As he stepped on the sidewalk in front of Trinity Church, which stands at the beginning of Wall Street, he happened to glance up, and not far away saw Hardwick.
The ex-book-keeper was smoking a cigar and scowling. He did not see Hal, and the youth soon put himself where he was not likely to be seen.
Five minutes passed. Then Hardwick began to move slowly up Broadway, casting sharp glances to his right and left. Hal slowly followed, keeping several people between himself and the man he was shadowing.
At length Hardwick stopped at the corner of Cedar Street. Here he was joined by Dick Ferris, and the two at once began an animated conversation, which Hal managed to overhear.
"Got the bounce?" were the first words he heard. "Well, that's rich, Hardwick."
"I don't see the point," growled the ex-book-keeper. "I wish I had fixed the young tramp!"
"He seems to be worrying us pretty bad," said Ferris. "But, say, how about that money I was to have?"
"I can't give it to you now."
"Why not?"
"I haven't got it."