"No," the Prime Minister agreed, "that is not enough."
"We must apprehend Duval himself," continued the military governor.
"Exactly," said the Prime Minister, "and with him sufficient of his men to cause the others to realize that when they plot treason to France their necks are in jeopardy."
"Precisely," agreed General Gallieni. "But this Duval is a slippery fellow and hard to catch. I have learned that, unlike other Apaches, he comes of better blood; in fact, is supposed to be a gentleman. But, beyond this, I have learned nothing except the existence of the plot to kidnap the President."
"But the police and the secret service men," said the Prime Minister, "haven't they been able—"
"The police and secret service men, bah!" interrupted General Gallieni. "They have learned nothing. Their faces are so familiar to the denizens of the underworld as to make them absolutely useless. I have set some of my officers on the trail, but they seem to have met with no better luck. No; we must have men whose identities cannot be so easily established; strangers, say, who are willing to risk their lives by going into the haunts of the Apaches, and, perhaps, putting themselves in their power."
"Then, sir," said Chester, taking a step forward, "you need seek no further. My friend and I shall be glad to undertake the work."
"You!" exclaimed the Prime Minister, starting back in surprise. "Why, you are nothing but boys."
"True," said Hal, somewhat nettled, "but more than once we have accomplished men's work."
General Gallieni looked at them long and carefully. Then he once more turned his eyes upon the contents of General Joffre's message.