The latter walked right away until he came at length to Belgrave Square, where he stopped for an instant before a house in front of which a scarlet cloth crossed the pavement. Into this hall of dazzling light the form of Anstruther vanished. Just as Seymour had expected, his quarry was going to the masked dance after all. He made up his mind instantly what to do. He accosted one of the footmen standing inside the hall, and, pressing a coin in his hand, said he must see Mr. Masefield at once. Would the footman go up-stairs and announce that Mr. Masefield was wanted, in a loud voice? The coin had the desired effect, and a moment later Jack was in the hall. He strolled up to Seymour in a casual way, and demanded haughtily the reason for this intrusion.
"You did that very well," Seymour whispered. "I came to tell you that Anstruther is here after all; in fact, he has just come in. Now I have a little scheme of my own. Go and tell Lord Barmouth that I am here, but that I should like to appear as a guest. I don't think that he would mind, at any rate----"
"Not he," Jack whispered, excitedly. "Really, there is no reason for me to do anything of the sort. I can easily tell Barmouth afterwards, and if you have any scheme for getting the best of Anstruther, you will be a welcome guest in this house."
"Good!" Seymour replied. "I will go off to a costumier's at once, get fitted with a dress, and be back here in half-an-hour. Then I shall pretend that I have left my card behind, and ask for Mr. Rigby. Just as well not to ask for you again."
Jack nodded his emphatic approval. Seymour moved towards the door with a deferential air of one who apologizes for an unwarrantable intrusion. Once in the road he hailed a passing cab, and gave him the costumier's address.
"Wellington Street," he said curtly; "and drive as quick as you can."
[CHAPTER XXXIX.]
PREPARING THE WAY.
Seymour was not away longer than he had anticipated. Only thirty-five minutes had elapsed before a cab drove up to the house in Belgrave Square, from which descended a tall man guised as a magician. It was not a particularly original dress, but it thoroughly served the purpose which Seymour had in hand. He wore a long red cloak, coming down to his heels, the hem of which was embroidered with queer signs and symbols. On his head was a black velvet skull cap, and a long white beard and moustache completed the illusion.
Seymour stood still for a moment, and fumbled about as if to find his card. Then Rigby, effectively disguised as an executioner, came forward and proffered his services.