The only way that now remained to escape was by the street door. Hardwick placed himself in front of this.
"Give me the key to this door," he demanded.
The key hung on a nail close to where Hal was standing.
Instead of complying, Hal took down the key, and placed it in his pocket.
"Did you hear me?" went on the book-keeper.
"I did."
"You are playing with fire, young man."
"Am I?"
"You are. You think I haven't nerve enough to go ahead, but you'll find out your mistake. I'll give you just ten seconds in which to hand me that key."
Hal made no reply.