"
"Well," said Don Fernandez, the faintest suggestion of a twinkle in
his eye, "now that you have met me, as you desired, what have you to
say?"
"Just this," said Jack, boldly, "we want you to permit us to leave
under safe conduct. We want to take father with us in Bob's airplane.
Oh, yes, it was my chum's airplane which your men stole in Long
Island. But we have gotten it back again."
"So?" said Don Fernandez. "Well, nothing surprises me tonight. And
where, may I ask, are Morales and Von Arnheim? I see you are wearing
their clothes."
"We have got them imprisoned," said Jack. "But we are in earnest, sir,
about this. We are armed and have the upper hand, and we mean to have
your protection. If you are armed, you had better give your weapon to
father."
"As your father very well knows," said the Don, "I never carry
weapons. And now"--with grave courtesy--"if you will permit me, young
sir, I would like to speak privately with your father."
At a nod of agreement from his father, Jack withdrew to the door,
followed by Bob, leaving the two older men in low-voiced conversation.
They spoke animatedly, and to the anxious boys there came more than
once a low chuckle of laughter from Don Fernandez while they could see
Mr.
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