Presently he stood forth a younger man than “Nicholas” by some twenty years.
The spreading “Dundrearies” were gone and a black mustache ornamented his upper lip.
His clothes were different, and he was utterly unlike “Nicholas” in manner as well as appearance.
“By Jinks!” exclaimed Jerome. “You’re a great hand at that sort of thing, Mr. Nicholas.”
“Charlie Gordon now,” corrected Nick.
“Mr. Gordon, then,” grinned the officer.
A rap fell on the door.
Nick motioned to Jerome to answer the summons.
The caller proved to be the chief, and he was at once admitted.
He looked at Nick in surprise, and then cast a quick look at the bed.