r, "that you bear a
message from General Joffre containing proof of information you obtained
bearing on a plot to kidnap the President of France."

"Yes, sir," replied Hal, and from his pocket produced the document, which
he passed to the Prime Minister.

The latter broke the seal and ran through it hurriedly.

"Hm-m-m," he said at last. "Not as much information as I believe we
shall need."

"But surely you know enough to protect the President," said Hal.

The Prime Minister looked at him somewhat coldly, and Hal drew back,
confused at having been so bold. The Prime Minister touched a bell upon a
desk and an attendant entered.

"Have General Gallieni summoned here immediately," he instructed.

The attendant bowed and departed. For half an hour the Prime Minister
paced up and down the room, deep in thought. The lads stood silent,
neither caring to interrupt his meditations. Finally the attendant again
entered the room, and announced:

"General Gallieni!"

A short, squat man, attired in a brilliant red-and-blue uniform, with
medals flashing upon his breast, strode into the room and came to
attention before the Prime Minister.

"You summoned me, sir?"

"Yes, General. These," indicating Hal and Chester, "are the two officers
who overheard the plot to kidnap President Poincare. I have called you
here that you may hear their story at first hand." He turned to the two
lads. "This," he said, "is General Gallieni, military governor of Paris.
You will repeat to him what you overheard."

In a few brief words Hal did so, and, when he had concluded the Prime
Minister passed the message from General Joffre to General Gallieni.
The latter ran his eye over it quickly, and for some moments thereafter
was silent.

"And you say that this plot was to be carried out in the event that the
German offensive failed?" he asked at length.

"Such is my understanding, sir," replied Hal.

"And you say a German agent is supposed to have been in communication
with Pierre Duval, recognized as King of the Apaches?"

"Yes, sir."

General Gallieni turned to the Prime Minister.

"I have made inquiries," he said, "and I have learned enough to
substantiate this story. We can, of course, foil the plot with ease, but
that is not enough."

"No," the Prime Minister agreed, "that is not enough."

"We must apprehend Duval himself," continued the military governor.

"Exactly," said the Prime Minister, "and with him sufficient of his men