Once down in the street again, Hal looked up and down, but could see nothing of Ferris.
But when the youth reached Grand Street he beheld Ferris making for downtown as rapidly as his long legs would carry him.
"I suppose he is going to stand outside and meet Mr. Allen when he comes out," thought Hal. "I will follow him, and see what turns up next."
Dick Ferris walked up Grand Street until he came to Broadway. Here he stood upon the corner, and presently waved his hand toward a passing horse-car.
Immediately a man descended from the car, and came toward the tall youth. It was Hardwick.
"Hullo! This can't be a chance meeting," said Hal to himself. "No wonder Ferris hurried to the corner. He almost missed his man."
As Hardwick stepped from the street to the sidewalk, he glanced toward where Hal was standing, gazing into a shop window. Then he turned to Ferris, and the two began an earnest conversation.
Hal passed the pair, but did not catch a word of what was said. Nor did the young watcher notice Dick Ferris' quick, nervous look in his direction.
A few minutes later, Hardwick and Ferris walked back down Grand Street. Reaching Chrystie, they turned into it, and walked along several blocks until they came to a narrow alley leading to a lumber-yard.
Both passed into the lumber-yard and out of Hal's sight. Wondering what had become of them, the boy passed the place.