He thought over the situation, and then started for his boarding-house, satisfied that it would do no good to search farther for the book-keeper that night.
As has been mentioned, the boarding-house was up in Tenth Street. Hal soon walked the distance, and, getting out his night-key, he let himself in.
He was about to ascend to his room, and wash up a bit before going to supper, when the sounds of voices broke upon his ear, coming from the parlor.
"And he has your place, Dick?" he heard Mrs. Ricket, the boarding mistress say.
"Yes, he has, Aunt Amanda," returned the voice of Dick Ferris.
"It's too bad."
"How did you come to allow the tramp in the house?"
"He paid in advance, Dick, and he appeared to be a very nice young fellow."
"Nice!"
"Yes. What is wrong about him?"