The officer pressed a button, whereupon four police officers entered the room. Addressing them in French, he said:
"Remove the prisoners to the Conciergerie," this being the detention prison where those awaiting trial were confined. "I am satisfied that they are desperate characters."
"What are you going to do with us?" demanded Sam Hickey sullenly.
"Put you both in prison."
"Sir," spoke up Dan, "may I not ask why you are doing this—what charge is made against us?"
"Yes, seeing you are so innocent, I will tell you. You were caught red handed. You are accused of attempting to rob two women—you are accused of assaulting police officers of the republic of France, and, further, you are believed to belong to the desperate band of Apaches with which our city is infested."
Dan uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"Well, I must say you're the worst lot of thick-heads I ever saw in my life," remarked Sam in deep disgust.
The official waved them away, whereat the officers led the boys from the room.
"I wish we could get word to the battleship," said Dan in a low tone. "I wish I had thought to ask him to permit us to do so."