ire.

Immediately the den became a scene of tumult. Wounded men screamed and
others gave vent to their rage with fierce cries. Revolvers and rifles
flashed on all sides.

Hal and Chester, immediately the firing had begun, had dropped to their
knees, and so, as they still poured lead into the Apaches, the bullets of
the latter went over their heads. Jean, however, was not so fortunate.

Realizing that there must have been treachery some place, Georges had
naturally come to the conclusion that Jean was responsible for it, and
had singled the little man out as his own particular mark. Paying no heed
to the fighting that raged about him, he took careful aim and fired.

Jean gave a single cry, threw up his hands and fell squarely between Hal
and Chester.

But the fight could have but one outcome. Outnumbered two to one, the
Apaches were fighting a losing struggle. Half of their number lay dead on
the floor, and many others were nursing serious wounds. As suddenly as it
had begun, the fighting ceased, and the Apaches still on their feet
raised their hands in the air.

Immediately the soldiers advanced on them and made them prisoners. Each
was bound securely and hustled out of the door.

Chester and Hal were not wounded. The former now bent over the body
of Jean, in whom he saw there was still a spark of life. He lifted
the little man's head gently, and, as he did so, Jean looked at him
and spoke:

"Well, they got me," he said quietly. "I thought they would."

"You will be all right in a day or two, Jean," said Chester.

"You can't fool me," was the reply. "I know when I am done for. But I am
glad that, before my time came, you were able to put me on the right
path. It is better to die thus."

Chester did not reply. There was nothing he could say.

Jean looked at him and smiled, then reached out his hand and clasped
Chester's.

"It's all right," he said, pressing the lad's hand; "but let me give you
a word of warning. Do not let any of these Apaches know your real
identity. Their arm is long and they never forgive. Good-by."

He pressed the lad's hand, gave a single shudder and his grasp relaxed.
Chester rose to his feet and turned to Hal.

"He is dead," he said quietly.

Leaving the body of Jean to be disposed of with the others, the lads made
their way outside, to where General Gallieni stood. The latter greeted
them with a smile.

"Well, we have finished it up," he said cheerfully, "and thanks to you
t