nine o'clock
Again , this would be better than to use the Aladdin costume , for the reason that he had come to count Mr. Mitchel as so clever that it would not have astonished the detective at all if it were known to him that this Aladdin costume had been ordered . In that case the absence of such a costume amongst the guests would confuse the conspirators . Mr. Barnes had fully decided that more than one person was interested in the approaching evening . As early as nine o'clock the maskers began to arrive at the home of the Van Rawlstons . The host appeared for the time in evening dress , and received and welcomed his guests , all of whom wore wraps that covered their costumes , thus hiding the disguises which they meant to use later on . Mr. Barnes was on hand early , and loitered about the hall , in his thief 's garb , scanning the faces of all as they passed in . After a very brief period of waiting he saw the Remsen party alight from their carriage , escorted by Mr. Randolph .