If I had not circumvented him, the scoundrel would have imprisoned your husband, and another dear friend of mine.

This is how I did it.
"I must begin by appealing to your memory.
"Do you happen to remember that your husband and I are as near as may be of about the same height?
Very good, so far.

Did you, in the next place, miss Bowmore's traveling coat and cap from their customary peg?
I am the thief, dearest lady; I put them on my own humble self.

Did you hear a sudden noise in the hall?
Oh, forgive me--I made the noise! And it did just what I wanted of it.

It brought the spy up from the kitchen, suspecting that something might be wrong.
"What did the wretch see when he got into the hall?
His master, in traveling costume, running out.