"
Bagley turned redder, and looked somewhat foolish.
"You must have been overhearing," added Turl.
"Well, I don't mind telling you I have been," replied Bagley, with
recovered insolence.
"It isn't necessary to tell me, thank you. And as that door is a thick
one, you must have had your ear to the keyhole."
"Yes, sir, I had, and a good thing, too. Now, you see how completely I've
got the dead wood on you. I thought it only fair and sportsmanlike"
--Bagley's eyes gleamed facetiously--"to let you know before I notify the
police. But if you can disappear again before I do that, it'll be a
mighty quick disappearance."
He started for the hall, to leave the house.
Turl arrested him by a slight laugh of amusement. "You'll have a simple
task proving that I am Murray Davenport."
"We'll see about that. I guess I can explain the transformation well
enough to convince the authorities."
"They'll be sure to believe you. They're invariably so credulous--and
the story is so probable."
"You made it probable enough when you told it awhile ago, even though I
couldn't catch it all. You can make it as probable again."
"But I sha'n't have to tell it again. As the accused person, I sha'n't
have to say a word beyond denying the identity. If any talking is
necessary, I shall have a clever lawyer to do it."
"Well, I can swear to what I heard from your own lips."
"Through a keyhole? Such a long story? so full of details? Your having
heard it in that manner will add to its credibility, I'm sure.
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