As Mr. Allen spoke he caught Hal by the shoulder.
"You had better own up, Carson," he said, harshly.
"Let go of me!" retorted Hal, trying to break away.
"Not much! Do you think I am going to give you the chance to slide out of the door?"
"I have nothing to own up to, and I don't intend to run away," panted the youth.
He broke away, and placed himself beside Mr. Sumner, who looked at him earnestly.
"I believe the boy speaks the truth," he said, firmly.
"You do?" cried Hardwick and Allen, in concert.
"I mean in so far as he says he is innocent," added the elderly broker, hastily. "Of course, I believe he is mistaken in supposing that either of you had anything to do with this robbery."
"Oh!" returned Mr. Allen.