There came a commanding knock on the door. Georges sprang forward and flung it wide, and there strode into the room a tall, slender man, in evening dress, shining top hat and white kid gloves. A black mask covered his face.
"Pierre Duval," whispered Hal to Chester, "the King of the Apaches!"
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE APACHE CHIEF.
Immediately all in the room rose to their feet, Hal and Chester doing likewise. Duval strode straight to the table in the center of the room without so much as a glance about, and sat down at its head. Then the others resumed their seats.
Duval turned to Georges.
"Are we all here?" he demanded, in a low, soft voice.
"Yes, sir," replied Georges, "and two besides."
"Bring the strangers before me," ordered the chief.
At a sign from Georges, Hal and Chester advanced and stood before the Apache king. The latter surveyed them long and carefully through his mask.