The address which the housekeeper had given Frank was that of a
policeman's family in which she was at one time a boarder. On giving
his reference, he was hospitably received, and succeeded in making
arrangements for a temporary residence.

About seven o'clock Mrs. Parker made her appearance. She was fatigued by
her journey and glad to rest.

"I was afraid you might be prevented from coming," said Frank.

"I feared it also. I was about to start at twelve o'clock, when, to my
dismay, one of the men came home. He said he had the headache. I was
obliged to make him some tea and toast. He remained about till four
o'clock, when, to my relief, he went upstairs to lie down. I was afraid
some inquiry might be made about you, and your absence discovered,
especially as the rope was still hanging out of the window, and I was
unable to do anything more than cut off the lower end of it. When the
sick man retired to his bed I instantly left the house, fearing that the
return of some other of the band might prevent my escaping altogether."

"Suppose you had met one of them, Mrs. Parker?"

"I did. It was about half a mile from the house."

"Did he recognize you?"

"Yes. He asked in some surprise where I was going. I was obliged to
make up a story about our being out of sugar. He accepted it without
suspicion, and I kept on. I hope I shall be forgiven for the lie. I was
forced to it."