"In the event of failure to-night," added Stuart, "or catastrophe, I
authorise you to read this statement--and act upon it. If, however, I
escape safely, I ask you to return it to me, unread."
_"Eh bien,"_ said Max, and fixed that eye the whole of which was
visible upon Stuart. "Perhaps I understand, and certainly"--he removed
his hand from Dunbar's shoulder and rested it upon that of Stuart--
"but certainly, my friend, I sympathise!"
Stuart started guiltily, but Max immediately turned aside and began
to speak about their plans.
"In a bag which Inspector Dunbar has thoughtfully left in the cab,"
he said----
Dunbar hastily retired and Max laughed.
"In that bag," he continued, "is a suit of clothes such as habitues of
'The Pidgin House' rejoice to wear. I, who have studied disguise
almost as deeply as the great Willy Clarkson, will transform you into
a perfect ruffian. It is important, you understand, that someone
should be inside the house of Ah-Fang-Fu, as otherwise by means of
some secret exit the man we seek may escape. I believe that he
contemplates departing at any moment, and I believe that the visit of
Miguel means that what I may term the masters of the minor lodges are
coming to London for parting instructions--or, of course Miguel may
have come about the disappearance of 'Le Balafre.'"
"Suppose you meet Miguel!"
"My dear friend, I must trust to the Kismet who pursues evil-doers!
The only reason which has led me to adopt this daring disguise is a
simple one.
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