t.

He peered through the key-hole, but could see nothing but a portion of
the wall opposite.

Growing bolder, he turned the key in the lock, and cautiously opened the
door for the space of several inches. Looking out, he saw that Churchley
still sat at the table, which was but a few feet away.

At that instant the man moved and gave a deep breath. Hal thought he
intended to look around, and hastily closed the door once more.

The youth's movement was so quick that the door made a sharp sound as
the catch clicked. This was followed by the sound made by the key in the
lock as Hal once more imprisoned himself.

Hal almost held his breath as he heard Churchley jump up.

"Who's there?" called the man.

Hal made no reply.

Then Churchley came and tried the door.

"Hullo! the door's locked!"

At that moment Hardwick entered, followed by Ferris.

"Somebody in the closet?" cried Hardwick.

"There seems to be."

"Open the door."

"I can't. It's locked."

"Who is in there?" called the book-keeper.

Of course, Hal did not answer.

"Perhaps it was a rat," suggested Ferris.

"Might have been," grumbled Churchley. "I know there are plenty of them
in the building, because I once ran across one in the hall-way."

"Where is the key?" asked Hardwick. "We'll soon find out."

"I don't know."

"It ought to be in the lock."

"Perhaps Jackson carted it off. He's an odd sort of a coon."

Hardwick looked around on the mantel and in several other places.

"It's gone."

He came over and shook the door.

"See if the key is on the inside of the lock," suggested Ferris.

At these words Hal put down his hand and felt to make sure that the key
was turned to one side.

"I can't see anything," said Hardwick, after an examination.

"Then Jackson must have put it in his pocket," said Churchley.

"Perhaps it was nothing but a rat after all," said Ferris.

"I have half a mind to run up and ask Jackson," said Hardwick. "He lives
right on the floor above."

"Oh, don't bother!" returned Churchley. "If it's a rat you may be sure
he has gone back to his hole long ago."

A little more conversation followed, to which Hal listened intently, and
then the youth heard Hardwick and Ferris go out.

Churchley continued to read the papers, and during that time the youth
hardly dared to move for fear the man might re-commence his
investigation.

But at the end of the hour Churchley gave a yawn and arose. Then two
more men ente