"Then answer me."
"Supposing I refuse to do so?"
"It won't help you," fumed Hardwick. "I know perfectly well who you are."
"You do?" cried Hal, and he was taken aback by the ex-book-keeper's words.
"Exactly. You are one of those mighty smart detectives old Sumner has employed to shadow me."
Hal could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. His identity was still a secret.
"Ain't I right?" went on Hardwick, seeing the youth did not reply.
"I decline to answer," replied Hal, firmly.
"Oh, you do?" sneered Hardwick.
"I do."