He guards me carefully, keeps me
a prisoner for his own ends, but he is a cultured man and we have much
in common."
"Father says," asserted Bob, "that you are being held prisoner in
order to make trouble between the United States and the Mexican
government."
"He is correct," approved Mr. Hampton. "Don Fernandez has not
attempted to conceal from me that that is his desire. He sent a demand
for a preposterous ransom, merely in order to precipitate action at
Washington, and he has been wondering why no action was taken."
"Well, that's what father thought," declared Bob. "So he has kept the
matter of your being kidnapped a secret. Instead of appealing to our
government, we set out to rescue you. Father says we must do our
utmost to avert trouble between Mexico and the United States."
"So that accounts for many things," said Mr. Hampton. "I'm glad to
have them cleared up. But we are forgetting your idea, Jack. What is
it?"
"Simply that we capture Don Fernandez and make him release us all
under a guarantee of safe conduct," said Jack.
"You see," he added, "Bob and I are both armed, and we can do it."
"Good for you, Jack," said Bob.
"I believe it can be done," said Mr. Hampton. "And here," he added,
listening, "comes our opportunity, if I am not mistaken.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202