"You will quit to-day, and without recommendations."
"Without recommendations!"
"Yes. Let me tell you something. All last evening and this morning early I spent the time examining your books. I find you have made false entries, how many I do not know, and that you are a defaulter in the sum of several thousands of dollars."
Hal was almost as much surprised at Mr. Sumner's statement as Hardwick.
"You—have—examined—the—books?" said the book-keeper, slowly.
"I have."
Hardwick breathed hard. It was a terrible blow Mr. Sumner had dealt him. He had supposed his little crooked actions in the office well hidden from prying eyes.
"You may have to prove what you say," he exclaimed, haughtily.
"I can easily do so," returned Mr. Sumner, coolly. "Shall I send for an officer to take charge of you in the meanwhile?"
At the mention of an officer, Hardwick grew white, and his lips trembled.