"An' Oi always thought he would come to some bad ind. It wur thot spalpane thot troied to run Frank through with a sharpened foil wan toime whin they wur fencing. He had black murder in his hearrut thin, an' it's not loikely th' whilp has grown inny betther since."
"Keep still," whispered Frank. "Let's hear what is said."
The man with the girl laughed defiantly, retorting:
"You talk big, Gage, but it won't work with me. I hold the best hand just at present, and you'll have to come to terms. Keep back!"
"You don't dare shoot," returned the young desperado, as he took still another step toward the sailor.
In a moment the man placed the muzzle of the revolver against the temple of the helpless girl, fiercely declaring:
"If you come another inch, I'll blow her brains out!"
"The dastard!" grated Frank. "Oh, the wretch! Wait. I will fix him, or my name is not Merriwell!"
He drew an arrow from the quiver, and fitted the notch to the bow-string. His nerves were steady, and he was determined. He waited till the man had removed the muzzle of the weapon from the girl's temple, and then he lifted the bow.
Barney and the professor caught their breath. They longed to check Frank, but dared not speak for fear of causing him to waver and send the arrow at the girl.