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.