state of mind to do so."

Ralph hesitated. Martin spoke with so much apparent candor that he was half
inclined to believe the man's story concerning Toglet's mental condition.
Besides, as Martin had said, what reason could there have been for such an
attack if it was not that of a madman?

"Come on, if only to please me," urged Martin. "You will find Toglet's
mother a very nice old lady, and you will certainly believe her, even if
you will not believe me."

"You say it is but a few blocks?"

"Not more than four. Come, I will show you the way."

Martin linked his arm in that of Ralph, and together they proceeded down
the street.

Presently they came in sight of a large tenement house, although Ralph,
being a country boy, did not recognize it as such.

"Here we are," said Martin. "Mrs. Toglet lives on the upper floor."

He led the way into the hallway and up the somewhat narrow and dirty
stairs.

They passed up two flights, and then reached a floor which was not
occupied. Martin threw a quick glance around and entered an empty room, the
door of which stood open.

"They are getting ready to move up-town," he said. "This neighborhood is no
longer nice enough for them."

Ralph followed him into the room. Hardly had he done so, when Martin
slammed the door shut and sprang upon him.

Ralph was taken so off his guard that he went flat on his back. His head
struck a block of wood that lay near, and for the moment he was dazed.
Before he could recover, Martin had his hands bound with a strap he took
from his pocket.

"Make a sound and I'll choke you!" he cried, in a warning tone.

Then he struggled to fix a gag in Ralph's mouth. A fierce fight ensued, but
finally the rascal was successful. Then he bound Ralph's legs.

The poor boy was a prisoner at last!

CHAPTER XXXVI.

MICKETY TO THE RESCUE.

"That was easier done than I anticipated," muttered Martin, grimly, as he
gazed down at his young prisoner. "Now what is best to do? It's good I
remembered these rooms were empty."

He walked about the bare apartment and then paused to listen.

All was silent save for the rattle of the wagons and the shrill cries of
the playing children in the street below.

"Humph! I thought I heard a footstep," he went on. "I must be getting
nervous."

He left the apartment, and was gone several minutes. When he came back he
raised Ralph in his strong arms as if the boy were a small child.

"Now I am going to lock y