Bud looked at Phil, who for once was at a loss for words, and then he answered slowly.
"Your father is down at the station," he said, "looking for—you!"
"Well, he can't have me!" cried Gracia defiantly. "I'm across the line now! I'm free! I can do what I please!"
"But there's the immigration office," interposed Phil pacifically. "You will have to go there—and your father has claimed you were kidnapped."
"Ha! Kidnapped!" laughed Gracia, who had suddenly recovered her spirits. "And by whom?"
"Well—by Bud here," answered De Lancey hesitatingly.
Gracia turned as he spoke and surveyed Hooker with a mocking smile. Then she laughed again.
"Never mind," she said, "I'll fix that. I'll tell them that I kidnapped him!"
"No, but seriously!" protested De Lancey, as Bud chuckled hoarsely. "You can't cross the line without being passed by the inspectors, and—well, your father is there to get you back."
"But I will not go!" flung back Gracia.