The Secret Service men were too far away to catch what was said, but they saw the two shake hands. Lloyd's men to the west of the house had witnessed the meeting, and, without waiting for a signal, were closing in on the pair, who stood still for a moment, then turned and walked straight toward the place where the two officers were crouching.
"Given into our hands," muttered Baker exultingly; then, as the newcomer stepped almost in front of him, he sprang forward, and seized him in no uncertain grip. "I've got you," he shouted in triumph.
The man straightened his bent shoulders to his full height; then stood passive.
"Well, well, so you have," said a quiet voice, "and what are you going to do about it?"
"A light here," roared Baker.
Obediently one of the soldiers who had come running up struck a match, and held it in the hollow of his hand so the wind would not extinguish it. As the tiny flame grew brighter, he raised the match, and the light fell full on the face of Baker's prisoner.
"Good God! The President!" gasped the colonel, and his hands fell nerveless by his side.
CHAPTER VII
THE MISCHANCES OF A NIGHT