e aware. Our partnership is a limited
one, and I shall settle with Mr. Allen later."

"You can't hold me accountable for that money."

"I can, but I won't, for I imagine the greater part of it has been
spent. How much have you in your pocket now?"

"Sir!"

"You heard my question; answer me."

"I will not! I'm no fool!"

"Very well. Hal, will you call a policeman?"

Hal started for the door. Hardwick caught him by the arm, and shoved him
back.

"Stay here! There is my pocket-book."

"Hal, you may remain." Mr. Sumner took the pocket-book and counted the
money in it. "A hundred and eighty dollars," he went on. "Have you any
more with you?"

"No."

"Is that a genuine diamond you are wearing?"

"Yes."

"What is it worth?"

"It cost seventy-five dollars."

"Then listen to me; I have found out that you are a pretty high liver,
Hardwick, and you have probably squandered nearly all of what you have
stolen----"

"Look here, I----"

"Stop, or Hal shall go at once for the officer. Now, what I propose to
do is this: I will keep this money and that pin and the one hundred and
twenty-five dollars of salary coming to you and let the matter drop, so
far as that crookedness in the books is concerned."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then Hal shall go for an officer, and you can stand trial."

Hardwick muttered something under his breath, not at all complimentary
to his employer. He felt that he was in a tight place.

"There is no alternative?" he asked.

"None."

"And you will let this matter rest?"

"Yes. I wish to give you a chance to turn over a new leaf, if there is
any turn over in you."

Hardwick hesitated for a moment.

"I accept," he said, doggedly.

"Very well, hand over the pin."

The diamond scarf pin was transferred to the broker's hand.

"Here is your pocket-book and ten dollars. I don't wish to see you go
away without a cent."

"Keep the money; you might as well rob me of all of it," exclaimed
Hardwick. He reached for his hat and coat. "You will rue this day,
Horace Sumner; mark my word for it. And you, you young tramp!"--Hardwick
turned to Hal--"I will get square, and don't you forget it."

He went out, slamming the door behind him. Hal watched him from the
window, and saw him turn down Broad Street.

Mr. Sumner gave a long sigh.

"I am glad I am rid of that man," he said.

"So am I," responded Hal. "He is a worse villain than you think, Mr.
Sumner."

The elderly broker smiled faint