He opened the door and entered. There was a small place in the front partitioned from the rear office by a counter and a brass grating.
A man sat writing at a desk in the rear. He glanced at Hal, and seeing it was only a boy, went on with his work.
Five minutes passed. Then the man swung around leisurely, got down from his stool, and came forward.
As soon as Hal caught sight of the man's face he was astonished.
It was Hardwick, the fellow whose conversation he had overheard on the ferry boat the evening before.
CHAPTER III.
A SERIOUS CHARGE.
"What do you want?" asked Hardwick abruptly.
"Is Mr. Sumner in?" returned Hal.