THE DISGUISE
Cyril was greatly troubled about Helen's strange conduct; he knew it was
not good for her to travel in her present condition, and then again it
would do her just as much harm not to go as she desired it so much.
He went down to the sitting room and related all the story to Mr. Palsey
and waited eagerly for a reply.
"Why man alive!" shrieked Mr. Palsey "this is greatest piece of luck we
could possibly hope for."
"Luck?" cried Cyril "what do you mean?"
"Why dont you see?" said Mr. Palsey "it is impossible for Helen to
travel alone, and therefore you and I must accompany her, and of course
it will be the very chance of chances to rob the safe."
"But you cant go with her" replied Cyril "though of course I must."
"Why cant I go if you please?"
"For the simple reason that Helen suspects you to be guilty of murdering
her father," replied Cyril, trying to appear unconcerned.
"What?" shrieked Mr. Palsey thumping his knees vigerously, 'dont be an
idiot, how can she suspect me?"
"Well she does" answered Cyril "but you may be quite easy, for she will
not speak of it."
She'd better not" cried Mr. Palsey biting his moustache.
"But you see James, it is quite impossible for you to travel with us, so
you had better wait and come by a later train, there is one at 9-12 I
know" replied Cyril.
"No that wont do," said Mr. Palsey "it would upset my plans, besides
making it too late to rob the safe with ease."
"What will you do then?" asked Cyril. "I will disguise myself" returned
Mr. Palsey "I have a heavy green ulster upstairs, which I know Miss
Winston has not seen and grey slouch hat; and a false beard which I used
when acting a play some time ago and if I put a little walnut juice upon
my countenance I think I shall be sufficiently at least to deceive Miss
Winston."
"Capital" exclaimed Cyril, "put on the things now and see how you look."
Mr. Palsey rummaged in his portmanteau and produced the required
articles. The beard was a trifle crumpled, but Cyril who was neat handed
quickly combed it out and made it look as good as new.
Mr. Palsey then put on the ulster and big felt hat and attached the
beard to his chin by a bit of elastic. Cyril then applied to his face,
and in a minute he was disguised into a fearce foreign looking man.
"Its a splended get up" said Cyril, eyeing the villain admiringly.
"I wont take it off" said Mr. Palsey opening his purse and taking out
ten shillings "I will go straight to the station and wait there, give
this money to Mrs. Pollard for me, it what I owe her for the lodgings
you know.
"Very well" cried Cyril "but you'll have a long wait at the station."
"I know" said Mr. Palsey "but I can amuse myself with a few comic papers
and a pipe."
"So with a hearty shake of the hands the two villains sealed the
compact.