The sudden transformation of Perkins into a woman struck Andy with amazement. He knew nothing about detectives and their ways, and could not understand how the change had been effected so rapidly. Perkins enjoyed the boy’s astonishment.
“I see you are surprised at my appearance,” he remarked, with a smile.
“I assure you that I am a man,” continued the detective, noticing his confusion.
“I was wondering where you got a dress to fit you so well,” Andy ventured to say.
“Oh, I brought it with me!” said Perkins, composedly.
“Do you often dress up as a woman?”
“Not often; but sometimes, as in the present instance, it seems desirable. You see, our friends of the highway wouldn’t be very apt to show themselves, if they should see a man with you.”
“I don’t know,” said Andy, doubtfully. “Both of them together would be more than a match for us.”
“You think so?” returned the detective. “I see you haven’t a very high opinion of my abilities or physical strength.”