He disguised himself in so complete a manner as to almost defy detection. He made himself up as a hawker. He took the precaution to always carry a hawker’s licence, made out in a fictitious name; the licence itself, however, was genuine enough.
He heard, as he descended the creaking stairs, the boy whistling in the stable. Agreeably to the directions he had received, he handed the key to the lad, at the same time dropping a shilling in his hand.
The lad stared with astonishment, which was not unmixed with alarm.
A few words from Peace soon reassured him.
“But ye’ve been ’nation quiet all the day though,” said the lad, with a broad grin.
“People generally are quiet when they are asleep, my lad,” was the ready rejoinder.
“Ugh! ’spose so.”
Peace did not want to have further parley. His purpose was served, and he therefore proceeded on his journey.