"I told you the truth," he said.
"Oh, I want to believe you," cried the girl, twisting her hands. "But
father was so positive."
Donna Ana sidled close and whispered:
"Shall I call your father? It is not too late."
That decided Rafaela.
"Nonsense," she declared, sharply, glaring at her duenna. "Cannot you
see this young man is telling the truth? I," she declared proudly,
"can tell a truthful person from a liar at once. And I declare to you
this young man is truthful."
Jack smothered a smile. The girl was as changeable as a weathercock.
And calling him "young man" in that lofty tone, too. Why, she was
little more than a youngster herself--couldn't be as old as he.
"Come now," said the girl suddenly, seizing him by the hand. "We have
no time to lose. Now is your opportunity."
"Opportunity?"
"Yes, yes"--impatiently. "While the government troops attack, you must
release your father and escape."
Jack was amazed. Would this surprising girl never cease astonishing
him?
"Do you mean you will help me--actually?"
"Have I not said so?" asked Rafaela impatiently. "And it seems to me I
have already been of some trifling aid--actually?"
The sarcasm was not lost on Jack. But he ignored it.
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