Part 56 (1/2)
”Yes, deuce take the luck, I was forced to do it.”
”You got my letter advising it?”
”I did. But that wasn't what brought me to it. I was followed by one of old Sumner's detectives.”
”Ha! Did he discover anything?”
”Not from me. But I'm afraid he did in another direction.”
Allen turned pale, and s.h.i.+fted uneasily.
”What way?” he exclaimed, hoa.r.s.ely.
”I am pretty well satisfied the same fellow followed Ferris to the establishment where you are having those bogus bills printed.”
”And what did he learn?”
”I am not sure he really followed, and, of course, I don't know how much he learned.”
”Too bad! Did you come face to face with the man?”
”I did, but he got away from us.”
”Who do you mean--was Ferris with you?”
”Yes. He thought he recognized the man as one who followed him to the printing office.”
”I see. We must be careful, Hardwick, very careful.”
”If it hadn't been for that Carson it would be all right,” growled the ex-book-keeper. ”I would like to wring that boy's neck.”
”So would I. But what has become of him? He was not at the office this morning when I was there.”
”I don't know. He boarded with Ferris' aunt, but he has left there, too.”
”That's queer.”
”I have an idea he isn't so much of a boy as we think,” said Hardwick, with a shake of his head.
”What do you mean?”
”I believe if he isn't a regular detective, he is next door to it, and was hired by Sumner to spot me. That scene in the office when I accused him was a put-up job on his part and Sumner's. See how easily Sumner sided with him in every instance.”
”By Jove! you may be right,” cried Allen. ”We must be more than careful, or----”
Hal did not catch the words that followed, for the door of the office opened and a slouching figure entered. It was Tommy Macklin.
Veiling his astonishment as best he could, Hal approached the tough.
”What is it?” he asked, briefly.