s well as Hardwick and Dick Ferris."

"You may get into trouble. See how Hardwick threatened you and attacked
you in the dark."

"I am not afraid, sir."

"I would not have you go on such a mission for me and get hurt for all
the bonds on the street."

"I would be very careful, sir."

"Well, supposing I let you do that, what would you do first?"

"That will depend on circumstances. Where is Mr. Allen now?"

"Gone to Philadelphia on business."

"For the firm?"

"No, for himself."

"Then you are not sure if he has gone there or not?"

"I only know what he said."

"When do you expect him back?"

"Not until to-morrow."

"Will you tell me where he lives?"

"On Fifty-third Street. The number is on the card over there."

Hal took it down.

"Is there anything special to do just now?"

"I must have those papers written up that Hardwick was at work on. The
books I can write up myself."

"Then, with your permission, I'll write up the papers and then begin my
hunt."

"Very well. But mind and keep out of trouble."

Hal smiled, and turned at once to the desk. A strange feeling filled his
breast. He was really going to turn detective--he, a country boy, and
that, too, in New York.

"It sounds like the wildest kind of a romance," he thought to himself.
"But it isn't; it's sober truth, and I may find it a mighty hard truth
before I get through."

He fairly flew at the work, and by two o'clock it was finished. He
handed it to Mr. Sumner.

"That is excellent," said the broker, glancing over the written pages.
"And now I suppose you are ready to go?"

"If you are willing, sir."

"There is nothing more to be done to-day. To-morrow I shall get a
first-class book-keeper whom I happen to know, to take Hardwick's
place."

In a minute more Hal was off. He knew not exactly in what direction to
go, but thought he would cross Broadway and take the Sixth Avenue
elevated cars to Fifty-third Street.

As he stepped on the sidewalk in front of Trinity Church, which stands
at the beginning of Wall Street, he happened to glance up, and not far
away saw Hardwick.

The ex-book-keeper was smoking a cigar and scowling. He did not see Hal,
and the youth soon put himself where he was not likely to be seen.

Five minutes passed. Then Hardwick began to move slowly up Broadway,
casting sharp glances to his right and left. Hal slowly followed,
keeping several people between himself and the man he was shadowing.

At length