CHAPTER VII.
THE MAN WITH THE SACK.
"I will have your story first," said Nick to Prescott. "I will not subject Miss Allen to the annoyance of questioning, unless it is necessary."
"We are engaged to be married," said Prescott, beginning his story with evident embarrassment.
"And the course of true love does not run smooth," said Nick, with a smile.
"No, it does not," responded Prescott. "Her father is strongly opposed to our marriage. However, as both of us are of age, it will take place.
"We have been obliged to meet secretly, and we have frequently walked, in the evening, in the grove back of St. Agnes' Hospital.
"We were there Monday evening, and we remained much later than we should have done. We had many things to talk about.
"It must have been midnight when we left the place. As we were walking slowly up one of the paths we became aware that a man was approaching from behind us.