mall globes stood upon a low
shelf in one corner, and on a table in the centre of the room was a
large globe standing on a chart. With the exception of one large
easy-chair and a lounge, there were no other articles of furniture in
the room. A pair of skeletons stood facing each other, one at each side
of the mirror, and their ghastly appearance, duplicated in the mirror,
added to the unnatural effect. Near the table was a small portable
furnace upon which stood a peculiarly shaped retort, and from this,
issued a pungent, aromatic incense.

While I was examining the globe and chart, Mrs. Warne slipped into the
room, through the folds of a curtain at one side of the mirror, and
swept down toward me. I should hardly have known her, so great was her
disguise; her face and hands were stained a clear olive, and her hair
hung down in heavy masses to her waist; her dress was of rich material,
trimmed with Oriental extravagance; the sleeves were large and flowing,
and the skirt trailed over a yard. In her right hand she carried a small
wand, around which two serpents twined. Her whole appearance was
dignified and imposing. The light and atmosphere added to the general
effect, and I felt wholly satisfied with Mrs. Warne's work.

"Well, Mrs. Warne," said I, "you have certainly made a great success;
but I am afraid I shall not be so much pleased when the bills come in."

"Don't be very much alarmed on that score," replied Mrs. Warne. "I have
been very economical. Many of the most expensive articles have been
hired for the occasion, while the rest have been picked up cheap at
auction sales. The expense, I assure you, will not be great."

"All right," I rejoined; "the Captain will have to foot the bill,
whatever it may be; but, if we succeed in our object, he will not have
any reason to regret the cost."

Mrs. Warne showed me the door through which she had entered, and asked
me to seat myself behind the curtains. She then called her usher into
the room, and conversed with him; though they spoke in low tones, I was
able to hear every word. The door where I was sitting, was hung on
noiseless hinges, and it led into the last room of the suite; from this
room, another door opened on a hall leading to a pair of side stairs. I
was thus able to reach my ambush without entering by the front way.

"Now, Mrs. Warne, nothing remains to be done but to advertise you
thoroughly," I said, after I had inspected all her preparations.

"Very w