I stopped when he had passed me, and looked after him, uncertain whether I ought not to follow him.

The stranger walked on till near the northern end of the bridge, then paused, looked back, and turning round, again advanced towards me.

I resolved that this time he should not have the apology for silence proper to apparitions, who, it is vulgarly supposed, cannot speak until they are spoken to.

"You walk late, sir," said I, as we met a second time.
"I bide tryste," was the reply; "and so I think do you, Mr.
Osbaldistone." "You are then the person who requested to meet me here at this unusual hour ?" "I am," he replied.

"Follow me, and you shall know my reasons." "Before following you, I must know your name and purpose," I answered.
"I am a man," was the reply; "and my purpose is friendly to you." "A man!" I repeated;--"that is a very brief description." "It will serve for one who has no other to give," said the stranger.