"I tried to kill him, but he escaped," said the lunatic. "But I will have him yet!"
"Call two policemen," said Mr. Malcolm. "One of you go upstairs and find the bell-boy."
Rupert remained in his temporary refuge, not daring to come out. He heard his unpleasant acquaintance leaving the adjoining room, but was apprehensive that he might return. At length he heard some one calling, "Rupert, where are you?" and recognized it as the voice of one of the other bell-boys. He opened the door and came out.
"Where is the insane man?" he asked quickly.
"He was captured in the office, and his knife taken from him. How did you escape from him?"
"Wait till I go down stairs and I will tell you."
When Rupert reached the office he was eagerly questioned. He gave the particulars of his unpleasant interview with the crank.
"I congratulate you on your presence of mind," said the clerk. "You had a narrow escape from a terrible fate."
"Where is he now?"