CHAPTER XVII. 

NEAR TO DEATH. 

The Irishwoman had come up behind Hal so softly--she wore rubbers--that the youth did not hear her, and he was, therefore, thoroughly startled when she made the exclamation quoted at the end of the preceding chapter. 

Ferris and Macklin jumped to their feet and both rushed out in the hall. 

"What's the row, Mary?" cried the latter. 

"Sure an' that's phot Oi want to know," replied the woman. "Oi found this fellow pakin' in the kay-hole of your dure, so Oi did." 

"It's Hal Carson!" exclaimed Ferris. "So this is the way you followed me, eh?" he continued. 

"Who is Hal Carson?" asked Macklin, grasping the youth by the arm. 

"Old Sumner's new clerk and office boy," replied Ferris. "Don't let him get away." 

Macklin gave a whistle. 

"Dat's kinder serious, if he follered yer here. Wot have yer got ter say fer yerself?" he demanded, turning to Hal. 

"Let go of my arm," returned Hal. "Are you the only one who lives in this building?" 

"No." 

"Then I presume I have a right to enter the hall-way, haven't I?" 

"That won't wash, Carson!" exclaimed Ferris. "You are doing nothing but following me, and you know it." 

"Just you step inside, do you hear?" commanded Macklin. "That's all right, Mary, I'll take care o' him," he added to the woman. 

"Oi wondher if he was up in me apartment," she said, suspiciously. "Oi'll go up an' see if there is anything missing." 

The woman departed, and Macklin tried to shove Hal into the room.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who did Mary approach from behind?
2. Who was approached by Mary from behind?
3. Who did Mary come towards from behind them?
Q2:
1. Did Mary surprise Hal?
2. Was Hal startled by Mary?
3. Was Hal not expecting Mary to approach him as she did?
Q3:
1. How did Mary startle Hal?
2. What did Mary do to frighten Hal?
3. What did Mary do that came as a surprise to Hal?
Q4:
1. What was Hal doing?
2. What was Hal up to?
3. What was Hal's present activity?
Q5:
1. Whose door was Hal poking around?
2. Whose door was Hal looking through?
3. Whose door was being messed with by Hal?
Q6:
1. Who was familiar with Hal?
2. Who was Hal known to?
3. Who was an acquaintance of Hal's?
Q7:
1. What did Ferris think Hal was doing?
2. What did Ferris believe Hal to be up to?
3. What business did Ferris think Hal had?
Q8:
1. Where did Mary leave for?
2. What location did Mary travel to?
3. What place did Mary go off to?
Q9:
1. Why did Mary go to her apartment?
2. What was Mary doing in her apartment?
3. Why did Mary leave for her apartment?
Q10:
1. What happened after Mary left?
2. What occured after Mary's departure?
3. What took place once Mary was gone?
Q11:
1. What did Macklin try to shove Hal into?
2. Where did Macklin attempt to push Hal?
3. Where did Macklin try and throw Hal?
Q12:
1. What was Hal known as?
2. What did Hal do in life?
3. What description was given of Hal?
