an Garnier. He thrust his hand
quickly into the box and pulled forth the second red ball. He was so
elated that he cried out with joy. Then he ran to Chester and slapped
him on the back.

"Perhaps," said he, "we can work this together and share equally in
the prize."

Before Chester could reply, Duval rose once more to his feet and ordered
that all leave the room except those who held the red balls. Slowly the
men filed out, Hal being among the last to go. Outside the lad walked
some distance from the house, then, when he felt certain that the others
had disappeared, returned, and concealed himself in a dark alleyway
across the street, where he waited patiently for Chester to emerge.

As soon as the others had left the room, Duval called Chester and Jean to
him, and spoke in a low voice.

"This work must not be bungled," he said sternly. Then, to Jean, "and you
are to see that it is not bungled. If this Victor makes one false move,
you know what to do?"

Jean nodded his head in the affirmative.

"But," he added, "Victor will make no false move."

"I feel sure of that," replied Duval, "or I should not allow him to leave
here alive."

Then he addressed Chester.

"The President," he said, "will make an address from the steps of the
Palace to-morrow at noon. I shall expect you to be in the crowd. When the
proper moment comes, you will know what to do. Jean will be there to see
you do it, and I myself shall be on hand to see that you both obey. Am I
understood?"

"Yes," said Chester.

Jean likewise nodded affirmatively.

"All right, then. Are you armed?"

Jean shook his head negatively, and so did Chester, in spite of the fact
that he had two automatics concealed in his clothes, for he did not think
it wise to betray this to Duval.

From his pockets the Apache chief produced a pair of automatics, one
of which he handed to each. Then he dismissed them with a flourish
of his hand.

Jean led the way along the dark passageway and into the street. Hal, from
his place of concealment, saw them emerge and followed them. A short
distance from the den he came up with them. Jean, as well as Chester, was
delighted to see him.

"Why," said Jean, "can't we all work together and make sure that the plot
does not fail?"

"An excellent idea," said Chester.

He spoke to Hal in a whisper: "Watch the house and follow Duval when he
comes out."

Hal, accordingly, did not fall in with Jean's plan.

"I am glad to be out