"That's just what I believe," exclaimed De Royster. "It seems a queer thing that Roy should be taken sick so suddenly. Why, he was as healthy as a young ox. I'll wager there's something wrong. He came here to New York to expose a man he thought was a swindler, and I believe the man has him in his power now. I must do something to aid him." "What are you going to do?" asked the clerk, as De Royster started out of the hotel. "I'm going to try to find the cab driver who took them away, and perhaps I can trace Roy. If I can't do it that way I'll notify the police. Roy has been taken away against his will, and maybe they are keeping him in hiding. I'm going to find him!" Roused into sudden action by the thought of danger to the lad who had aided him, Mortimer De Royster hurried out, a look of determination on his face. CHAPTER XX IN THE TENEMENT When Roy awakened, after what seemed like a very long sleep, he found himself in a poorly furnished room. At first he could not understand it--everything was so different from his pleasant apartment at the hotel. He thought it must be a dream, but when he saw his trunk and valises near the bed, he knew he was not asleep. He sat up and looked about him. The room he was in contained, besides the bed, a table, a few chairs and a small cupboard. As Roy roused a man, seated in one of the chairs, approached the bed. "So, you're awake, are you?" he asked. "What's the matter--what has happened, Mr. Wakely?" asked Roy, recognizing the man who had treated him to ice cream soda. "Oh, you're all right. You're just staying here for a few days." "But what happened? Did the hotel catch fire? Did I get hurt? Did they bring me here?" "I brought you here, but the hotel did not catch fire." "Then why am I not there--in my own room?" "This is your room for a while." Something in the man's smile roused Roy's suspicions. "What do you mean?" he asked quickly. "Now keep quiet and you'll be all right," spoke Mr. Wakely, in what he meant to be a soothing tone. "You can't help yourself. You're here, and you're going to stay." All of Roy's energies were aroused. He believed he had been brought to the place for the purposes of robbery. But how had it been done without his knowledge? He started to leave the bed. "No you don't!" exclaimed Mr. Wakely. "You stay right there." "What's that?" cried Roy, a sudden fire coming into his eyes, and his hands clenching themselves ready for a fray. "I must say you've got nerve to do this. I'm going to get up, and you and I are going to have a tussel! I guess I haven't roped wild steers, and ridden bucking broncos, for nothing!" He threw off the covers, noting for the first time that he was fully dressed. But, as he attempted to approach Mr. Wakely a dizziness overcame him, and he sank back, trembling on the bed. "You see I am right," went on the plotter with an evil smile. "You had better stay where you are."