"Did you hear?"
"I did."
"Are you going to mind?"
"No."
Hardwick aimed the pistol at Hal's head. Whether or not he would have fired cannot be told, for at that instant the door opened, and Mr. Sumner stepped in.
"I forgot my——" he began, and then stopped short in amazement.
"Mr. Sumner!" cried Hal. "I am glad you have come."
"What is the meaning of this?" gasped the elderly broker.
He looked at Hardwick and then at the pistol.
The book-keeper dropped back, unable for the moment to say a word.