"Perhaps," responded the elderly broker, dryly. "Just hand the weapon to me."

Hardwick did so, and Mr. Sumner examined it.

"Do you carry such a weapon?" he asked, shortly.

"No, sir."

"Don't own one, I presume?"

"I must say I do not."

"Humph! So you say Carson drew it on you?"

"He did."

"Mr. Sumner——" began Hal.

"Stop, Carson, until I get through with Mr. Hardwick. What was the cause of this quarrel?"