every morning with Mrs. Allen, and hiding himself from curious eyes,
during the afternoons, in his room at the "White Swan." Then came
the denouement to this exciting little drama.

One day the stranger, after dining, asked Mr. Adams for his bill,
which he paid in British gold. He then gave directions to have a
small trunk, the only baggage he had with him, sent to the house of
Captain Allen.

The landlord raised his eyebrows, of course; looked very much
surprised, and even ventured a curious question. But the stranger
repelled all inquisition touching his movements. And so he left the
"White Swan," after sojourning there for nearly a week, and the
landlord never saw him again.

The news which came on the following day, created no little
sensation in S----. Jacob Perkins, who lived near Captain Allen's,
and often worked for him, told the story. His relation was to this
effect: About ten o'clock at night, Mrs. Allen sent for him, and he
waited on her accordingly. He found her dressed as for a journey,
but alone.

"Take a seat, Jacob," she said. "I wish to have some talk with you."
The man noticed something unusual in her talk and manner.

"Jacob," she resumed, after a pause, bending towards Mr. Perkins,
"can I trust you in a matter requiring both service and secrecy? I
have done some kind things for you and yours; I now wish you to
return the favor."