* * *
The Englishman drew a folded paper from his pocket. It was a message, stating the time of the meeting place, and naming the spot as the old ruined house below Ridge Road. The note contained complete directions for reaching the place before midnight.
"The time was set for a week from Wednesday," observed Bruce as he noted the date on the message.
"Correct," responded Major Weston. "But I had no idea that others were expected. Hence I would actually have been surprised at the presence of other passengers on the bus, and would have had no suspicion that anything was wrong, should I have come alone."
Bruce Duncan was studying the seal at the bottom of the message. The Englishman laid another sheet of paper beside it.
"This message followed," he said. "You will observe that the impression of the seal in the wax appears to be identical. Yet from what you say, it must be a clever imitation. It would not be difficult to duplicate the seal after one had seen the original impression."
The second message was inscribed in handwriting that closely resembled the penmanship of the first. It stated that the meeting time had been changed.
"The new date is to-night," remarked Bruce.
The Englishman was staring at Harry Vincent, who was busy with the wireless key. Bruce Duncan explained the situation, telling of his own adventures and the important part The Shadow had played in these affairs.
"Marvelous!" exclaimed Major Weston, enthusiastically. "I owe you much, Mr. Duncan, for coming to my assistance. I am quite willing to rely upon your judgment. I am glad that I have been warned beforehand. I shall agree to abide by any instructions that you receive over the wireless."