Both lads bowed low, for the man who advanced toward them with outstretched hand was Raymond Poincaré, President of France.
"I am greatly indebted to you boys," said the President, "for the aid you have rendered me; but I am still more indebted for the service you have rendered France."
He spoke at length to the two lads, and finally informed them that they might withdraw, as he had matters of importance to discuss with General Gallieni.
"Well," said Hal to Chester, when they were again on the outside, "what shall we do now?"
"I guess we might as well hunt up our mothers," was Chester's reply.
Accordingly they turned and hurried in the direction of the hotel where, the evening before, they had outwitted Uncle John.
Uncle John was standing just inside the entrance of the hotel. He glanced at the lads as they entered, but, as they were still in their Apache togs, and were ragged and dirty, he did not recognize them. Chester approached him, and in a wheedling voice said:
"Will you give a poor orphan lad a small piece of money, sir?"
The hand of Uncle John, ever generous, immediately went into his pocket, and he placed a franc in the boy's hand.
At that moment one of the hotel officials, perceiving the two dirty lads, and mistaking them for street urchins, approached.