with keen
interest. When he learned how Hal had been struck down, and afterward
found himself in the icy vat, he shuddered.

"That will never do," he cried. "Hal, you must give up running such
risks. I would not have you lose your life for all the bonds in New
York. We will call in one of the regular detectives and----"

"No, Mr. Sumner, I started on my theory and I wish to finish the work. I
did not know how desperate the men were with whom I have to deal, but in
the future I shall be prepared for them. And I wish to ask a favor."

"What is it?"

"Will you advance me a little money? I may need it in traveling around,
and my disguises may cost----"

"You shall have what you please, Hal. You are the only one I have in the
office to depend on, and you are doing a remarkable work for one so
young."

"If you will let me have, say ten or fifteen dollars----"

"Here are fifty," returned Mr. Sumner, handing over five crisp
ten-dollar bills. "When you need more let me know."

"But--but I won't want this much!" gasped Hal.

"Yes, you will, if you are determined to go ahead. Don't let dollars
stand in the way. Why, I have already spent one hundred and fifty
dollars on the detectives, and they have done absolutely nothing."

Without another word Hal pocketed the bills. As he did so there was a
knock on the door, then it was flung open and a girl rushed in.

She was apparently a year or two younger than Hal, and had blue eyes,
light hair, and a remarkably pretty face. She rushed up to Mr. Sumner
and kissed him.

"Oh, papa, why didn't you tell me?" she burst out, with something like a
sob in her voice.

"Tell you what, pet?" asked Mr. Sumner with a shadow on his face.

"About all those bonds being gone. Lucy Cavaler mentioned it to me this
morning when I called on her to go shopping. Have you got them back?"

"Not yet, pet."

"And who stole them?"

"I don't know. This young man and I have just been trying to find out."

The girl turned to Hal, who took off his hat, bowed, and then blushed
furiously.

"This is Mr. Hal Carson, one of my employees," went on Mr. Sumner. "Hal,
this is my daughter, Laura."

Laura Sumner extended her hand, and Hal took it. Their eyes met, and
from that instant the two were friends.

"You are trying to help papa find the stolen bonds?" she said.

"Yes, Miss Sumner."

"He has done some excellent work on the case," said Mr. Sumner. "He is
disguised now, as you can see," he added,