"You did not say anything to him about observing secrecy."
"It wasn't necessary. That poster, which you will notice I have left upon his table, will account for everything."
"But supposing the police get to hear of it, and it rouses their suspicions?"
"Well, let them get to hear of it. If they suspect, they will call on Ebridge and make inquiries. He will then describe us and show the poster. They may then possibly telegraph to the Olympic, Manchester, and learn that Mr. Stragaus has booked a season there for his new play. That will put them off the scent completely."
"And what are we to do now?"
"Well, now, you had better come to breakfast with me, I think, at my lodgings. You can there resume your own everyday appearance. During the morning I am going to meet two men I have in my mind for the policemen; after that I shall visit a tailor's shop and order the uniforms as arranged. In the afternoon I'm going to hunt for a house."
"Can I do anything else to help you?"
"Not just at present. Unless you can find me a trustworthy lady who will consent to masquerade for a little while as a hospital nurse?"
"There I think I can help you. My sister Janet, I'm sure, would gladly do so. I'll call upon her this afternoon and see."
I did so, and of course secured Janet's immediate promise of co-operation.