The butt of Old Solitary's rifle came to the man's shoulder. He was resting on one knee, and the weapon was held as steady as the hills. "One!" counted Dugan.
It was the last word he ever uttered, for a spout of flame leaped from the muzzle of Old Solitary's weapon, and the bullet sped on its fatal mission.
Without a cry or a groan, Dugan flung up his hands and plunged headlong upon his face.
There was a wild shriek, and the form of a girl rushed into the firelight. Down beside the fallen man she dropped, lifting his head and staring wildly into his face.
It was Miskel, but she could not save her wicked father, for the aim of Old Solitary had been accurate.
The Danites were thrown into the greatest confusion, and Frank Merriwell held back no longer.
"Come on, Barney!" he shouted.
"Oi'm wid yez!" assured the undaunted Irish lad.
Forward they rushed, each firing a shot as they did so, and adding to the dismay of the Danites.
Straight up to Professor Scotch ran Frank, and, with one slash of a sharp knife he had drawn, he released the man.