"I saw him watching you open the door yesterday morning," went on the book-keeper. "Do you dare deny it?" he continued, turning to Hal.
"I certainly do deny it," retorted Hal. "I might have been looking that way, but I did not watch him, and I do not know how it was done."
"You did not notice if the door was open after I was gone, did you?" said Mr. Sumner, turning to the book-keeper.
"It was closed," replied Hardwick, promptly.
"You are certain?"
"Yes, sir. When I left Carson here alone I saw to it that both safes and the main desks were closed."
"Why did you do that?" put in Mr. Allen, knowing well what the answer would be.
"I saw no necessity for trusting Carson, who was totally unknown to us."
"That was right, Hardwick." Mr. Allen turned to his partner. "I believe, Sumner, you took in Carson without recommendations."
"I admit I did, Allen, but his face——"