CHAPTER X. 

HAL IS ACCUSED. 

When Hal Carson locked himself into the closet of the club-room, he realized that he was in a perilous position. 

Supposing somebody undertook to open the door? They might suppose it very strange to find the door locked, and think it necessary to open it, in which case he would be discovered in short order. 

He remained perfectly quiet for a long while and heard Churchley admitted, and heard the man seat himself at the center table, and rustle the paper he was perusing. 

Of the conversation carried on by Ferris and Hardwick, he heard nothing further, and he was, consequently, totally in the dark concerning the nefarious plot that had been formed to get him into serious trouble. 

Ten minutes passed, and the youth began to wonder how long he would have to remain a self-made prisoner. 

Then all became quiet in the room beyond, and he wondered if Churchley had not joined the two in the adjoining apartment. 

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. 
Is Hal old?
The youth's movement was so quick that the door made a sharp sound as the catch clicked