Hal kept out of sight behind the man, and presently Hardwick continued up Park Row until he came to one of the side streets just beyond the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge.
He turned into this street, piled high on either side with dirty snow, and then entered one of the worst thoroughfares in New York City.
By this time it was quite dark, and Hal had to keep close, for fear of losing sight of his man. He was now thoroughly interested, for he knew Hardwick boarded somewhere uptown, and it must be some special business that would bring the book-keeper to this part of the city on such a disagreeable evening.
At length Hardwick paused and glanced behind him. As soon as he saw the movement the boy stepped behind a bill-board out of sight.
Presently Hardwick continued on his way, walking faster than ever. The youth increased his speed.
"Hi! look sharp there!"
Hal was just about to cross a street when he almost ran into a heavy truck. He stepped back, and allowed the truck to pass. When he reached the opposite curb Hardwick had disappeared.
"He must have gone on straight ahead," thought the youth. "I will soon catch up to him again."
But though he continued onward for more than a block, he saw nothing of the book-keeper.
He looked up and down the side streets, and tried to peep into the curtained windows of several saloons that were close at hand.