Once out on the sidewalk Hal did not know exactly how to proceed. He was about to take an elevated train to Allen's house uptown, when looking toward the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, he caught sight of Dick Ferris standing at the foot of the elevated railroad stairs, smoking his usual cigarette.
Hal approached him, and then passed by. Ferris looked at him, but not the faintest gleam of recognition passed over his features.
"He is deceived, at any rate," thought Hal. "I wonder if he is waiting for somebody, or merely hanging around? I think I will remain for a while and find out."
Hal crossed Park Row, and took up a stand by the railing to City Hall Park. A gang of men were clearing off the snow, and the street-cars and wagons were running in all directions, making the scene a lively one.
Presently an elevated train rolled in at the station, and in a moment a stream of people came down the stairs on both sides of the street.
Hal saw Ferris straighten up, and keep his eyes on the crowd.
"That settles it; he is looking for somebody," was Hal's mental conclusion. "Now, I'll wait and see if it isn't Hardwick."
The crowd passed by. Ferris had met no one, and he resumed his old stand, and puffed away as before.
Presently another train rolled in. Again Ferris watched out. In a moment he had halted a man wrapped up in an immense ulster, and with his hat pulled far down over his eyes.
Hal once more crossed the street. He passed Ferris, and saw that the man the tall boy had stopped was Caleb Allen.