All this took place, and Frank was so well hidden by the darkness that there was not one chance in a thousand of being troubled by the ruffianly crew when another astonishing thing happened.
From a point amid the tall rushes a powerful white light gleamed out and fell full and fair upon the small boat and its single occupant, revealing Frank as plainly as if by the glare of midday sunlight.
"Great Scott!" gasped the astonished boy. "What is the meaning of this, I would like to know?"
He was so astonished that he nearly dropped the oar.
The sailors were astonished, but the light showed them distinctly, and Gage snarled.
"Give me your pistol, Bowsprit! Be lively!"
He snatched the weapon from the old tar's hand, took hasty aim, and fired.
Frank Merriwell was seen to fling up his arms and fall heavily into the bottom of the boat!