Frank knew where there was some wood, and this he soon had piled in a little heap in the open fireplace. He applied a match, and soon a blaze sprang up.
By the growing light of the fire he examined Monte's wound.
"Creased him as fine as can be!" he muttered. "Maybe there is a chance for him, after all."
It may be explained that by "creased" Frank meant that the bullet had passed along the man's skull, cutting his scalp, yet had not penetrated the bone. This had rendered Big Monte unconscious.
Merry removed the fellow's revolvers and knife and[Pg 72] stood his rifle in a far corner. Then he brought some water in his drinking-cup and set about the effort of restoring the wretch to consciousness, which did not prove such a hard task as he had anticipated.
After a little Monte's eyes opened and he lay staring at the youth. He seemed bewildered, and it was plain he could not readily collect his scattered wits.
"Well, Monte," said Frank coolly, "that was a pretty close call for you. I came near shooting off the top of your head, which I would have been justified in doing. All the same, I'm glad I failed."
The big man continued to stare at Frank. Already Merry had bound up the ruffian's wound.
"Ho!" came hoarsely from Monte's lips. "Back! Back to the depths! You are dead!"
"If I am dead," said Frank, "I'm just about the liveliest dead man you ever saw."