Hal was surprised at this. He was under the impression that Allen used the Sixth Avenue elevated to come down from his home. Had the broker spent the night away from home, instead of going to that place after leaving the gambling den?
Standing not over fifteen feet away, Hal saw Ferris talk earnestly to Allen for fully five minutes. Then the broker put his hand in his vest pocket, and passed over several bank bills. This was followed by a small package from his overcoat pocket, which the tall boy quickly placed in his breast.
"I wonder what that package contains?" mused Hal, as the two separated.
Allen continued on the way downtown, calling a cab for that purpose. Hal felt certain the broker was going to the office, so there was no use of following him for the present.
He turned to Ferris and saw the tall youth stride up Park Row, and then turn into a side street.
"Is it possible he is going to see Macklin again?" was Hal's comment.
Such seemed to be Ferris' purpose, and it left Hal in perplexity as to whether he should follow or not.
Then he thought of his mission, and a bold plan came into his mind.
"I will follow," he said to himself. "The only way to get at the bottom of the tin box mystery is to learn of all the plans this band of evil-doers form."