“Hanged ef this don’t beat the deck!” he muttered. “Never saw nothing like this before.”
“It is rather interesting,” replied Frank. “I fancied you would find it so.”
At this moment a veiled girl suddenly broke away from two men, who seemed to be acting as her escorts, gave a low cry of joy, rushed toward the boys, and flung her arms about Merriwell’s neck, sobbing:
“Frank! Frank! they said you were dead!”
Never in his life was Frank Merriwell more astonished. He could scarcely believe he had heard aright.
Ephraim Gallup caught his breath and gurgled:
“Wal, by gum!”
Shouts of surprise and rage broke from the men who had accompanied the girl. Quickly drawing short, curved swords from beneath their cloaks, they sprang toward the lads.
“Unhand her, Christian dogs!” roared one, flourishing his sword, as if he would cut Frank down in a moment.
“Take me away!” implored the girl. “I am willing to go with you now! Do not let them touch me again!”