So they fought on, their efforts growing weaker and weaker, gasping for breath. Seeing that fierce struggle, no one could have imagined they were anything but the most deadly enemies, battling for their very lives.
At last, after some minutes, Diamond’s fictitious strength suddenly gave out, and then Frank handled and held him with ease. Merriwell pinned Jack down and held him there, while both remained motionless, gasping for breath and seeking to recover from their frightful exertions.
“You fool!” whispered the Virginian, bitterly. “What are you trying to do?”
“Trying to save your life, but you have given me a merry hustle for it,” answered Frank.
“Save my life! Bah! Why have you stopped me when we were so near the lake.”
“There is no lake.”
“Are you blind? All of us could see the lake! It is near—very near!”
“I tell you, Jack, there is no lake.”
“You lie!”
“You have been crazed by what you fancied was water. Some time you will ask my pardon for your words.”