Hardwick stopped at the corner of Cedar Street. Here he was
joined by Dick Ferris, and the two at once began an animated
conversation, which Hal managed to overhear.

"Got the bounce?" were the first words he heard. "Well, that's rich,
Hardwick."

"I don't see the point," growled the ex-book-keeper. "I wish I had fixed
the young tramp!"

"He seems to be worrying us pretty bad," said Ferris. "But, say, how
about that money I was to have?"

"I can't give it to you now."

"Why not?"

"I haven't got it."

"Tell that to your grandmother!"

"It's a fact. Old Sumner made me fork over every cent I had about me."

"What for?"

"He claims I have been getting in on him."

"I'll bet he's right, too."

"Well, he isn't."

"No, of course not," returned Ferris, sarcastically. "A fellow who
would----"

"Shut up, you monkey!" cried Hardwick, getting angry. "You know too
much."

"Well, when am I to have that money?"

"To-morrow."

"Sure?"

"Yes. I'll get it for you."

"What will you do--bleed old Allen?"

"Never mind, I'll get it, and that's enough. By the way, I want you to
do something for me."

"What is it?"

"Deliver a letter to Tommy Macklin. I have got an engagement to-night,
and I want Tommy to get the letter before morning."

"All right. Hand it over. Where are you going now?"

"Home to get shaved and fixed up and have a nap. I was up all night, and
I feel it."

"You're going it pretty strong."

"Don't preach, Dicky, my boy. For your age, I think you go it pretty
well yourself."

Ferris laughed and stuffed the letter Hardwick handed him into his
pocket. Then the two separated.

Hal pondered for a moment, and then concluded to follow Dick Ferris.
Hardwick was going home, "I wish I knew what was in that letter,"
thought Hal, as he shadowed Ferris up Broadway to Park Row. "It may be
something that has to do with the missing tin box."

Ferris passed the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, and then turned into
a side street.

"I'll wager he's going to the same place Hardwick visited the other
night," exclaimed Hal to himself.

With increased interest he followed Ferris, until the latter came to a
narrow and dirty alley-way, piled high on one side with empty boxes and
barrels.

Here a number of children were playing, some making snow-men and others
coasting on home-made "bread-shovel" sleds.

Ferris tried to walk between them, and in doing so got directly in the
way of a small sled upon whi