much danger in the midst of a big city, with policemen around.
Besides I'll be on my guard. I wish I could tell Mr. De Royster. But,
no, I'll not bother him. He'll think I'm a regular baby, not able to
take care of myself."

This thought decided Roy to go alone. He suspected nothing, but, had
he known more about New York, he would have considered twice before
venturing into one of the worst parts of that great city.

The clerk once more cautioned the boy, gave him directions how to get
to the address on the Bowery, and in due time Roy arrived there. Part
of the street was brilliantly lighted, but the building where he was
directed to call, was in a dark location, and did not look very
inviting.

"I wonder if this is it?" thought Roy. "Guess I'll ask."

He saw a door opening into a dim hallway. A man was standing there.

"Is Mr. Ketchum in this building?" asked Roy, for the note had
instructed him to ask for the lawyer.

"Yes, come on in," said the man gruffly.

Roy advanced. The door shut after him with a click, and he was left in
almost total darkness. At the same time he felt some one grab him.

"Have you got him?" cried a voice. "Don't hurt him, but hold him
tight."

Roy recognized the voice as that of Caleb Annister!

As he felt arms closing around him he kicked out vigorously. There was
a howl of pain, but Roy was not released. He knew that once more he
was in the hands of Annister's accomplices.

CHAPTER XXV

THE ROUND-UP--CONCLUSION

Across Roy's mind it flashed in an instant that he had been deceived by
the note--it was a forgery. He had been tricked into coming to the
Bowery. He dwelt but momentarily on this, however, for he needed to
devote all his attention to escaping from the grip of the man who held
him.

Fortunately Roy was of exceptional strength for so young a lad. His
training on the ranch, roping steers, training wild horses, and his
life in the open, made him more than a match for the average man.

He kicked out vigorously, right and left, and squirmed like an eel. He
felt the grip of the man relaxing, and heard him call for aid. Then
another came.

But Roy was fighting desperately. He made up his mind not only not to
let the men take him away again, but to hold them until help came.
With this in view he set up a loud shout.

"Police! Police! Police!" he cried, remembering what the hotel clerk
had said about the bluecoats being on the Bowery.

"Stop