aps a hundred soldiers. No one could
approach closer.

Chester turned and surveyed the crowd. He thought it possible that Hal
might be there some place, but, scan the faces as he would, he could see
no sign of his chum.

The crowd was good-natured, and the people jostled and pushed and shoved
each other jokingly.

Chester scanned the crowd once more, seeking to determine the figure of
Duval, the Apache chief. Several times he thought he recognized the man
by his peculiar build, but in each case he soon found another that looked
just the same in the crowd.

Jean also, at Chester's request, had put his keen eyes to the test; but
he was no more fortunate. However, both realized that, some place in that
crowd Duval had his eyes on them.

In the distance came the faint sound of a bell, as a clock chimed the
first stroke of the hour of noon; and, with the last stroke, the
President of France appeared upon the steps of the palace.

A great roar of applause went up from the crowd and continued for fully
five minutes; nor did it cease at once as the President advanced to the
very edge of the uppermost step and raised a hand for silence.

Then, gradually, the sounds of tumult died down, and President Poincare
opened his mouth and began to speak.

One, two, three minutes the President spoke, while all about reigned the
silence of death; then, suddenly, at the expiration of the third minute,
he stepped back suddenly, while at the same moment a long line of French
soldiers stepped into place in front of him.

From the edge of the crowd, at the side nearest Chester and Jean, the
stillness was suddenly shattered by the sharp crack of an automatic, and
a soldier who stood before the President of France toppled in his tracks.
Another stepped into his place, and the President was safe.

But, with the crack of the revolver the great crowd became a wild,
howling mob. Shrieks, screams and cries of anger filled the air, and as a
single man the crowd swooped upon the spot where a tall man with a
smoking revolver in his hand was attempting to make his escape.

Chester, who had been prepared for the shot, sprang forward upon the
instant, with Jean but a step behind him. Through the crowd they were
forced to fight their way, but eventually they came to the edge of it,
only to find that Duval, for such they were sure the would-be assassin
was, had fought his way out and fled.

But, as the Apache chief ran, the crowd dashed after him