Before Chester could reply, Duval rose once more to his feet and ordered that all leave the room except those who held the red balls. Slowly the men filed out, Hal being among the last to go. Outside the lad walked some distance from the house, then, when he felt certain that the others had disappeared, returned, and concealed himself in a dark alleyway across the street, where he waited patiently for Chester to emerge.
As soon as the others had left the room, Duval called Chester and Jean to him, and spoke in a low voice.
"This work must not be bungled," he said sternly. Then, to Jean, "and you are to see that it is not bungled. If this Victor makes one false move, you know what to do?"
Jean nodded his head in the affirmative.
"But," he added, "Victor will make no false move."
"I feel sure of that," replied Duval, "or I should not allow him to leave here alive."
Then he addressed Chester.
"The President," he said, "will make an address from the steps of the Palace to-morrow at noon. I shall expect you to be in the crowd. When the proper moment comes, you will know what to do. Jean will be there to see you do it, and I myself shall be on hand to see that you both obey. Am I understood?"
"Yes," said Chester.
Jean likewise nodded affirmatively.