Two of the policemen ran to the window and onto the fire-escape which led down and out. But before they had reached it, the fleeing figure had gone in at an open window on the fifth floor, and escaped, and before the pursuers had discovered this, the pursued was downstairs, out and on a trolley car, safely out of harm's way. Upstairs Bailey was impatiently trying to ring the bell, and they were shaking the door, trying to rouse Mary Snow. But she was lying in a dead faint inside, having heard their approach and overtaxed her strength in trying to reach the door. "Break it," ordered the chief. It was but a moment before the half dozen men had the door down, and they all walked in. "O, Mary!" cried Gertrude. "She has fainted. Carry her in there," and she pointed to the bedroom. Bailey was beside the prostrate girl in a moment, and already had her in his arms. He followed Gertrude into the adjoining room and laid her on the bed. "Now, go out," commanded Gertrude, seeing that he still hung over her secretary. "I must be alone with her a few minutes. I'll call you as soon as she is able to see you." He went reluctantly and joined the others in their examination of the place. In the meantime, Gertrude administered simple restoratives to Mary, and she was able to open her eyes. "It's all right," cried Gertrude smilingly. "I reached safety and we're going out the moment you're able. So hurry up, please." "Where's Bailey?" was Mary's only reply. "Just outside; I'll call him," answered Gertrude, wondering at this reception of her news. But she stepped to the door and motioned to Armstrong, who was hovering outside. He came in and closed the door. "Mary!" he cried in a voice that Gertrude had never heard. "Bailey!" Mary answered, reaching out both hands. Then a great light dawned in Gertrude's mind. She went out softly--but they did not even look to see what had become of her. Chapter XXIII The Hearts of the People There was great excitement in Roma the following morning, when the people read in head-lines that occupied half or more of the first page of the morning paper, THE MAYOR IS FOUND Newspaper reporters had reached the Van Deusen residence before the two women did, and they did not leave until the story of their ten days' adventure (wonderfully simple from their point of view) had been told. The presses waited while the facts were properly embellished and each paper vied with the other to get the longest and most readable, if not the most startling story. It seemed almost inconceivable that two prominent women could have been imprisoned in the center of the town and concealed for ten days--and yet it had been done; and now that they were restored to their friends--and the public--once more, that there should not be the slightest clue to the persons behind the plot.