FOOTNOTE:
[1] It is to illustrate Sam Kean’s shrewdness at this particular point that I cite the case, to show how easily we may be thrown off the scent when the criminal suspects.—O. K. B.
CHAPTER IV.
DISGUISES.
My chapter on shadowing was such a long one, that I am afraid I have tired my reader out.
Still, shadowing is a very important feature of the detective business, and must receive particular attention if you want to be a success.
Let us now discuss disguises, the most important thing of all, perhaps.
There is far less disguising done by detectives than most people imagine.
It requires an artist to make a success in this line.
I flatter myself that I have been exceedingly successful as a disguiser, and at one time in my life my great forte was disguising as an old woman. I sometimes do that yet, but not very often, for it is a terribly dangerous part to play.
Now I can’t be expected to expose my secret methods of changing my appearance which it has taken me a life time to learn.
Nor can any other detective. They simply won’t do it. I’ll advise, but further than that I cannot go.
A poorly arranged disguise is worse than none at all, for a sharp criminal can almost always penetrate it, and the moment he does it’s all up with you, of course.
For ordinary work full disguises are not necessary.
But a detective should keep a smooth-shaven face and closely-cropped hair at all times, so that by slipping on a false mustache or a wig he can alter his whole appearance. This is about as far as it usually is necessary to go.
Suppose my man who went with the defaulter to South America had depended on a disguise how far do you suppose he could have got without being discovered?
You see the point. A calm exterior at all times and unbounded assurance is better than the best disguise.
Of course if a man is a bit of a ventriloquist it is a great help, but this is a rare gift, and not always to be depended upon even with those who possess it.
Change of clothing will do much. I always carry several hats; they are made expressly for me, and can be stowed away on my person. My usual coat is reversible; so is my vest, but with the trousers you can do nothing in a hurry, of course.
A stand-up collar in place of a turn-down, a colored necktie instead of a black one, a few skillfully-placed lines about the eyes and mouth will change your whole appearance more than you have any idea.
This is about all I’ve got to say on the subject of disguises. It is something every man must learn for himself. The best detectives rarely employ them, but they are sometimes an absolute necessity for all that.
Dave Doyle, at the very beginning of his career, began to show marked ability in making up a disguise.
I remember one case in particular where I sent him after some green goods men in which he did very clever work in that line. Let him tell the story himself.