den. This carefulness, despite its air of
negligence, reminded Stuart of the role he was expected to play, and he
concentrated his attention on the three conspirators.

Although the Cuban was apparently the only one who had reason to suspect
being overheard, the three men talked in low tones. The language used
was French, as Stuart gleaned from a word or two which reached his ears,
but the subject of the conversation escaped him. One phrase, however,
attracted his attention because it was so often repeated, and Stuart
surmised that this phrase must bear an important relation to the main
subject of the meeting. The boy did not fail to realize that a
conference so important that it could only be held in so secret a place
must be of extraordinary gravity. This phrase was----

[Illustration: FOR A HUNDRED FEET THEY FELL AND STUART CLOSED HIS EYES
IN SICKENING DIZZINESS]

"Mole St. Nicholas."

The words held no meaning for Stuart, though he had seen reference to
them in his father's papers. He suspected that the phrase might be some
catch-word referring to a subject too dangerous for mention, possibly
the Presidency of Haiti. Following out this theme, the boy guessed that
he was a witness to the hatching of one of the political revolutions,
which, from time to time, have convulsed the Republic of Haiti. If so,
the matter was serious, for, as the boy knew, ever since the treaty of
1915, the United States was actively interested in forcing the
self-determination of Haiti, meanwhile holding the country under a
virtual protectorate. Such a revolution, therefore, would be a
deliberate attack upon the United States.

This impression was heightened by his catching the words "naval base,"
which could only deal with possible developments in a state of war.
Stuart strained his ears to the utmost, but isolated words were all that
he could glean.

Later, Stuart was to learn that his guess was at fault in general, but
that the conclusion he had reached--namely, that injury to the United
States was intended--was not far wide of the mark.

As the conference proceeded, it became evident to the hidden observer
that the relations between the conspirators were growing strained. The
Cuban seemed to be in taunting mood. The veins on the negro general's
bull neck began to swell, and he turned and called Manuel,

"Pale Toad!"

A moment after, his raucous voice insulted the Englishman with the
description,

"Snake that does not even hi