Exclamations of disappointment escaped the men sitting about.
"But," continued Duval, "there nevertheless will be work for some of us that will mean additional gold for all."
Cries of satisfaction greeted this statement.
"It has been decided," Duval went on, emphasizing each word, "that the President must be put out of the way. Are there any present who object to this?"
He swept the room with his gaze.
Hal and Chester, although taken somewhat aback by this cold-blooded statement, manifested no surprise. Neither was there a word from any of the assemblage, and Duval continued again:
"Now, for the honor of accomplishing this work you shall draw lots."
From his pocket he produced a small box.
"In here," he said calmly, "are enough balls so that each may have one. With the exception of two, all are black. The first man to select a red ball—his shall be the fortune to do the work; and to him goes an extra gold piece.
"That there may be no treachery, the man who picks the second red ball shall follow the first; and, in the event that he shows signs of a soft heart, or manifests a desire to give a warning, the second man shall kill him. Is that plain to you?"