“Sh-h-h!” whispered Jules.  “No talk until we get away from here.”

The others obeyed this injunction to keep silence and followed the young Frenchman without further words.

Jules approached his own quarters and led the way inside.

“Make yourselves at home,” he said with a wave of his hand.  “In here we may talk.”

Hal and Chester found seats and then the former asked a question.

“How did you happen to find us, Jules?”

“I chanced to be near when the stranger showed you his pea,” returned Jules.  “I knew that there had been no summons sent out for an immediate meeting and that something must be wrong.  Therefore, I followed you.  Having learned where you were held I returned later to release you.  That’s all.”

“Well, we certainly thank you,” said Chester.  “There is no telling what would have happened to us.”

“I was never more surprised,” said Jules, “than when I saw you both exhibit black peas.  I had no idea that you were with us.”

“Then you, too,” said Hal, “are—­”

“Yes,” Jules interrupted.  “I am one of you.  I suppose you have received the summons?”

“Summons?  What summons?” asked Chester.

“Why, for the meeting to-night, or, rather, I should say in the morning.”

“No, we have received no summons,” said Hal.

“Then it is twice good that I arrived,” said Jules.  “You shall accompany me.”

“And where is the rendezvous?” asked Chester.

“I’ll show you,” said Jules.  He drew his watch from his pocket and glanced at it in the semi-light of the tent.  “Twelve fifteen,” he said.  “We have forty-five minutes still, but it will do no harm if we are a few minutes early.  Come.”

He picked up his cap from the cot where he had thrown it and led the way from the tent.  Hal and Chester followed without a word.  The same thought was in the mind of each.  At last they would be able to learn the nature of the conspiracy which, although they knew nothing of it, had caused them so much trouble.

After a walk of perhaps twenty minutes, in which time they had not been challenged, Jules pulled up before a tent somewhat larger than the rest.

“General Pombrey’s quarters,” he said, “and for that reason comparatively safe.”

“You mean that the general is one of us?” demanded Hal in no little surprise.

“Yes,” said Jules, briefly.

Chester gave a low whistle.  Evidently this conspiracy, whatever it might be, was more widespread than he had imagined.

Jules entered the tent and the two lads followed him.

Inside a large number of men already had assembled.  Apparently, their anticipation had been so great that they had been unable to control their impatience until nearer the appointed hour.  The lads were impressed with one peculiar feature.  Unlike most plotters—­and Hal and Chester already had come into contact with many—­these men wore no masks.  Apparently, they were not afraid of their identities being known by their fellow conspirators.