"You dog!" he cried, and raised his weapon.
But he did not fire, for at that moment there came from directly behind him the command in a ringing voice:
"Put down that weapon! What's the meaning of this?"
General Gallieni stood in the doorway. The officer turned and saluted.
"These dogs," he said, indicating Chester and Jean, who were now held by the soldiers, "insulted me. I refused to allow them to see you, and one of them struck me. I believe they came to assassinate you."
The general took a step back, for he had not recognized Chester.
"To assassinate me?" he exclaimed.
"You are wrong, General," said Chester quietly, "I have returned with information that will prevent the assassination of the President."
"Lieutenant Crawford!" ejaculated the general. "The President is to be assassinated, you say?"
"Yes, sir."