Now Jack Hampton spoke. Mr.
Temple earlier had elaborated for Jack's benefit his theory that a
faction of Mexican rebels was responsible for the outrages of which
they had been the victims, hoping thereby to embroil Mexico and the
United States and thus cause trouble for President Obregon.
"Mr. Temple," said Jack, leaning forward, "I do not believe those
bandits were after money. Didn't it strike you all as strange that
they were in an auto? Well, it did me. The bandits of the border
usually are mounted on horseback. These men, on the contrary, had a
high-powered car. No, that attack was due to a carefully laid plan.
And do you know what I think their purpose was? It was to capture
you."
Bob and Frank, elbows planted on the table, leaned forward surprised.
Mr. Temple, however, showed no surprise, but merely looked thoughtful.
"You see," continued Jack, "you are an American of wealth and
position. They already have captured father. Now, if they were to
capture you, there certainly would be some commotion at Washington,
the national capital, that would make trouble for President Obregon of
Mexico. Maybe another punitive expedition would be sent into Mexico,
like General Pershing led in the time of Carranza, after Villa's raid
on Columbus, New Mexico.
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