You boys get
behind the four-poster and wait until I give you your cue."
Noiselessly Mr. Hampton closed the door, as the boys went into hiding.
Then the older man resumed his seat by the table, picked up his book,
and appeared to be reading.
Quick, light footsteps sounded on the landing outside. There was a
pause, while Don Fernandez searched his pockets for the key to the
door. Unable to find it, he turned as if to depart. To three pairs of
ears, straining to hear his every movement, the interpretation was
clear. He believed he had locked the door and lost the key and was
about to depart. Mr. Hampton saved the situation by raising his voice,
and calling:
"Is that you, Don Fernandez? Will you not honor me by coming in? I am
eager to learn what has occurred."
The Don decided to try the door. To his surprise, it opened to his
touch. "I must have forgotten to lock it in my haste," he muttered,
and stepped into the room.
"Government troops," he said, advancing, "They thought to surprise us
but we have beaten them off decisively." He sat down heavily. "It has
been strenuous work," he said. "But that is over. Now to find the
assassin, if he has not already escaped."
"Assassin?" queried Mr. Hampton, in genuine surprise.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203