At that moment one of the ruffians suddenly flung[Pg 123] up a hand that held a revolver, meaning to shoot Frank through the head.
Before he could fire, however, he pitched forward on his face.
Down from the heights above came the clear report of the rifle in the hands of Bartley Hodge.
Bart had saved the life of his old friend.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
FRANK'S ESCAPE.
As the ruffian pitched forward on his face, Gonchita uttered a cry. The attention of the men was turned toward the point from which the unexpected shot had come. The Mexican girl caught hold of Merry, thrust a pistol into his hand, and hissed:
"Back—back there! Quick! It's your chance! You take eet!"