One of the men bending over the foreman of the Lone Star spoke:
“It may be as how Charlie won’t be in condition to do any shootin’ fer some time. He’s stiff as a spike.”
“I hope I did not hurt him seriously,” said Frank, at once. “He forced me to do what I did in self-defense.”
“Don’t let it worry yer, youngster. You’re all right.”
Then they lifted the unconscious man and carried him away toward one of the outbuildings.
CHAPTER XXIX—HANS AND THE BRONCHO
Sadie Rodney drew a deep breath.
“I am sorry, Mr. Merriwell,” she said, “that this unfortunate affair occurred, and I must express my admiration for the manner in which you disposed of that fellow. I can scarcely believe it now. But I fear it will mean more and serious trouble. I shall speak to father about it, and Indian Charlie shall be watched.”
“Don’t let it trouble you,” smiled Frank. “I do not fear that man, and he will not harm me, unless he does so in a treacherous manner.”
Within ten minutes every cowboy about the ranch knew what had happened, and it was not long before they were trooping around to the front of the house to get a look at the tenderfoot who had dared face Indian Charlie and had knocked him out. They stared at the youth doubtingly, and then went away shaking their heads.