"Oh, Mr. Brown," said the woman, "will your key open the door of this room?" "I will try it. What's up?" asked the new arrival, who seemed to be a young man. Gerald waited in anxious suspense while the key was thrust into the lock. It fitted, and the door was opened. "How were you locked in?" asked the young man looking puzzled. "You don't lodge here, do you?" "No; I was lured here by the man who occupies the room. He robbed me of my wallet, and then went away, locking me in." "Whew!" exclaimed the young man. "That will make an item for my paper." "Are you an editor?" asked Gerald. "I am a reporter on an evening paper," he replied. "Miss Sloan, this is Mr. Turner's room, isn't it?" "Yes, Mr. Brown. Do you think he is a burglar? If so, I sha'n't dare to live in the house." "He won't try to rob you, and I feel safe. Editors and reporters are not attractive game for gentlemen of his profession." Then turning to Gerald, he asked: "Did he relieve you of much money?" "Fifty dollars." "Oh, my gracious!" exclaimed Miss Sloan, throwing up her hands. "Poor boy, did he take all you had?" "No, ma'am, I have a little left. What ought I to do?" "Report the matter to the police. I'll go with you. The fellow ought to be arrested." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XX A LETTER FROM PORTVILLE GERALD followed the reporter to the nearest station-house, and gave an account of the robbery. Notes were taken and he was asked, "If we arrest this man will you appear against him?" "I want to leave town to-morrow, if possible." "You will have to stay longer than that. However, we will hurry up the trial." By this time Gerald was hungry. "Is there a restaurant near by?" he said. "Yes. I am going out to lunch myself; you can accompany me." The reporter led the way to Fourteenth Street, where Gerald found a neat and satisfactory restaurant. The robbery had not spoiled his appetite, and he did justice to a generous meal. When they left the restaurant the reporter asked: "Where are you going now?" "I don't know. I have no particular plans." "Then come with me. There has been a fire on Third Avenue, and I am commissioned to inquire particulars of the losses and insurance. It will give you an insight into city life." "I shall be glad to go with you." They visited the scene of the fire, and half an hour was consumed by the reporter in gathering the needed information. Then they walked down the avenue toward Fourteenth Street. All at once Gerald clutched his companion's arm. "Look, Mr. Brown," he said; "there is the man that robbed me!" A few rods in advance, walking with his usual sauntering gait, was Turner, known to Gerald as William Brand. "You are right. That's the man." "What shall I do?" "Keep him in sight till you see a policeman. Then ask to have him arrested."