"Yours!" I exclaimed.
"Otherwise," she continued, "you must persuade Tiel to agree, for it is only he who can provide you with a suit of mufti."
Presently Tiel came in and I put the demand to him at once. He looked a little surprised, but, somewhat to my surprise, raised no serious objections. His motives are hard to fathom, but I cannot help suspecting that despite his air of self-confidence and authority, he has an instinctive respect for an officer and acknowledges in his heart that I am really his superior.
"You mustn't go outside the house, of course," he said, "and if by any evil chance any visitor were to come in unexpectedly, you must have some kind of a story ready."
"Have you had many visitors yet?" I asked with a touch of sarcasm.
"You never know your luck," said he, "and I believe in guarding against all chances. If you are surprised, please remember that your name is Mr Wilson."
"Wilson?" I said with some disgust. "Am I named in honour of that swine in America?"
"You are named Wilson," said he, "because it is very like Watson and Williams and several other common names. The less conspicuous and more easily forgotten a name one takes, the better."
There is no doubt about the thoroughness of the man and the cunning with which he lays even the smallest plans, and though I was a little contemptuous of his finesse at the moment, I must confess I was thankful enough for it not so very long afterwards.
"As for your business," added Tiel, "you are a Government inspector."