replied cautiously:

"Never mind. Just follow me; and if you mean what you say, warning shall
be given at once."

For a moment Jean hesitated, then followed Chester down the street.

Chester's sense of direction now stood him in good stead. Not once in all
his wandering about had he lost a general idea of where lay the Hotel de
Ville, and he now steered a course in that direction. He finally came
into view of the building, and here Jean hung back.

"What's the matter?" demanded Chester, as the little man stopped.

"We can't go in there," was the reply. "They won't let us speak. We'll be
thrown into jail and kept there."

"Oh, no, we won't," said Chester. "Leave it to me. Come on."

A sudden suspicion struck Jean.

"Tell me," he cried, and grasped the lad fiercely by the arm, "are you a
detective?"

"No," replied Chester calmly. "What made you think that?"

"I don't know," was the reply, "but the suspicion came to me and I could
not down it. I will have nothing to do with a detective."

"Well," said Chester, "I am no detective; but"--he paused and laid his
hand on Jean's arm--"I am a French army officer!"

"A spy!" cried Jean, and freed his arm.

"A spy, if you choose to call me one," said Chester, "but still your
friend, for I believe you have come to your senses."

"I know," cried Jean, "you want to get me locked up!"

He stepped quickly backward, turned, took to his heels and ran.

Chester was after him like a flash, and as he ran he muttered to himself:

"Great Scott! I can't let him get away. He is sure to believe he has been
imposed upon, and undoubtedly will warn the others!"

The little Apache was fleet of foot, but still not so fleet as was
Chester. Within the block the lad overtook the fugitive and his hand
grasped the other by the collar.

"Now," he said quietly, "you shall come with me, whether you will or not.
I mean you no harm, and, if you do as I say, you will be all right."

Jean was not convinced, however, and continued his desperate
struggles to free himself. But Chester was too strong for him, and
with some difficulty he succeeded in dragging the little man back to
the Hotel de Ville, and inside, where both were seized by half a
dozen French troopers.

"Call General Gallieni at once," demanded Chester.

The officer in command laughed at him.

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" he laughed. "Look who wants to see the general."

He motioned to two of his men, who started to drag the prisoners tow