A short, squat man, attired in a brilliant red-and-blue uniform, with medals flashing upon his breast, strode into the room and came to attention before the Prime Minister.
"You summoned me, sir?"
"Yes, General. These," indicating Hal and Chester, "are the two officers who overheard the plot to kidnap President Poincaré. I have called you here that you may hear their story at first hand." He turned to the two lads. "This," he said, "is General Gallieni, military governor of Paris. You will repeat to him what you overheard."
In a few brief words Hal did so, and, when he had concluded the Prime
Minister passed the message from General Joffre to General Gallieni.
The latter ran his eye over it quickly, and for some moments thereafter
was silent.
"And you say that this plot was to be carried out in the event that the
German offensive failed?" he asked at length.
"Such is my understanding, sir," replied Hal.
"And you say a German agent is supposed to have been in communication with Pierre Duval, recognized as King of the Apaches?"
"Yes, sir."
General Gallieni turned to the Prime Minister.
"I have made inquiries," he said, "and I have learned enough to substantiate this story. We can, of course, foil the plot with ease, but that is not enough."