It was indeed the finishing touch.
Then we boys put on just our bathing drawers and vests--so as to be able to play with the waterfall without hurting our clothes.

I think this was thoughtful.

The girls only tucked up their frocks and took their shoes and stockings off.

H.O.painted his legs and his hands with Condy's fluid--to make him brown, so that he might be Mowgli, although Oswald was captain and had plainly said he was going to be Mowgli himself.

Of course the others weren't going to stand that.