"Why not?"
"Because old Sumner expects the earth from me and he can't get it; see?" Ferris winked one eye. "I'm too smart to allow myself to be stepped onto, I am. You had better quit working; he won't pay you much for your trouble."
"I'll risk it," replied Hal.
"If I find you played me foul, I'll break you all up," went on Ferris. And with this threat he hurried off.
Hal looked after the boy for an instant and then continued his work. The sidewalk was soon cleaned, and he returned to the office.
Hardwick let him in behind the railing, giving him a sharp look as he passed.
"I've seen him somewhere before," he muttered to himself, as he continued at his books. "But where I can't remember."
"What! done already?" exclaimed Mr. Sumner to Hal.
"Yes, sir."
"It didn't take long."