"If it hadn't been for that Carson it would be all right," growled the ex-book-keeper. "I would like to wring that boy's neck."
"So would I. But what has become of him? He was not at the office this morning when I was there."
"I don't know. He boarded with Ferris' aunt, but he has left there, too."
"That's queer."
"I have an idea he isn't so much of a boy as we think," said Hardwick, with a shake of his head.
"What do you mean?"
"I believe if he isn't a regular detective, he is next door to it, and was hired by Sumner to spot me. That scene in the office when I accused him was a put-up job on his part and Sumner's. See how easily Sumner sided with him in every instance."
"By Jove! you may be right," cried Allen. "We must be more than careful, or——"
Hal did not catch the words that followed, for the door of the office opened and a slouching figure entered. It was Tommy Macklin.
Veiling his astonishment as best he could, Hal approached the tough.