Whatever's to be done ?" He stared at us in ludicrous horror for a moment or two, and then, snatching off his wig, beard and spectacles, poked them into a cupboard.
But his appearance was now too much even for Thorndyke--who hastily got behind him--for he had now resumed his ordinary personality--but with a very material difference.
"Oh, it's nothing to laugh at, sir," he exclaimed indignantly as I crammed my handkerchief into my mouth.

"Somebody's got to let him in, or he'll go away." "Yes; and that won't do," said Thorndyke.

"But don't worry, Polton.

You can step into the office.

I'll open the door." Polton's presence of mind, however, seemed to have entirely forsaken him, for he only hovered irresolutely in the wake of his principal.