“I beg your pardon for doing such a thing in your presence, ladies,” came quietly from Merriwell’s lips; “but I was forced into it. As he may make further trouble I beg you to retire.”
“No!” palpitated Inza. “I shall stay here.”
“Me, too,” said Miss Abigail. “Goodness sakes! what dreadful things men are!”
“Shall I sit on him and hold him down, Frank?” yawned Browning, who did not seem in the least disturbed.
“No, let him alone. He——”
With a leap like a wild creature the man came to his feet. There was a demon in his eyes.
“Look out!” screamed Diamond, suddenly.
A knife flashed in Indian Charlie’s hand, and he darted at Frank.
Browning reached out to grasp the furious fellow, but was too slow.
The knife was driven at Frank by the man, who at that moment was crazed with rage.