b.

"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. 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. 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