CHAPTER XIII. 

HAL SHOWS HIS METTLE. 

Hal understood perfectly well that a crisis had come. Hardwick had him by the throat, and unless he acceded to the book-keeper's demand he would be in immediate danger of being choked to death. 

"Let--let go of me," he gasped. 

"Not until you do as I say," replied Hardwick. "I want you to understand that you can't get the best of me." 

Hal tried to push Hardwick away, but the book-keeper made a pass at him with the heavy ruler. 

"Keep quiet, if you value your head!" roared Hardwick. 

"Let me go!" 

"Not until you have told me what you mean by your doings." 

"What doings?" 

"Your doings up to Mrs. Ricket's." 

"Who told you about what happened up there?" 

"Never mind; I know all about it." 

"Then Ferris saw you last night." 

"No, he didn't." 

"Or this morning." 

"Shut up. You implicated me." 

"Did Dick Ferris say I did?" asked Hal. 

"Never mind who said so. I want to know what you mean by such work?" 

Hal did not reply. He was trying to think. What was Ferris' object in telling Hardwick he had been mentioned in connection with the matter? 

Clearly there could be but one reason. Ferris knew Hardwick already disliked Hal, and he wished to put the book-keeper against the youth, so as to get Hal into more difficulties. 

"Do you hear me?" demanded Hardwick, giving Hal an extra squeeze on the throat. 

"I do," gulped Hal. "Let--go--of me." 

"Not until you have answered." 
What was Hardwick holding?
 book-keeper made a pass at him with the heavy ruler