occurred to me that a scare would be suitable entertainment
for Paul's last visit. Uncle Thomas had planned our departure from
Bombay for Calcutta on the next steamer. The vessel would sail on Friday
morning, and our passage already had been engaged. We would go aboard
soon after midnight, and the ship was to sail in the early morning.

"I chose a tableau for Paul. Aided by Uncle Thomas and that assistant,
the performance was staged. During that day there had been two
rehearsals. That assistant manipulated the lights. Uncle Thomas had
produced a copy of _London Press_ containing a graphic account of the
Thames drownings. This he ornamented with heavy red headlines. The paper
is lying on a small table in uncle's room.

"Dressed in that Thames clothing, over which hangs a draping of seaweed,
my hair combed back from the temples, I await Paul's evening call.

"With loaded pistols Uncle Thomas occupies my room. Fully armed, the
assistant is hiding in the folding wardrobe.

"The house-servant is directed to admit any male caller into the room
usually occupied by Sir Charles Chesterton.

"The bell is soon rung, and Paul is ushered according to directions.

"Pouring over my head a pitcher of warm water, daubing the temple scar
with thin, red liquid paint, from darkened room I watch Paul through
slightly open connecting door, which has been effectively braced against
pressure from that side.

"Paul picks up the paper, glares frightfully, turns deathly pale, and
shakes with fear.

"Just then, with uplifted hand, I slowly enter, approaching Paul as if
to strike him down. Paul falls upon the floor, begging me to spare him.

"Slowly stepping backward, and passing into the next room, I softly
close the connecting door. Quickly slipping off the disguise, removing
the paint-stains and arranging my hair, I recite parts of a poem about
Eugene Aram, then light the gas and say something about Mr. Lanier being
late. Paul opens the connecting door, and I explain how the mistake
occurred.

"Paul seems satisfied, but nervous. He remains longer than usual,
appearing afraid to leave. As midnight is near, I assume a listless air
of indifference. Paul takes the hint, and goes.

"Shortly afterward, two vehicles drive up. Trunks are first taken,
accompanied by that assistant sleuth. Disguised in suit of his clothes,
I enter the other conveyance. Uncle Thomas soon follows. In a short time
after bidding Paul Lanier good-night, I was aslee