nless the tin box containing the stolen bonds is recovered I will be a
ruined man!" he groaned. "It is impossible to cover the loss. Allen has
ruined me, and even though he tries to use those slips, and I have him
arrested, it will do no good."

The ring at the bell aroused him, and, as the servants had retired, he
answered the summons himself.

"What, Hal!" he cried. "You must have important news, or you would not
come at this hour of the night."

"I have important news, Mr. Sumner," replied the youth. "And I came
because I want your assistance the first thing in the morning."

"You shall have it, Hal. But what news do you bring? Come into the
library and tell me."

The two passed into the sumptuously-furnished apartment, and, seated by
the open grate fire, the youth told of all that had occurred since he
had obtained employment at Allen & Parsons'.

"You have had several narrow escapes, my boy," cried the old broker,
shuddering. "You must be more careful, really you must."

"I think we have about reached the end of the matter," returned Hal.

"Why, what do you mean? The tin box----"

"I have an idea Hardwick, Allen, and the others intend to come to some
sort of a settlement to-morrow, either at the old house, or at the
office in Broad Street. This Samuels is about to take some of the bonds
to Chicago, and we must be on hand to stop the scheme."

"You are right, Hal, and mighty smart. What do you propose? You have
done so well thus far I must really allow you to go on."

"I propose we go to the old house, accompanied by a couple of officers,
and lay low for Hardwick and Allen. When they come I can appear before
them with my hands and feet bound, and accuse them of the crime. They
will not know that Macklin has been arrested--I have taken care of
that--and they may give themselves away."

"A good plan. What rogues they are, and how blind I have been! Hal, I
shall not forget all you have done for me."

A little more conversation ensued, and then the youth arose.

"Where are you going, now?"

"To the hotel to get some sleep."

"No need of going to the hotel. I will call up one of the servants, and
she can show you to a room."

"You are very kind, Mr. Sumner----"

"It is nothing, Hal, in comparison to what you have done for me. I shall
reward you well if the missing box is recovered."

Quarter of an hour later Hal was shown to a bedroom on the second floor.
It was quite the finest apartment of the ki