"The money that I have does not belong to me. If I had any money of my own I would give it to you." "I don't care whether the money is yours or the mayor's. A dollar is a dollar, no matter to whom it belongs. So fork over, young man, and don't keep me waiting." "Is it possible such crimes are committed in a great city with hundreds near at hand?" "That's a conundrum. However, I can answer in the affirmative. Now, how much money have you got?" The money Gerald had drawn from the bank he had put in his inside vest-pocket. That amounted, as the reader is aware, to one hundred and fifty dollars. The money he had brought from Portville he had in his wallet, and this amounted to only fifty. The loss of this would not inconvenience him. He decided to give this up if necessary. The question in Gerald's mind was whether Brand had seen him put away the Park Bank money. "I have fifty dollars," he answered. "I will give you ten dollars if you will let me go." "Ten dollars!" repeated Brand, scornfully. "You must think me an idiot." "But I can't get along without money." [Illustration: "WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?"] "Neither can I. So hand over your money." It looked as if Brand were deceived, and that Gerald might save the more considerable sum in his vest-pocket. But to part with it too easily might excite suspicion. "Mr. Brand," said Gerald, "I appeal to you once more. Let me go free; or, at any rate, don't take all my money." "All your money is very little. I thought you had more. Fifty dollars will hardly pay me for the trouble I have taken." "I didn't ask you to take any trouble. You would have done better to select some other victim." "I thought you would be the easiest to deal with," returned Brand, coolly. "But we are wasting time. Produce your money." Gerald drew out his wallet. Fortunately for him the contents were in bills of small denominations, so that, though only representing a small sum, they made quite a goodly show. "Ah!" said Brand, in a tone of satisfaction, as he held out his hand, "that is something like. It is like the sight of water to a thirsty traveler." As he spoke he deliberately put the wallet in his pocket. "But," said Gerald, in apparent alarm, "if you take all my money how am I to get home?" Brand shrugged his shoulders. "You are young and strong; it won't hurt you to walk," he replied. "Then I shall have to stay in the city." "It will be safer for me to get him out of the city," thought Brand. "How much will it cost you to get home?" he asked. "A dollar." Brand drew a dollar bill from the wallet and threw it out on the bed. "There," he said, "you can't say I have treated you meanly. Have you any change?" "No." "Here is half a dollar besides. It was all the money I had before I struck luck in meeting you." "It is not very good luck for me," said Gerald, with a long face. "Oh, you'll get over it. And now, Mr. Lane, I will bid you a good morning."