-indeed, how could I be otherwise when I have given you my word? I
was only fearing that you built too much upon this exchange. Remember,
it is no disguise!--the dress of one man is much like that of another."

"That is true enough, as a general rule," was the answer, "but not in
this case. I was last seen in a costume not common in these parts. A
coarse, tweed shooting-dress, short coat, knee-breeches, and rough
worsted stockings--so that an everyday suit is all I want."

After that there was nothing more to be said, and the change was
effected without more ado.

It seemed to me that my invisible companion had the advantage over me as
far as seeing went, for whereas I was sensible of nothing but touch and
sound, his hands invariably met and aided mine whenever they were at
fault. He confessed to this, saying that he had been so long in the dark
that his eyes were growing accustomed to it.

I never felt anything like the coarseness of those stockings as I drew
them on. The shoes, too, were of the clumsiest make; they were large for
me, which perhaps accounted for their extreme heaviness. I was a bit of
a dandy; always priding myself upon my spick and span get-up. No doubt
this made me critical, but certainly the tweed of which the clothes were
made was the roughest thing of its kind I had ever handled. I got into
them, however, without any comment, only remarking, when my toilet was
finished, that I could find no pocket.

My companion gave another of those short laughs.

"No," he said, "that suit was made for use, not comfort!"

From his tone and manner of expressing himself, I had taken him to be a
man fairly educated, and when he had declared that he did not require my
money, I naturally fancied he was not in want of funds; but the style of
his clothes made me think differently, and I decided that he should have
my watch--the most valuable thing I had about me. It had no particular
associations, and a few pounds would get me another. He seemed pleased,
almost touched, by the proposal, and also by my suggesting that the
money in my pockets should be divided between us. It was not a large
sum, but half of it would take me to my journey's end, I knew. He seemed
full of resource, for when I was wondering what to do with my loose
change, in my pocketless costume, he spread out my handkerchief, and
putting my money and the small things from my pockets into it, knotted
it securely up and thrust it into my breast. Then,