Darrell tried to rise, but again he dropped back, gasping:
"My head swims, and I’m so weak!"
Dick did not offer to touch him, but he swiftly said:
"You must do it! Some of the fellows are coming right here. They will help you reach the Hollow, but you’ll be in no condition to fight when you get there. I’m all right. I’ll give Jabez Lynch what he deserves. Don’t refuse, Darrell! Do me this favor, Darrell, and we’ll be square. You’ll owe me nothing then!"
"All right," said Hal. "If I can’t fight him when we get there—understand. If I can, no one else shall."
"If you can’t——"
"Then you may."
"It’s a bargain. Not a word about him to the others—not a word till after the fight."
"All right."
Then Brad Buckhart, Ted Smart, and Toby Kane, who had pursued the fleeing ruffians, came up.