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 his mouth or we'll all be arrested!" exclaimed some one.
"Yes. Can't you manage him?" asked Annister desperately.
"He's as strong as a horse!" Roy heard one man grunt, and this caused the boy to smile grimly.
The struggle in the dark continued. The boy had a good grip on two men, and was preventing them from dragging him down the dark hallway.