farther
down the valley. Sounded like the main body was attacking there. Then
the rebels scooted down that way to repulse the new attack, and I took
a chance and landed. Not a soul in sight. And here I am."

Jack was speechless. But the look in his eyes betrayed his emotion.

"Bob, I'm proud of you," said Mr. Hampton. "Well, let's hurry away
before it is too late."

Rafaela stepped from her place of concealment.

"Aren't you going to say farewell?" she asked.

Bob looked at her in astonishment. Mr. Hampton, with a twinkle in his
eye, viewed Jack ardently. The latter advanced with extended hand.

"Miss Calomares," he said, "I can't tell you how grateful I am. I hope
we shall meet again."

"Miss Calomares?" muttered Bob, under his breath, his eyes on the
beautiful girl. "Jack certainly has moved fast. I don't get this."

Mr. Hampton took pity on him.

"Miss Calomares," he said, leading Bob forward. "This is my son's
chum. He came with him tonight in his airplane."

The girl held out her hand. Bob took it as in a daze.

"Pinch me," he said, in an aside to Jack.

All heard the remark, and laughed at Bob's mystification.

"Come," said Mr. Hampton, and once more moved toward the door. Once
more, however, his steps were arrested by a noise outside. This time
they heard the shouts of many men approaching the house and crying
"Viva, Calomares."

"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 Bo