d forward.

"Of course they are with us," he said, thrusting his face close to that
of the lads' questioner.

Calmly the man extended one hand, placed it squarely over Jean's face and
shoved him violently backward.

"This," he said quietly, "is none of your business. So keep out."

The little man uttered a cry of rage and made as if to draw a knife; but,
apparently thinking better of it, returned to his chair and subsided.

The man turned to Hal.

"Are you with us?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Hal.

"And you?" turning to Chester.

"Yes."

There came a commanding knock on the door. Georges sprang forward and
flung it wide, and there strode into the room a tall, slender man, in
evening dress, shining top hat and white kid gloves. A black mask
covered his face.

"Pierre Duval," whispered Hal to Chester, "the King of the Apaches!"

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE APACHE CHIEF.

Immediately all in the room rose to their feet, Hal and Chester doing
likewise. Duval strode straight to the table in the center of the room
without so much as a glance about, and sat down at its head. Then the
others resumed their seats.

Duval turned to Georges.

"Are we all here?" he demanded, in a low, soft voice.

"Yes, sir," replied Georges, "and two besides."

"Bring the strangers before me," ordered the chief.

At a sign from Georges, Hal and Chester advanced and stood before
the Apache king. The latter surveyed them long and carefully
through his mask.

"Names?" he asked briefly.

The lads gave their assumed ones.

"You know what we are here for?" was the next question.

The lads signified that they did.

"And you are with us?"

"Yes," both replied.

"_Bien_! Back to your places."

The lads retired.

Now Duval rose and addressed the others.

"Since our last meeting it has been decided not to kidnap the President,"
he said slowly.

Exclamations of disappointment escaped the men sitting about.

"But," continued Duval, "there nevertheless will be work for some of us
that will mean additional gold for all."

Cries of satisfaction greeted this statement.

"It has been decided," Duval went on, emphasizing each word, "that
the President must be put out of the way. Are there any present who
object to this?"

He swept the room with his gaze.

Hal and Chester, although taken somewhat aback by this cold-blooded
statement, manifested no surprise. Neither was there a word from any of
the assemblage, and Duval co