"There is certainly no use to sweat myself to death," he told himself. "I'd better be as quiet as I can. There is air enough coming under the door so I won't suffocate, so I might just as well wait and see what will turn up." He ran his hand all over his automatic and found it in good shape. Then he leaned back against the wall opposite the door and waited. Ten minutes later the door was suddenly yanked open, another figure was bundled into the closet and the door slammed shut, almost before Donald could think. CHAPTER XXVI. A PLOT AGAINST FUNSTON. A muttered imprecation was the only intimation that the figure which had been so unceremoniously bundled into the closet was alive. "Who are you?" asked Donald in Spanish. "Let me out of this," was the unsatisfactory response in English. "Oh!" from Donald. "You are an American. Well, keep still and I'll help you to get rid of the blanket." He grabbed hold of the covering and the newcomer was soon uncovered. "Now, then, who are you?" asked Donald again. "I'll show you who I am if I get hold of you," was the uncivil answer, and an arm shot out. "Now look here," said Donald, "if you don't stop that I'll let daylight through you. We are in a bad box and the only thing to do is to make the best of it." "We?" exclaimed the newcomer. "Why do you say we?" "Because I am a prisoner the same as you are. Now, who are you?" "I'm Lieutenant Grimes of the general's staff. Who are you?" "I am Donald Mackay, on a special mission for Gen. Funston." "How did they get you?" "Kidnaped me on the street. How did they get you?" "Same way. I had just left the general's quarters." "I can see that some one might want to capture you, lieutenant, but I cannot see what they want of me." "How long have you been here?" asked the lieutenant. "About half an hour. By the way, are you armed?" "No; they took away my weapons. How about you?" "I have my automatic. I'd have used it when you came in, only you were dumped in so suddenly." "What do you suppose the game is?" "I don't know; but we'll find out. I've been in tighter places than this--but no hotter," after a pause. "Have you tried to get out?" "Yes; but it was too hot work. The door seemed pretty strong." "Perhaps the two of us might force it," suggested Grimes. "I'm a pretty husky chap." "We might try," replied Donald. "The place is so narrow we can get a good brace." They put their feet against the opposite wall and pushed against the door. "We'll never make it that way," said the lieutenant. "We'll have to throw ourselves at it." "Not much room for that, Lieutenant, but you give the word and we'll have a try." Getting their bearings as well as they could in the dark, they drew themselves back and then literally threw themselves at the door. It gave way with a snap and both fell to their feet on the outside. Quick as a flash they were on their feet, Donald with his weapon ready for instant action. But there was no one in sight.