The sound of voices came from the room beyond and approaching
footsteps. The lad looked quickly about for a place of concealment, and
the best that offered itself was the bed. Under this he dived swiftly
and silently.
And none too soon. Duval and his lieutenant, followed by the black cat,
came into the room, and sat down. Hal breathed silently.
"Well," said Duval, "everything is fixed. The money will be paid to us
to-morrow night. Then we can take a ship for America, where we can enjoy
the luxuries it will bring us."
"I'll be glad when it's all over," said his lieutenant. "This is ticklish
business. You were lucky to get in with the Apaches."
"Rather," drawled his chief. "My height and general appearance, together
with the fact that the former chief always wore a mask, have served us
well. I wonder what the Apaches would do to us if they knew how I
disposed of their real chief?"
His lieutenant laughed heartily.
"It would be no laughing matter if they were to find it out," said Duval.
"Perhaps not; still it is funny," was the reply.
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