"Can you call a policeman?" he asked.
"Certainly."
Lemuel Branley made off, and while he was gone the boy brushed off his clothing and washed himself. Luckily he had a bit of court-plaster in his pocket, and this he plastered over the cut on forehead, thus doing away with the ragged towel.
By the time he had finished he felt a little stronger. Soon the old man came back, followed by a tall, heavy-set officer of the law.
"I saw you and one of the men a while ago," said the policeman, after our hero had told his story. "The man didn't impress me very favorably. I rather think I've seen his picture in the rogues' gallery."
"Then you would know him again?"
"I think I would."
"I wish you would try to hunt him up."
"I will. Will you go along."
Robert was willing, and they left the tenement by the back way, our hero first thanking Lemuel Branley for what he had done.