hung around, but neither Hardwick nor Ferris
put in an appearance.

A wagon was leading up on one side of the yard, but presently this drove
off, and then all became quiet.

Watching his chance, when he thought no one was observing him, Hal
entered the gate of the lumber-yard and hurried down to the building in
the rear.

There was a window beside the door to the place, and Hal gazed inside.

An elderly man was present. He was seated beside a hot stove, toasting
his shins and reading a morning paper.

"They didn't enter the office, that's certain," said Hal to himself.
"Now, where did they go?"

Suddenly he stopped short. Was it possible that Hardwick and Ferris had
discovered that they were being followed, and had slipped through the
lumber-yard merely to throw him off the scent?

"It certainly looks like it," thought Hal. "I'll sneak around the back
way, and see what I can discover."

Back of the office were great piles of lumber, all thickly covered with
snow. Among them could plainly be seen the footsteps of two people. The
marks were fresh, and led along the back fence and then to the right.

Hal followed the marks among the piles of lumber until he came to a spot
where all became mixed, as if some one had retraced his steps.

As he paused, examining the tracks, he heard a noise behind him, and,
turning, he found himself confronted by Hardwick.

"I want to know what you are following me about for?" demanded the man,
savagely.

CHAPTER XXV.

HAL'S ESCAPE FROM HARDWICK.

Hal could not help but shrink back as Hardwick advanced.

"Did you hear what I said?" demanded the man, after a second of silence.

"I did," replied Hal, in a disguised voice. He did not know whether or
not Hardwick had discovered his real identity, and he intended to run no
risk in the matter.

"Then answer me."

"Supposing I refuse to do so?"

"It won't help you," fumed Hardwick. "I know perfectly well who you
are."

"You do?" cried Hal, and he was taken aback by the ex-book-keeper's
words.

"Exactly. You are one of those mighty smart detectives old Sumner has
employed to shadow me."

Hal could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. His identity was still
a secret.

"Ain't I right?" went on Hardwick, seeing the youth did not reply.

"I decline to answer," replied Hal, firmly.

"Oh, you do?" sneered Hardwick.

"I do."

"Then you understand I've got you in a corner."

"I understand nothing of the sort."