"Oh, my gracious!" exclaimed Miss Sloan, throwing up her hands. "Poor boy, did he take all you had?"

"No, ma'am, I have a little left. What ought I to do?"

"Report the matter to the police. I'll go with you. The fellow ought to be arrested."


CHAPTER XX
A LETTER FROM PORTVILLE

Gerald followed the reporter to the nearest station-house, and gave an account of the robbery. Notes were taken and he was asked, "If we arrest this man will you appear against him?"

"I want to leave town to-morrow, if possible."

"You will have to stay longer than that. However, we will hurry up the trial."

By this time Gerald was hungry.

"Is there a restaurant near by?" he said.