“Set that man free,” commanded Frank, pointing to Wynne. “If you refuse—if you hesitate—I swear by all I hold dear to blow you all to atoms!”
He looked as if he meant every word he uttered. In his eyes was the glare of one that had become reckless of his own life.
“Lenoir,” said the boy, “you will take your knife and set the captive at liberty. You are to cut his bonds, but not harm him. If you harm him, I will drop the bomb, and this brotherhood will cease to exist in a twinkling.”
And so Lenoir was forced to obey. He got down on his knees and cut the cords which held Harvey Wynne.
The young newspaper correspondent got up, saying:
“Merriwell, you are a terror! Your match does not live!”
Frank stepped aside from the door.
“Go out this way,” he directed, “and do not stop till the street is reached. Do not stop even then, but get away as fast as you can. I will take care of myself.”
“But I cannot desert you now. I did once, and I am ashamed——”
“Do as I tell you, and be lively about it.” Wynne obeyed.