in truth the mysterious man who was lingering on the opposite
side of the street under the deeper shadows of the elms. That he was
watching Frank quickly became evident, but he slowly walked away when
he saw he was observed.

"What a villainous-looking creature he is!" said Inza, in a flutter of
alarm.

"How could you tell at that distance when it is so dark?" half laughed
Frank.

"Oh, it was his general appearance--his black clothes, and that strange
cloak and cape."

To himself Frank confessed that the man had seemed rather more
awe-inspiring when seen through the gathering darkness than he had
appeared near at hand in the stronger light of sunset.

The stranger had moved along the street till swallowed by the darkness
beneath the great trees, but something told the boy he was lingering at
a distance--watching and waiting.

Despite his strong nerves, the boy felt a cold chill creep along his
back. What desperate deed might not the mysterious man in black be
contemplating?

The girl was no less impressed.

"Oh, Frank!" she exclaimed, looking up into his handsome face; "I know
you are in danger--I am sure of it! That dreadful creature means to do
you some injury!"

Seeing how distressed she was, Frank began to feel sorry that he had
told her so much.

"You are nervous," he said. "I shouldn't have told you all this stuff
about the ring and that man."

Her hand fell on his, which rested on the top of the iron gate.

"You did right in telling me," came softly from her lips. "Who should
you have told if not me? We ought not to have secrets from each other."

"I do not fancy we have many secrets that we keep from each other,
Inza," he murmured, leaning toward her over the gate. "You know how I
have trusted you."

"And have I not trusted you, Frank? I have told you all my delightful
little secrets, and I have not told yours to another soul. They say
girls cannot keep secrets, but I think you will find out they can."

"Ah, Inza! you are not like other girls."

"Oh, yes, I am!" she laughed. "You think I am not, but I am. Perhaps
I am a trifle too old for my years, as papa often says; but the
terrible dangers you have rescued me from have been quite enough to add
something to my age."

"In the face of every danger you have been brave as few girls could
have been."

"That's flattery."

"It is the sincere, honest truth. Do you think I would attempt to
flatter you?"

"Frank!"

Their hands