Snap!—the rope tightened, and two human beings were jerked from the back of the horse, just as, with a wild shriek of fear, the animal plunged over the brink.
When the cowboys came up they found Frank talking reassuringly to Sadie Rodney, who had been stunned somewhat by the fall to the ground, but was not seriously hurt, while the body of Indian Charlie lay sprawled on the ground.
Charlie’s neck was broken when he fell, and his plotting and crookedness were over forever.
Great was the reception the party was given at Rodney’s ranch. Great were the honors bestowed on the “tenderfoot,” who, as Hank Kildare expressed it, “had shown the punchers he wuz jest as good as the best of them—an’ a sight better!”
William Rodney could not find words to express his thankfulness and admiration of Frank.
The tournament was over for that day, but the dance followed in the evening, and a jolly time it was.
Sadie Rodney waltzed twice with Frank, but he did not neglect Inza, who received full assurance that the rancher’s daughter had not won her place in Frank’s heart.
It was a jolly time, and for all of the misfortune which had befallen Frank, the boys felt they were fully repaid for the time spent in visiting Rodney’s ranch.
And in spite of all that had occurred there was not a grumbling spirit among “Frank Merriwell’s Athletes.”
THE END