Capt. Horn’s back was turned.
“Now is our time!” hissed Frank, as he tore the handkerchief from his face and cast it aside, fearing it might hamper him in some way.
Then he leaped on deck, with Bart close behind him, and they rushed at the two men.
The man at the wheel saw them, and uttered a cry. Capt. Horn whirled in a moment.
With loud shouts the boys rushed forward and Bart grappled with the sailor at the wheel.
Horn managed to avoid Frank’s rush, and Merry saw him tugging at his hip pocket. That was enough to indicate that he was trying to draw a weapon.
Snatching up a belayingpin, Frank did not hesitate in attacking the ruffian with the black beard, who succeeded in pulling forth the weapon his hand had sought.
Before Capt. Horn could use the revolver, Frank leaped forward and struck the weapon from his hand. A second blow, delivered with all the strength and skill the young Yale athlete could command, stretched the ruffianly commander of the Pirate upon the deck.
A coil of rope was close at hand, and, with the aid of that, Merry quickly bound the fallen man. Then he hastened to the assistance of Bart, who was having a fierce battle with the other sailor.
The two boys succeeded in downing the ruffian after a time, and then they tied him, as they had tied the captain.