ponded the broker, sternly. "So please keep silent until your turn
comes."

Hardwick pulled at the ends of his mustache, but he did not dare to
reply after this.

"Now go on, Carson," said Mr. Sumner to Hal.

"I haven't much to tell, sir," replied the youth.

And he related all he could remember of the fragment of a conversation
which he had overheard.

The broker listened attentively, but his face fell when Hal had
finished.

"And is that all?"

"Yes, sir."

Mr. Sumner shook his head, and then turned to Hardwick.

"Is his story true?" he asked.

"It is true we spoke of the bonds," replied the book-keeper. "But
nothing was said about stealing them. Why, Mr. Sumner--why should your
own partner and trusted book-keeper conspire to rob you? It is
preposterous! I have an idea."

"What is this?"

"That he heard us speaking of your careless habit, and endeavored to
form some scheme to get into the office and get hold of the bonds."

"Hardly. It was I told him to come here; he did not come of himself."

"Then he formed his plan after he got here."

"I know nothing of railroad bonds," put in Hal. "I wouldn't know what to
do with them, if I had them."

At that moment Mr. Allen arrived. He saw that something unusual had
taken place.

"What's up?" he asked.

"The tin box containing the Mason railroad bonds is missing," replied
Mr. Sumner.

"Missing!" ejaculated Mr. Allen.

"Exactly."

"And all the bonds?"

"Yes."

"Phew!" Mr. Allen gave a low whistle. "How did it happen?"

Mr. Sumner related the particulars.

"And this boy means to say we concocted a scheme to steal them," added
Hardwick, pointing to Hal.

"We steal them!" ejaculated Mr. Allen.

"Yes, sir."

Mr. Allen turned and caught Hal by the arm.

"Boy, are you crazy?" he demanded.

"That's what I would like to know," said Hardwick.

"No, I am not crazy," replied the youth, stoutly.

"He overheard part of our conversation on the ferry-boat the other
night," went on the book-keeper, hastily, "and from that he judged we
must be plotting to rob Mr. Sumner."

"Well, that's rich!" Mr. Allen broke into a laugh. "Excuse me, Sumner,
but I can't help it. Of course, you don't think any such thing."

"No, I can't say that I do," replied the elderly broker, slowly.
"But"--he turned to the safe--"the tin box is gone and I would like to
know what has become of it."

"Better call in the police," suggested Hardwick. "And in the meantime
keep