In after years the man looked back at those words. What had led him to utter them? Let the reader wait, and perhaps he will be able to reason the matter out.
Mr. Allen sneered at the words, and Hardwick's lip curled.
The youth noticed neither of them. The tears stood in his eyes, as he replied:
"Thank you for saying that, Mr. Sumner," he returned, in a low voice. "I may be nothing but a poor-house boy, but I am honest, and will help you get back your bonds, and prove my innocence to the world."
Again Mr. Allen's sneer was heard, and Hardwick's lip curled, even more than before. Neither Mr. Sumner nor Hal paid any attention to either of them. The broker stepped to the telephone.
"Who are you going to summon?" asked Mr. Allen.
"The chief of the police department."
"That's right."
The proper connection was obtained, and a long conversation ensued over the wires. At length Mr. Sumner closed the instrument.
"A couple of detectives will be here in ten minutes," he said. "The chief says they are now with him and have nothing on hand to do."