"I suppose that is your idea," said Hal.
"You'll find that I have the right idea."
"Tell us your real object in coming here," said Duval's lieutenant.
"I have told you," replied Hal.
"That," said the lieutenant, "is a lie. It's too absurd. I guess I'll search you."
He proceeded to do so while Duval kept Hal covered. There was not much to be found—but one thing that Hal feared he would discover and which he realized he should have dropped with the revolvers under the bed.
His searcher found it, drew it forth, and, with an exclamation of triumph, held it up for Duval to see.
It was the police whistle General Gallieni had given him.
"So!" he exclaimed. "A police spy, eh! I thought so."
Hal shrugged his shoulders.