"Then you understand I've got you in a corner."
"I understand nothing of the sort."
"Supposing I should pull out my pistol?"
"You won't dare to do so."
"And pray why? How do I know but what you are not a footpad?" cried Hardwick, getting angry at Hal's apparent coolness.
"Because a shot might bring others to the spot," said the youth, bravely.
"No one is around."
"You forget that in New York detectives often travel in pairs."
It was a random remark, but it told. Hardwick turned pale, and shifted uneasily.
"You're a cool customer," he said, eyeing Hal sharply.