Patsy dashed to assist him, and caught hold of him in time to prevent him from falling against an iron fence, which probably would have broken his head. The would-be murderer was dashing down the street. Patsy could not be in two places at once. He wanted to chase the unknown criminal, but his first business was with Snell. This was not only because Nick had sent him out to shadow Snell, but because the man seemed to be badly injured. He was groaning and trembling so that he would have fallen if the detective had not held him up. “Better sit down a minute,” Patsy suggested, “and let me see if there’s anything serious the matter.” Snell sank to a doorstep, and Patsy made a quick examination of his head. “That was a nasty blow,” he said, “but I think your skull is sound. Aren’t you feeling better?” “Yes,” Snell replied, “I am. I was more frightened than hurt, perhaps. I am greatly obliged to you.” “Don’t mention it. Let me help you to your house. Do you live near?” Snell laughed a little. “Near!” he repeated, “I should say not.” “Will you have a cab called to take you home?” asked Patsy. Again Snell laughed. “It would be too long a journey,” he said. “I am a stranger in New York, and I am staying at the Fifth Avenue. That isn’t very far away, I believe.” “No, and you can get a car at the next block, if you want to.” “I’d rather walk.” He got up, and Patsy held his arm till they came to the corner. “I don’t suppose your friend will tackle you again,” said the detective, then: “but I haven’t anything to do, and if you like I’ll walk with you to the hotel.” “You are very kind,” Snell responded; “suppose you do. I confess that I am very nervous.” “He had it in for you, I suppose,” remarked Patsy. “Yes.” “Don’t you want to speak to this policeman about it?” An officer was approaching. “No! no!” exclaimed Snell, hastily; “I have my reasons for keeping the matter quiet. Don’t for Heaven’s sake, say a word.” “All right. It’s no business of mine, but if any fellow had thumped me like that I should want him put where he couldn’t try it again.” “I don’t think he will try it again; at least, not in New York. I’d rather not talk about it.” “Just as you say, sir. Want to stop in at a drug store and get your head bathed with arnica?” “That would be a good idea.” They entered the next drug store they came to, where it proved that Snell had suffered nothing more than a painful bruise. After that they went on to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. “I am very much obliged to you,” said Snell, halting in the doorway. “Don’t mention it,” Patsy responded. “Will you come in and have something?” He looked as if he hoped Patsy would say no, but the detective was glad of any excuse to stick to him. “Yes,” said Patsy, “don’t care if I do.” Snell nodded silently, and led the way into the hotel. As they were passing the desk the clerk spoke to him. “Mr. Snell,” he said, “there’s a telegram here for you.”