Everything was done with startling swiftness.
Frank Merriwell was trembling with eagerness and excitement, and he appealed to Old Solitary:
"Are we to remain inactive and see this frightful deed? Are we to do nothing now that we are here?"
"We will do what we can," declared the strange man. "The time has come for Dugan's career to end! I feel that I must strike. He shall never give the fatal signal!"
The man lifted his old rifle, and the hammer clicked as he cocked it.
Dugan stepped forth to give the signal, and his harsh voice rang out distinctly:
"Ready!"
The firing squad lifted their rifles.
"Take aim!"
The fatal moment was at hand.