Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-01-29

Aladdin costume, for the reason that he
had come to count Mr.. Mitchell as so
clever that it would not have astonished
the detective at all if it were known to
him that this Aladdin costume had been
ordered. In that case the absence of such
q costume among the guests would con-
fuse the conspirators. Mr.. Barnes had
fully decided that more than one person
was interested in the approaching even
ing.
As early as 8 o'clock the maskers be-
gan to arrive at the home of the Van
Rawlstons. The host appeared for the
time in evening dress and received and
welcomed his guests, all of whom wore
wraps that covered their costumes, thus
hiding the disguises which they meant
to use later on. Mr.. Barnes was on hand
early and loitered about the hall in his
thief's garb, scanning the faces of all as
they passed in. After a very brief period
Of waiting he saw the Remsen party
alight from their carriage, escorted by
Mr.. Randolph. Soon after Mr. Thauret
entered. He. handed o note to Mr. Van
Rawlston, who upon reading it at once
shook him cordially by the hand. Then
almost as suddenly an expression of sus-
picion passed across his face, and he
looked toward Mr.. Barnes, who, how
ever, turned away, refusing to notice
his glance Of inquiry. Evidently the
host, not knowing Mr.. Thauret and re-
Numbering the detectives words, had
begun to suspect that perhaps the note
which he had just read was fraudulent
bir. Barnes was fearful that he would
make some remark which would ruin
everything, when to his intense relief
Miss Remsen came into the hall with
her wraps still on and went directly up
to Mr.. Thauret.
How are you this evening, Mr..
Thauret? I am glad you decided to
come. Mr.. Van Rawlston, Mr.. Thauret
is friend of Mr.. Mitchel's.''
That sufficed, and Mr.. Van Rawlston
seemed much relieved.
Mr.. Thauret was not in costume, but
he had brought with him a satchel, and
now asked where he might find q place
to dress. He was turned over to one of
the 1iveried boys, who showed him to
one of the rooms set aside for the gen.
tlemen. Mr.. Barnes did not enter, for
had he done so without removing his
mask it might have aroused suspicion.
He, however, kept watch near the door,
and soon saw man come out dressed
as Ali BAHIA. This was easily learned,
for the committee had prepared hand.
some badges, upon each Of which was
engraved the name of the character as.
sumed. These were of FURNISHED silver,
the lettering being done in blue enamel.
They were worn ON the left breast and
were intended to serve as souvenirs OF
the evening. Mr.. Barnes smiled behind
his mask as he looked down at his
which, to his mind, reminded him of 8
policeman s shield.
The rooms were gorgeously decorated
in oriental splendor. The larger one
was designated the sultan's palace and
was truly regal in its arrangement
There were no chairs, but soft divans
and many hued alluring cushions wer,
to be found everywhere around thu
walls. Tho floors were covered with rug.
four deep. The walls were draped will
satin, drawn apart to reveal mirror,
which multiplied the beauty of every
thing. The ceiling was hung with gar
lands, in which were twined roses Of al
kinds, which made the atmosphere redo
lent with perfume. From among thes,
garlands hundreds Of gilded cages helt
singing birds, and electric lights mad
the rooms SO brilliant that many time
during the evening they warbled i,
chorus, thinking it morning.
The smaller room represented Alad
din's cave. Stalactites, resplendent witt
seeming jewels, hung pendent from til,
ceiling. The walls were made to resem
bic rough stone, and every few inches ;
| large precious stone was made fiery b,
the tiny electric lamp hidden behind it
The floor alone was unlike cave, bein,
waxed for dancing. In a grotto, up tel
feet above the floor, the musicians play
ed soft. sensuous music.
The festival opened informally-tba
is, while awaiting the arrival of others
those already present amused tbemselye
waltzlng, chatting or chatting one anutb
CT. Mr.. Barnes sauntered about. keepin,
All Baba III sight. Scheherezade cam,
III Oh the arm of the sultan. These h,
knew to be Miss Remsen and Mr.. Va,
Rawlston. Ali Bahia joined them almos
Immediately, and a few minutes LATE
led Scheherezade into Aladdiu,s cav,
for dance. Mr.. Barnes stood obseryin,
them, when some one touched him O,
she arm, and turning he saw man cos.
.umed as himself.
1--WE must be careful or Ali Bahia NAV
discover our password, Sesame as he
did in the real story
II do not understand you," replied
Mr.. Barnes.
The other man looked at him iutently
a moment through his mask, and with.
ont word moved away.
Mr.. Barnes was mystified. He reyret
ted that he had not replied in some les.
candid fashion that he might have hearo
the voice again. But taken by surprise
as he was, he had lost his self possession
for moment. II he we're not mistaken,
the voice was one which he had heard
before. He racked his memory for some
minutes, and suddenly started as THU
Thought entered his mind: