essed as Ali
Baba. This was easily learned, for the committee had prepared handsome
badges, upon each of which was engraved the name of the character
assumed. These were of burnished 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 a 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 were to be found everywhere around the walls. The
floors were covered with rugs four deep. The walls were draped with
satin, drawn apart to reveal mirrors which multiplied the beauty of
everything. The ceiling was hung with garlands, in which were twined
roses of all kinds, which made the atmosphere redolent with perfume.
From among these garlands hundreds of gilded cages held singing-birds,
and electric lights made the rooms so brilliant that many times during
the evening they warbled in chorus, thinking it morning.

The smaller room represented Aladdin's Cave. Stalactites, resplendent
with seeming jewels, hung pendent from the ceiling. The walls were made
to resemble rough stone, and every few inches a large precious stone was
made fiery by the tiny electric lamp hidden behind it. The floor alone
was unlike a cave, being waxed for dancing. In a grotto up ten feet
above the floor, the musicians played soft, sensuous music.

The festival opened informally. That is, whilst awaiting the arrival of
others, those already present amused themselves waltzing, chatting, or
chaffing one another. Mr. Barnes sauntered about, keeping Ali Baba in
sight. Scheherezade came in on the arm of the Sultan. These he knew to
be Miss Remsen and Mr. Van Rawlston. Ali Baba joined them almost
immediately, and a few minutes later led Scheherezade into Aladdin's
Cave for a dance. Mr. Barnes stood observing them, when some one touched
him on the arm, and turning, he saw a man costumed as himself.

"We must be careful, or Ali Baba may discover our password, 'Sesame,' as
he did in the real story."

"I do not understand you," replied Mr. Barnes.

The other man looked at him intently a moment through his mask, and
without a word moved away.

Mr. Barnes was mystified. He regretted that he had not