A big Town Hall clock was striking midnight when Frank began to cross the bridge. The night air was cold and street-lamps gave little light. Frank was anxious to get home and his foot-steps rang loudly on the street.(1)__________________________. He looked back but could see no one. However,the sound continued,and Frank began walking more quickly. Then he slowed down again, thinking there was nothing to fear in a town as quiet as this. The short,quick steps grew louder until they seemed very near. Frank found it impossible not to turn round. As he did so,he caught sight of a human form coming towards him. After reaching the other side of the bridge. Frank stopped and pretended to look down at the water.(2)_________________________. A hat was pulled down over his eyes and very little of his face could be seen. As the man came near,Frank turned towards him and said something about the weather in an effort to be friendly. The man did not answer but asked roughly where Oakfield House was. Frank pointed to a big house in the distance and the stranger continued his way. Frank began following the stranger quietly. The man was soon outside the house and Frank saw him look up at the window. A light was still on,and the man waited until it went out. When about half an hour had passed. (3)________________________. Now Frank knew what the man wanted to do. He walked quickly and silently across the street towards a telephone-box on the corner.