“Well, I guess they won’t do any harm,” said Mr. Hampton. “Let them go. Jack, get this chap a drink of water from the table.”
Michac accepted the cup gratefully, and put it to his lips, but his hand shook so badly that he spilled most of the contents.
“There, you will feel better,” said Mr. Hampton. “Now, Senor permit me to explain.”
Leading Michac to a couch, he explained as simply as he could how modern surgical science made false teeth and eyes possible, while the toupee was the outgrowth of a demand of fashion. Then he bade the others restore their original appearance, and they complied. In conclusion, Mr. Hampton explained Frank’s idea that they proceed to the Incarial Council, demand Prince Huaca’s release on pain of incurring the white man’s vengeance, and then proceed to demonstrate their “magic.”
“Do you consider it would succeed?” he asked.
Michac, a young man of intelligence and sense, grasped Mr. Hampton’s explanation quickly, and his fear disappeared. He smiled broadly and delightedly.
“Succeed, Senor? You will make Cinto and his priests die of envy. No such miracles can they perform.”
“Yes, but think you we can obtain Prince Huaca’s release?”
“Nay, I cannot say. They will be frightened, yes. Was not I? And I am a man not easily scared. Yet Prince Huaca is bitterly hated by Cinto and the Council. Not willingly will they give him up. I will be frank with you. I would like the attempt made. Yet if you fail, it is death. Have you no other magic greater than these?”
They looked at each other nonplussed. Suddenly Jack’s face brightened.