"Not very well."
"I thought not." Hardwick glanced at Hal's shabby clothes. "Well, you had better wait outside until he comes. We don't allow loungers about the office."
"I will," said Hal, and he turned to leave.
It was bitter cold outside, but he would have preferred being on the sidewalk than being in the way, especially when such a man as Felix Hardwick was around.
But, as he turned to leave, a coach drove up to the door, and Mr. Sumner alighted. His face lit up with a smile when he caught sight of Hal.
"Well, my young friend, I see you are on time," he said, catching Hal by the shoulder, and turning him back into the office.
"Yes, sir."
"That's right." Mr. Sumner turned to Hardwick. "Where is Dick?" he asked.
"I don't know, sir," returned the book-keeper.
"Hasn't he been here this morning?"