l had made up his mind that he would trifle with
his opponent no longer. He realized fully that his own life depended upon
his getting the upper hand and that it was no time to be squeamish.

Accordingly, when the opportunity presented itself, he fired pointblank
in his opponent's face. The latter threw up his hands, gave out a single
loud scream of pain, and toppled backward to the floor in a heap.

Hal bent over him. "Dead," he said simply. "Now to get out of this."

He left the house and made his way with all speed toward the Hotel de
Ville. But he had not gone a block when he beheld, in a little store he
was passing, a scene of confusion. The lad stopped and peered in. He made
out Chester's figure and, instantly realizing his danger, dashed forward.

He arrived just in time to catch an uplifted arm that would have crushed
Chester's head with a heavy wrench.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE DEATH OF DUVAL.

"What's going on here?" cried Hal angrily, as he twisted sharply on the
upraised arm.

The man who held the wrench writhed in pain beneath the lad's strong
fingers and he dropped the wrench and turned on Hal angrily.

"What business is it of yours?" he demanded.

"I've made it my business," said Hal. "He is a friend of mine."

Unmindful of the threatening gestures of the others, he stooped and
gently lifted Chester's head. The latter was not badly hurt, and he was
soon upon his feet.

"Where did he go?" he cried excitedly.

"Where did who go?" asked Hal.

"Duval--the man I was chasing. He attempted to assassinate the
President."

A cry of surprise went up from those surrounding the two lads, and they
pressed forward with eager questions. No longer were they enemies of the
two lads. Word that an attempt had been made on the life of the President
caused them to forget other troubles.

"He went that way," said one of them, pointing.

"After him," cried another, and the crowd dashed forward. Others of
the mob that had given chase arrived by this time and also continued
the chase.

"There is no use running after him," said Hal, as Chester also would have
continued the pursuit.

"But we must get him!"

"I have an idea that I shall be able to find him," said Hal quietly.

"You know where he is?"

"I think I know where he will seek refuge."

Quickly he related his experiences to Chester.

"Come on, then," cried the latter eagerly. "Let's get away before he gets
back, finds his friend dead and lea