rt 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. Although I believe 'The Pidgin House' to be open to
ordinary opium-smokers, it may not be open on 'lodge nights.' Do you
follow me? Very well. I have the golden scorpion--which I suppose to
be a sort of passport."

Stuart wondered more and more at the reasoning powers of this
remarkable man, which could lead him to such an accurate conclusion.

"The existence of such a passport," continued Max, "would seem to
point to the fact that all the members of this organisation are not
known personally to one another. At the same time those invited or
expected at present _may_ be known to Ah-Fang-Fu or to whoever acts
as concierge. You see? Expected or otherwise, I assume that 'Le
Balafre' would be admitted--and at night I shall pass very well for
'Le Balafre'--somewhat damaged as a result of my encounter with the
late Charles Malet, but still recognisable!"

"And I?"

"You will be 'franked' in. The word of 'Le Balafre' should be
sufficient for that! Of course I may be conducted immediately into
the presence of the Chief--'The Scorpion'--and he may prove to be
none other than Miguel, for instance--or my Algerian acquaintance--
or may even be a 'she'--the fascinating Zara el-Khala! We do not
know. But I _think_--oh, decidedly I think--that the cowled one is a
male creature, and his habits and habitat suggests to me that he is a
Chinaman."

"And in that event how shall you act?"

"At