"This is Mr. Hal Carson, one of my employees," went on Mr. Sumner. "Hal, this is my daughter, Laura."
Laura Sumner extended her hand, and Hal took it. Their eyes met, and from that instant the two were friends.
"You are trying to help papa find the stolen bonds?" she said.
"Yes, Miss Sumner."
"He has done some excellent work on the case," said Mr. Sumner. "He is disguised now, as you can see," he added, with a faint smile, which made poor Hal blush again.
"Oh, I trust you get the bonds back for papa," cried Laura. "If you do, I'll be friends with you for life."
"It's a whack—I mean a bargain," returned Hal, and then both laughed.
"But you haven't told me why you did not mention the matter to me, papa," went on Laura, turning to Horace Sumner.
"I did not wish to worry you, pet. Since your mother died you have had enough on your shoulders running the household."
"And haven't you had more than your share, papa, with troubles in the office, and trying to find a trace of baby Howard?"