What was Hardwick's occupation?
book-keeper
What was Hardwick holding?
a heavy ruler
What else?
Hal's  throat
Was he fighting back?
yes
In what way?
he tried to push Hardwick away
Why was he being attacked?
Hardwick thought he did something
Did something where?
at  Mrs. Ricket's."
Who told Hardwick about this?
Possibly Ferris
Why?
to put the book-keeper against Hal
Why did he want to do that?
so that Hal had problems
Why was Hal stalling?
He was thinking
Did he answer Hardwick's questions?
not yet