m afraid so," returned the father; and then the subject changed.

Meanwhile Hal had left the outer office and hurried up Nassau Street in
the direction of Park Row. On a previous visit to this vicinity he had
noticed a first-class costumer's establishment, where everything in the
shape of a disguise could be bought.

At the door he hesitated for a moment, and then entered with a brisk
step.

A fat, pleasant-looking man came to wait on him.

"I wish to obtain a perfect disguise," Hal explained. "Something for my
face, besides some clothing."

"Yes, sir. What sort of a character?"

"A young business man."

"Please step this way."

Hal stepped to the rear of the establishment. Here fully half an hour
was spent in selecting this thing and that, and trying the effect before
the mirror.

At last the business was finished, and Hal came forth looking for all
the world like a spruce clerk of twenty or twenty-two. He wore a silken
mustache and small mutton-chop whiskers, and the color of his skin was
several shades paler than was natural.

The cheap suit and overcoat he had worn were cast aside, and a nobby
check outfit took their place.

"Gracious! I hardly know myself!" he murmured. "This ought to deceive
almost anybody."

Hal had only rented the things. He was to pay two dollars a day for
them, besides leaving a deposit of forty dollars for their safe return.

When this transaction was finished the youth visited a hardware store,
and there bought a pistol and some cartridges.

"Now, I imagine I am ready for them," he said to himself. "Although I
sincerely hope I will not have occasion to draw the pistol."

Once out on the sidewalk Hal did not know exactly how to proceed. He was
about to take an elevated train to Allen's house uptown, when looking
toward the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge, he caught sight of Dick
Ferris standing at the foot of the elevated railroad stairs, smoking his
usual cigarette.

Hal approached him, and then passed by. Ferris looked at him, but not
the faintest gleam of recognition passed over his features.

"He is deceived, at any rate," thought Hal. "I wonder if he is waiting
for somebody, or merely hanging around? I think I will remain for a
while and find out."

Hal crossed Park Row, and took up a stand by the railing to City Hall
Park. A gang of men were clearing off the snow, and the street-cars and
wagons were running in all directions, making the scene a lively one.

Pres