"That's right!" shouted others, as they again crowded forward. "Let us have him! We'll make it right short work! Then we'll be ready fer his pards!"
Some of them flourished weapons. They were an ugly-looking crew.
Quick as a flash Frank Merriwell whipped out a pair of revolvers and leveled them at the crowd.
"Gentlemen," he said, "I have just one thing to observe: If you don't, one and all, get out of here instanter and leave Monte to shuffle off in peace I shall open on you! If I open on you, I shall reduce you so that Cimarron Bill and his crowd will have no trouble whatever in taking this mine."
They did not doubt but he meant it, remarkable though it seemed. If they attempted to seize Monte, Merriwell would begin shooting. It was astonishing that he should choose to defend this ruffian that had been one of his worst enemies.
As the men were hesitating, old Joe Crowfoot suddenly appeared.
"Com'ron Bill he come!" said the Indian. "There be a heap fight in a minute! Come quick!"
"Come on!" cried Jim Tracy.
And the men rushed forth to meet and repulse Cimarron Bill and his gang.