Temple paused, "well, we shall have
to think the matter over pretty carefully before we undertake to do
anything. In the first place, as I have said before, I believe he was
captured in order to make trouble between Mexico and the United
States. Now, here comes a note from his captors demanding that we pay
a ransom of one hundred thousand dollars. How does that fit into my
theory?
"Well, if we appeal to Washington and ask our government to demand Mr.
Hampton's release, there certainly will be trouble. And that, I
believe, is what the enemy counts on us to do. If they really were
after a ransom, and had no other object in view, it is likely they
would not have asked for so big a sum, and also would not have given
us two whole weeks in which to carry out their demands. No, I am
convinced they expect us to go to Washington and make trouble.
Therefore, that is the one thing we must try to avoid doing."
"But, look here, Mr. Temple," said Jack, impulsively and with just the
slightest quiver in his voice, "he's my father."
"Yes, I know, Jack," Mr. Temple said in a sympathetic tone, "and I
know what you're thinking of. You're thinking your father is a
prisoner and ill-treated. And you're saying to yourself that while we
hold back here from appealing to the government, something dreadful
may happen to him.
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