"All right," said Chester, and he explained the situation to Hal.
Jean now took the lead, and they entered the house. Once more they traversed the dark passageway, and Jean opened the door in the dark and led the way to the room beyond. Here Hal motioned for the soldier to return and bring the others—the door had been left open—and the trooper hurried away.
Hal approached the room and knocked sharply on the door—three light taps, followed by one loud tap. There came to their ears the sound of a scraping chair, the door was unbarred and unbolted, and Georges peered through. He recognized the three figures in the passageway, and threw wide the door.
"Successful?" he asked eagerly as the three entered.
"Yes," said Chester briefly.
"Bien!"
The others in the room, of whom there were perhaps fifty, also crowded around and patted Chester and Jean on the back, profuse in their congratulations.
The three sat down at the table, where Chester, in response to Georges' request, began an account of the supposed assassination.
"I suppose the chief will soon be here," he broke off to say.
"And then," said Georges, rubbing his hands, "we shall receive our gold.
Did you see the chief in the crowd?"