Inside the room Chester perceived a circle of dark faces, stretching almost around the room. At one side, facing the circle, was a raised platform, and on this sat a huge bulk of a man, masked, as were all the others.
They all rose as Chester entered the room, and without a word the boy made his way to the one vacant seat. The conspirators then resumed their seats, and Chester sat down also, four chairs away from where the chief himself sat.
"Number One," called the chief, and the man nearest him on Chester's side arose. "What have you to report?"
"Everything is ready, sir. As you know, I am on the staff of the Belgian commander. With the information I shall impart to him at the proper time to-morrow, the main force of Belgian troops will be withdrawn from the northern part of the city and the surprise will be complete."
"You are sure? There is no chance of failure?"
"Not the slightest, sir."
"Good!" said the chief, and the first man resumed his seat.
"Number Two," called the chief, and the second man arose.
By his first words Chester recognized the man who had first spoken at the home of Edna Johnson.
"And what have you to report?" demanded the chief.