The transaction of this business took more time than he had expected, and it was nearly an hour after nightfall before he returned to Boston.

After passing the "draw," as he crossed the old bridge, he perceived by the light of a lamp, some distance ahead, a female figure hurrying on with rapid steps.
"It's the strange girl I saw at Berlaps', as I live!" he mentally ejaculated, quickening his pace.

"I must see where she hides herself away." The night was very dark, and the form of the stranger, as she hurried forward, was soon buried in obscurity.

In a little while, she emerged into the little circle of light that diffused itself around the lamp that stood at the termination of the bridge, and in the next moment was again invisible.

Perkins now pressed forward, and was soon clear of the bridge, and moving along the dark, lonely avenue that led up to the more busy part of the city.