Here was Rupert's opportunity. He sprang to the door, turned the key, but did not dare to stop to lock it on the outside, and dashed into the entry. The door of the next room chanced to be open. He darted inside, and bolted himself in. He was just in time. The maniac, discovering the ruse, rose to his feet, and, knife in hand, ran into the hall with a blood-curdling cry. He looked in vain for Rupert, who was nowhere to be seen. The staircase was near. He ran down, flight after flight, till he reached the office floor, and made a great sensation as he dashed through it with his drawn knife. Here, however, he had some one more formidable than a boy to contend with. Two burly porters sprang upon him, and felled him to the floor. The knife was taken from him, and the clerk, horror-struck, leaning over him, asked, "What did you do with the boy?" "I tried to kill him, but he escaped," said the lunatic. "But I will have him yet!" "Call two policemen," said Mr. Malcolm. "One of you go upstairs and find the bell-boy." Rupert remained in his temporary refuge, not daring to come out. He heard his unpleasant acquaintance leaving the adjoining room, but was apprehensive that he might return. At length he heard some one calling, "Rupert, where are you?" and recognized it as the voice of one of the other bell-boys. He opened the door and came out. "Where is the insane man?" he asked quickly. "He was captured in the office, and his knife taken from him. How did you escape from him?" "Wait till I go down stairs and I will tell you." When Rupert reached the office he was eagerly questioned. He gave the particulars of his unpleasant interview with the crank. "I congratulate you on your presence of mind," said the clerk. "You had a narrow escape from a terrible fate." "Where is he now?" "On his way to the station-house. You need not be afraid that he will come back. He is sure to be locked up." Later in the day the proprietor of the hotel sent for Rupert. "My boy," he said, "you ran a terrible risk this morning. It was in my service, and I feel that I ought in some way to express my appreciation of your remarkable courage and presence of mind. Here are fifty dollars, which I hope you will find of service." It was not alone the gift, but the kind words, that gratified Rupert. He was able to buy a new suit for best, and a few other articles of which he had need. During the day he had a call from a man connected with one of the daily papers, who wished his photograph to reproduce in connection with an account of the incident. This, however, Rupert declined to give, not caring for notoriety. The account of the crank's onset, however, appeared, and a good many curious visitors were attracted to the Somerset Hotel. Among these was Julian Lorimer. Rupert's name had not been mentioned in the account, and Julian was surprised to meet him. "How came you here?" he asked. "I am employed here," answered Rupert, quietly. "What are you?" "A bell-boy."