s."

"You are entirely right," replied General Gallieni. "The Apaches of Paris
have not acquired an undeserved reputation. There is no crime on the
calendar they would not commit for a few cents. From petty thievery to
murder they have advanced by degrees, until to-day the life of a person
who ventures among them is not worth a cent, should they believe he had a
franc in his pocket.

"The Apaches infest the poorer sections of the city, notably the banks of
the Seine and portions of the Quartier Latin. They seldom venture from
their own haunts, and, like cats, do most of their prowling and evil
deeds during the darkest hours of the night. Nowhere in the world is
there a more villainous band of cutthroats. You would think that, in
times like these they would rally to the support of their country, but
they have not. And now comes this plot to turn their President over to
the enemy."

The lads had listened with great interest to this account of the men, in
whose midst they had volunteered to risk their lives. They realized the
danger that confronted them in such a venture, but neither was minded to
give it up because of this.

"Well, we shall have to be careful, sir," said Hal. "We will dress poorly
and will show no money. If you will put us on the right road I am sure
that we shall learn something of value in the course of a day or two."

"It is still not too late to draw out," said the general, eying
them closely.

"Well, we won't draw out," said Hal quietly.

"I should say not," agreed Chester.

"Report to me to-night at my quarters in the Hotel de Ville, say at 9
o'clock, and I will give you your directions and what other information I
can that will be of service to you. In the meantime, I would advise that
you seek rest, for you are likely to need it."

The military governor took his departure, and soon the lads also left the
presence of the Prime Minister, who had directed them to a hotel nearby.

In this little hotel, clean and comfortable, the lads sent out and
procured some old clothes that would give them the appearance of dire
poverty. Then they examined and cleaned their automatics and laid in an
extra supply of cartridges.

"Well, I guess that's about all we can do till to-night," said Hal.
"Let's get a little sleep."

"My sentiments exactly," said Chester.

It was perhaps 4 o'clock in the afternoon when they arose. Outside the
sun was shining brightly.

"By Jove!" said Chester. "This is too n