this morning?”
”Yes. We had a very stormy interview. He is angry because I discharged Hardwick, and would not believe me when I said Hardwick was a defaulter.”
”That's part of his plan.”
”You may be right, Hal. You are a wonderful boy. As I was saying, we had a stormy interview, and I doubt if he spends a great deal of time here during the remaining days of our partners.h.i.+p.”
”The partners.h.i.+p ends on New Year's day, doesn't it?”
”That was the day set, but by mutual agreement we have made the date the twentieth of December.”
”Why, that is day after to-morrow.”
”Yes.”
”The day the slips are to be finished.”
”So it is.”
”No wonder Ferris wished them as soon as possible.”
Horace Sumner arose, and walked up and down the office.
”If there is to be any crooked work in the matter of the slips, I will take good care to head it off. I might be swindled out of thousands of dollars in that way.”
”You will look over the genuine slips, I suppose?”
”I will, in the presence of the new book-keeper and another witness.
There shall be no under-handed work in the matter. I believe you are altogether right, Hal. I have been surrounded by villains, and they would pluck me to the end if I but gave them the chance.”
CHAPTER XXVI.
HAL OBTAINS ANOTHER SITUATION.
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