"He intended to shoot me," said Hal.
"That is a falsehood!" exclaimed Hardwick.
"It's the truth," retorted the youth.
"No such thing! The young tramp pulled this pistol, and I just snatched it away from him."
Hal was amazed at this deliberate falsehood. Mr. Sumner turned to him.
"Did you have that pistol first?" he asked.
"No, sir."
"I say he did," put in Hardwick.
"I never owned a pistol," added Hal.
"Then he must have stolen it," sneered Hardwick. "I tell you, Mr. Sumner, he is a bad egg, and he ought to be discharged."