Part 55 (1/2)
”Is it prudent? Old Sumner may have his detectives around.”
”I thought of that, and wrote to Hardwick about it. Hereafter he will disguise himself, and----”
Hal heard no more. The front door opened, and a stranger hurried in.
CHAPTER XXVII.
HAL PLAYS A DARING PART.
Hal lost no time in confronting the new-comer.
”Is Mr. Parsons in?” asked the stranger.
”Yes, sir.”
”Tell him Mr. Samuels is here.”
”I will, sir.”
Hal walked back, and knocked on the rear office door.
”Come!” said Allen.
”A Mr. Samuels to see Mr. Parsons,” said the youth.
”Show him in.”
Mr. Samuels was conducted to the rear office, and once more the door was tightly closed.
Hal was slightly disturbed. Had the new-comer caught him listening in the back, or had he taken no notice?
The only way to learn was to remain where he had been before, and this the youth did.
”Well, Samuels, on hand I see,” said Parsons. ”Mr. Allen just came in.”
”Then we can come to business without delay,” replied Samuels.
He was a small-faced Jew, with eyes that appeared to be more than half closed. As he spoke, he drew up a chair close to where the other two were sitting.
”Say,” he went on. ”Who is the young fellow outside?”
”Our new clerk.”
”Can you trust him?”
”I think so. Why?”
”He might overhear what was said.”