Around the corner of the Cooks' house came a woman. She walked briskly and a moment later had reached the street. She gazed apprehensively up and down while the two boys shrank farther back into the shadow; then she started off in the direction of the city's business district.
"That's Lena," whispered Bob. "Come on."
On the opposite side of the street and perhaps a hundred paces in back of the hurrying woman the two boys followed.
"We'll have to keep closer than this when she gets down town," whispered Hugh.
"I know it," agreed Bob. "She'd get suspicious now though."
Now and again Lena stopped and glanced behind her. Every time she did so the boys stopped too; evidently she was afraid of being followed. They met few people and those who did pass them apparently took them for a couple of tramps, for they paid no particular attention to them.
A little distance down the street Lena turned the corner to her right. The two boys as a consequence had to run in order not to lose sight of her. They were fearful lest she should slip away from them and therefore were greatly relieved when they came to the turn and saw her still in front of them.
A few moments later she turned again, and then presently, turned still a third time.
"She's trying to lose us," whispered Bob.
"Maybe not," said Hugh. "This is Elm Street."