“Exactly,” replied the man.
“And so you are robbers,” exclaimed Shirley scornfully.
Mrs. Sebastian’s face flushed.
“No,” she replied quietly. “But the patriotic forces in Mexico are in need of money. We have taken this means of getting it for them. Your fathers are rich. They will not miss the money, and it will mean so much to us.”
“And if we refuse to write?” asked Shirley.
“You probably will spend the remainder of your days in Mexico. But you won’t refuse. Come now, write as I dictate.”
“May I speak to my friend in private first?” asked Shirley.
Mrs. Sebastian hesitated. Then:
“Yes, but be quick.”
Shirley and Mabel put their heads close together.