The clerk brought forth the false mustache, and helped Hal to put it on. The youth looked in a mirror at the effect.
"Changes me completely," he said.
"It does, sir. Makes you look five years older, too."
"Here is your money."
The clerk took Hal's quarter, and the boy walked forth from the place without taking the trouble to remove the mustache. Once outside he could not help but laugh.
"I am certainly going into the detective business, and no mistake," he thought. "I trust I am successful in what I undertake to do."
Hal walked back toward the gambling-house, and after some hesitation ascended the stone steps and rang the bell.
A negro answered his summons.
"Is Mr. Arnold here?" asked the lad, as coolly as he could.
"Mr. Arnold?" The negro shook his head.