“Hawley!” Ridder exclaimed staring incredulously at the human scarecrow. “Well, I’ll be hanged if it isn’t!”
For a few seconds the ragged mendicant appeared bewildered. He stared blankly at the couple. Then suddenly a broad grin appeared on his swarthy countenance. “This is a bitter disappointment,” he declared ruefully. “I had been hoping that this get-up of mine was good enough to deceive even your sharp eyes, Miss Throgmorton.”
CHAPTER XXXVII.
A NEW PLAN.
“So you have come back!” said Virginia, her face radiant, a thrill of admiration in her voice.
“Of course,” the Camera Chap said simply. “Did you think that I wouldn’t? Surely you didn’t think me capable of being such a wretched quitter?”
The girl’s face showed her remorse. “Forgive me,” she said. “Of course, I ought to have known that even so great a risk couldn’t keep you away. But you really should not have done it,” she protested, with a contrariness which amused Ridder. “You are taking your life in your hands. If any of Portiforo’s spies should recognize you——”
“I am in hopes that the eyes of Portiforo’s spies won’t be as sharp as yours,” said the president’s photographic envoy, shrugging his shoulders. “It seems to me that this disguise is pretty good.”
“It is splendid!” Virginia declared. “And your mannerisms, too. I had no idea that you were such an accomplished actor. I can’t explain how I knew it was you—certainly there was nothing about you to give you away. I guess it must have been my instinct which told me,” she added, with a blush.
“I must admit you had me completely fooled, old man,” declared Ridder, with a grin. “It’s a wonderful make-up.” He looked his friend over from head to foot and laughed. “Ye gods, you certainly are some spectacle!”
Hawley’s face reflected his grin. “Talking about spectacles,” he said, “how’s our friend, Captain Reyes? Can either of you tell me whether he’s still wearing those blue goggles?”