The police will be
scouring the neighborhood. Have you a refuge handy?"
"No," said Hal.
"Then you shall come with me." He hesitated a moment, then added: "Which
do you love best, your country or gold?"
Hal took a long chance.
"Gold," he said briefly.
The little man slapped him familiarly on the back.
"As all true Apaches!" he exclaimed. "_Bien_! Then you shall come with
me."
He led the way along the dark street and the lads followed him.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE APACHE DEN.
Before a low-lying, tumble-down wooden shack of but a single story the
little man paused and glanced furtively about. Then he darted quickly up
the steps, and, motioning to the lads to follow him, disappeared within.
Inside Hal and Chester found themselves in what appeared to be a narrow
passageway. It was damp and evil-smelling and the darkness was intense.
The lads were unable to see a yard in front of them. The voice of the
little man pierced the darkness.
"Come," he said, and the lads advanced in the darkness.
They came presently to a flight of stairs, leading down, and they
descended slowly, feeling their way that they might not fall.
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