ard
an open door, beyond which, as Chester surmised, lay cells.

Chester shook himself free with a single movement and turned upon the
French captain.

"I am an army officer," he said quietly, "and am engaged in a piece of
work at General Gallieni's own suggestion. You will summon him
immediately."

The French officer was somewhat surprised at this, but he was not quite
convinced.

"How am I to know that you speak the truth?" he asked skeptically.

"Because I say so," replied Chester quietly, taking a step forward.

The French officer also advanced a step.

"It is my belief that you seek the general for some ulterior purpose," he
said with a sneer, and, before Chester realized what he was about to do,
the officer raised his hand and slapped him soundly across the face.
"Take them away," he ordered his men.

The blow in the face stung Chester to action.

With a quick spring he avoided the soldiers who would have seized him and
leaped upon the French officer, whom he sent to the floor with a single
blow of his fist. The officer rose slowly to his feet, drawing his
revolver as he did so.

"You dog!" he cried, and raised his weapon.

But he did not fire, for at that moment there came from directly behind
him the command in a ringing voice:

"Put down that weapon! What's the meaning of this?"

General Gallieni stood in the doorway. The officer turned and saluted.

"These dogs," he said, indicating Chester and Jean, who were now held by
the soldiers, "insulted me. I refused to allow them to see you, and one
of them struck me. I believe they came to assassinate you."

The general took a step back, for he had not recognized Chester.

"To assassinate me?" he exclaimed.

"You are wrong, General," said Chester quietly, "I have returned with
information that will prevent the assassination of the President."

"Lieutenant Crawford!" ejaculated the general. "The President is to be
assassinated, you say?"

"Yes, sir."

"When?"

"At noon to-morrow, when he speaks on the Palace steps."

"And perhaps you know who has been selected to kill him?"

"Yes, sir; I do," replied Chester quietly. "I have, sir!"

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE PLOT FOILED.

General Gallieni started back in great surprise.

"You to be the assassin?" he exclaimed.

"Yes, sir," replied the lad, "I was fortunate enough to draw the red ball
in the den of the Apaches, sir."

The general advanced and took him by the arm.

"Come with me,