dent at the house where you found those things."

"So you are now the only one to look to for the history of this bit of
deviltry?"

"I stand alone," was the reply. "Alone, with the exception of these men
I who were arrested with me. The plot has failed, and we know what to
expect."

The prisoner was about to say more, but just then a clamor in the street
below attracted the attention of all in the room.

CHAPTER XX

THE EMPEROR TAKES A HAND

Ned stepped to the window and looked out. The street in front of the
hotel was filled from curb to curb with an excited mob.

That the efforts of those below were directed toward the building and
its occupants there could be no doubt. Many a shaking fist was thrust
up to the lighted panes where Ned stood.

The boy turned to Jimmie, spoke a few words in a whisper, and the little
fellow left the room. With him went the interpreter who had been
engaged that day.

Shouts, howls and groans of rage now came up from the street, and Ned
stepped away from the window. As he did so the prisoner who had been
making a partial confession when the uproar came, moved forward, as if
to show himself to those below.

Seeing his intention, Ned seized him by the shoulder and hurled him to
the back end of the room. The prisoner smiled and again seated himself
in the chair he had occupied before.

"Your friends are excited," Ned said, drawing the curtain at the window.

The other nodded in the direction of the window and smiled.

"My friends?" he asked.

"Certainly."

"Why do you attribute this outbreak to me?"

"Because those not in league with you and your cause would hardly
threaten American tourists, in the face of the law."

"American tourists!" snarled the other, and Ned laughed.

Jimmie now came bustling into the room, his eyes staring with
excitement. The interpreter was only a trifle less moved by the
information which had been gained.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"He's crazy with fear again!" Frank put in.

"Say," Jimmie cried, "you'd all better be gettin' out of this place.
The people out there are goin' to raid it in a minute!"

The prisoner uttered a defiant laugh and again started for the window.
Again Ned forced him back.

"What's the trouble?" asked Frank.

"Why," was the reply, "this gink here," pointing toward the prisoner
whose disguise had been removed, "this gazabo hadn't much confidence in
his own ability to win this fight, so he appeale