"You can't, or you would. But to dress up as a woman----"
"I didn't," denied Maunders with a scowl. "I simply wore those Egyptian robes over my ordinary clothes and the waxen mask to conceal my face. Also, all that rotten paraphernalia seems to be necessary to the business."
"I daresay, to deceive people," said Vernon drily. "Why did you act in this way, may I ask?"
"Because I couldn't get my mother to allow me sufficient money to live on."
"I thought that Mrs. Bedge was your aunt?" put in the Colonel quickly.
"So she is, but I am likewise her adopted son. She kept me short, and I had to earn my money somehow. For three years I have masqueraded as Diabella, and, although I don't want it known, I don't mind if you do tell, as no one can say a word against me."
"I can," said Towton grimly. "You employed your servant to strangle me."
Maunders shook his head violently. "I did nothing of the sort. Hokar----"
"Is that the native's name?" interposed Vernon suddenly.
"Yes. I had two native servants. Hokar and Bahadur, and they are both devoted to me. When you, Colonel, tried to pull off my mask naturally Hokar intervened to prevent your doing so. In the same way, Vernon, he punished you for using violence towards me. And I prevented the faithful fellow from strangling you both, so you have your lives to thank me for."