"No, he didn't."
"Or this morning."
"Shut up. You implicated me."
"Did Dick Ferris say I did?" asked Hal.
"Never mind who said so. I want to know what you mean by such work?"
Hal did not reply. He was trying to think. What was Ferris' object in telling Hardwick he had been mentioned in connection with the matter?
Clearly there could be but one reason. Ferris knew Hardwick already disliked Hal, and he wished to put the book-keeper against the youth, so as to get Hal into more difficulties.
"Do you hear me?" demanded Hardwick, giving Hal an extra squeeze on the throat.
"I do," gulped Hal. "Let—go—of me."
"Not until you have answered."