"
"Too late," groaned Mr. Hampton. "They have driven off the attack, and
are returning."
Rafaela uttered an exclamation.
"Oh, I must go to my room before papa discovers me here," she cried.
She darted for the door, but paused to give them parting cheer. "Do
not give up hope," she said. "They will drink a great deal, and then
all will sleep very soundly. You may escape late tonight. Good-bye,"
and turning, she ran lightly down the steps.
Jack's eyes followed. At the turning, she paused, looked back, and
waved to him, then disappeared.
"Now what will we do?" said Jack.
"You boys hide behind the bed," said Mr. Hampton. "I'll close the
door, but I won't lock it this time, for on second thought I believe
if it were locked and Calomares came up to see me--as he frequently
does before retiring--it would make him suspicious. I shall leave it
unlocked, and then he will believe he left it so himself in his
haste."
"Dad," said Jack, "I have an idea."
"What is it? Out with it."
"Well, we are trapped here. Suppose we turn the tables."
"What do you mean?" asked Bob.
"Well, Dad," said Jack, turning to his father, "didn't you say Don
Fernandez comes to call on you before retiring?"
"Yes, we have become good companions.
Pages:
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201