I took up that
paper and tore it into bits.
And now for the first time since I had been in the house, I closed the
door of my room. I had a part to perform that rendered the dropping
of my disguise indispensable. The old French artist had finished his
work, and henceforth must merge into Q. the detective. Shortly before
two o'clock my assistants began to arrive. First, Mr. Gryce appeared
on the scene and was stowed away in a large room on the other side of
mine. Next, two of the most agile, as well as muscular men in the
force who, thanks to having taken off their shoes in the lower hall,
gained the same refuge without awakening the suspicions of those we
were anxious to surprise. Lastly, the landlady who went into the
closet to which I had bidden Mrs. Blake retire after leaving in my
room the articles I had mentioned.
All was now ready and waiting for the departure of the youngest
Schoenmaker. Would he disappoint us and remain at home that day? Had
any suspicions been awakened in the stolid breasts of these men, that
would serve to make them more watchful than usual against running
unnecessary risks? No; at or near the time for the clock to strike
two, their door opened and the tread of a lumbering foot was heard in
the hall. On it came, passing my room with a rude stamping that
gradually grew less distinct as the hardy rough went down the
corridor, brushing the wall behind which Mr.
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