This, then, must be the person whom he had seen spring upon the western platform at the time of the collision between the boats.

The carpenter well knew from the obstacle which had interfered with his own progress, that the unknown could not have passed through the same lock as himself.

But he might have crept along the left side of the pier, and beneath the further arch; whereas, Wood, as we have seen, took his course upon the right.
The darkness prevented the carpenter from discerning the features or figure of the stranger; and the ceaseless din precluded the possibility of holding any communication by words with him.

Wood, however, made known his presence to the individual by laying his hand upon his shoulder.

The stranger started at the touch, and spoke.