The blow in the face stung Chester to action.

With a quick spring he avoided the soldiers who would have seized him and leaped upon the French officer, whom he sent to the floor with a single blow of his fist.  The officer rose slowly to his feet, drawing his revolver as he did so.

“You dog!” he cried, and raised his weapon.

But he did not fire, for at that moment there came from directly behind him the command in a ringing voice: 

“Put down that weapon!  What’s the meaning of this?”

General Gallieni stood in the doorway.  The officer turned and saluted.

“These dogs,” he said, indicating Chester and Jean, who were now held by the soldiers, “insulted me.  I refused to allow them to see you, and one of them struck me.  I believe they came to assassinate you.”

The general took a step back, for he had not recognized Chester.

“To assassinate me?” he exclaimed.

“You are wrong, General,” said Chester quietly, “I have returned with information that will prevent the assassination of the President.”

“Lieutenant Crawford!” ejaculated the general.  “The President is to be assassinated, you say?”

“Yes, sir.”

“When?”

“At noon to-morrow, when he speaks on the Palace steps.”

“And perhaps you know who has been selected to kill him?”

“Yes, sir; I do,” replied Chester quietly.  “I have, sir!”

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE PLOT FOILED.

General Gallieni started back in great surprise.

“You to be the assassin?” he exclaimed.

“Yes, sir,” replied the lad, “I was fortunate enough to draw the red ball in the den of the Apaches, sir.”

The general advanced and took him by the arm.

“Come with me,” he said, and led the way toward his private office.

Chester motioned for Jean to follow, and the little man did so, though plainly not without some trepidation.

“Who is that?” asked General Gallieni, pointing to Jean.

“He is the man who is to shoot me in case I fail to shoot the President,” said Chester cheerfully.

“Hadn’t we better have him thrown into a cell?”

“No, sir.  We have agreed that it is not right to shoot the President, and I am sure that we can count on his help should we need it.  It is likely to be valuable.”

“Well,” said the general, sinking into a chair and motioning the others to seats, “tell me all about it; and where, by the way, is your friend?”

“He is trailing Duval, sir.”

“Good!  Now, let’s have the story.”

Chester put the facts before the military governor as clearly and concisely as possible, and when he had concluded General Gallieni jumped to his feet.

“We must act at once!” he exclaimed, and pulled the telephone toward him.

“But not with too great haste, General,” protested Chester, also rising.  “We must first decide upon a plan.”