Читать книгу Dangerous Dilemmas: Startling but True онлайн

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"That's it," said Peter, pointing with his thumb over his right shoulder.

"Yes," I replied; "don't talk loud. What excuse could I give? What have you said? That you are going to masquerade at a carnival ball?"

"Not likely. I am depending on you for a satisfactory reason."

"As usual. To begin with, it will not do to tell our wives we are going to France."

"Not at all. One of the papers would be sure to do a gushing article on the frolics of the carnival, and we should be found out and settled."

"Do you transact any business with Liverpool?" I asked.

"Sometimes. I see your drift."

"Well, we can pretend to go there, you to see a merchant, and I to forward the interests of the Clarion."

So it was agreed, and this piece of deception was carefully arranged and duly carried out. My better half was unusually complaisant when I told her my intentions, and even went so far as to say I had been working too hard, and the change would do me good. She was glad, she added, that my great friend, Peter Dodd, was accompanying me; he would prevent me feeling dull. She was so very kind in the matter, asking whether the theatres were good at Liverpool, and how I would dispose of my evenings; I felt quite guilty at deceiving her. "You had better take your dress clothes," she said; "you never know what may happen. You might be asked out to dinner."