must be some mistake."

"None, sir. This is your pistol, and I believe you pulled it upon this
boy."

Hal's face beamed. The cloud that had gathered so suddenly seemed to be
breaking away.

"Why should I draw it on the young cub?" growled Hardwick, not knowing
exactly what to say.

"Because you have a spite against Carson, and you wish to get him into
trouble. I used to think you a fair and square man, Hardwick, but I find
I am mistaken."

CHAPTER XIV.

HAL EXPRESSED HIS OPINION.

The perspiration was standing out upon Mr. Sumner's forehead. He took
out his handkerchief and mopped himself. Hardwick shot an angry glance
at him.

"I don't see what you find so interesting in the boy," he muttered.

"I am interested in him because he saved my life."

"Saved your life?"

"Exactly. It is true that he came from the poor-house, but he is a young
hero, and I will not have him imposed on, especially when he is doing
his best to get along."

"Well, every one to his taste," returned Hardwick.

"I want none of your impudence," cried the broker. "You were not as much
of a man as this boy when I took you in, eight years ago."

"Thanks," returned Hardwick, coolly. "Perhaps you would just as soon I
would quit your service?"

"I would."

"Then I will quit on the first of the year."

"You will quit to-day, and without recommendations."

"Without recommendations!"

"Yes. Let me tell you something. All last evening and this morning early
I spent the time examining your books. I find you have made false
entries, how many I do not know, and that you are a defaulter in the sum
of several thousands of dollars."

Hal was almost as much surprised at Mr. Sumner's statement as Hardwick.

"You--have--examined--the--books?" said the book-keeper, slowly.

"I have."

Hardwick breathed hard. It was a terrible blow Mr. Sumner had dealt him.
He had supposed his little crooked actions in the office well hidden
from prying eyes.

"You may have to prove what you say," he exclaimed, haughtily.

"I can easily do so," returned Mr. Sumner, coolly. "Shall I send for an
officer to take charge of you in the meanwhile?"

At the mention of an officer, Hardwick grew white, and his lips
trembled.

"N-no!" he cried. "There must be some mistake."

"There is no mistake whatever. Do you deny that you have appropriated
the bank funds of the firm----"

"Mr. Allen gave me the right to----"

"Mr. Allen had no rights, as you ar