I can hardly believe it."
"But it's true, Dad."
They drew apart and stood looking at each other. There was more than a
suspicion of moisture in each pair of eyes.
Mr. Hampton's gaze fell on Rafaela, with whom he had had a number of
pleasant conversations during his captivity. He dropped a hand on her
shoulder.
"My dear girl," he said. "You never did a kinder deed. I hope you will
not have cause to regret it."
"Oh," said she with an arch smile. "Papa would be furious if he
discovered what I have done. But I can manage him."
The older man smiled. He had observed the managerial process at work.
"But you must not delay," added Rafaela, anxiously. "Even now the
firing seems to be farther away. My father keeps many soldiers here.
And he is, doubtless, driving away the attacking party. You must go
quickly before he returns, and while all is confusion."
"She is right, Dad," said Jack. "Let's go. Anything you want to take
with you?"
"No, nothing. But how are we to escape, Jack? How did you arrive?"
"I arrived by airplane," said Jack. "But whether we can get away by
the same means is another matter."
Mr. Hampton looked dazed.
"The younger generation moves too fast for me," he said.
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