Crash—jangle!
Through the window the fellow plunged, uttering a howl of dismay and fear, and disappeared from view. The broken glass came rattling down, but Dyer was gone.
Frank hurried back to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he cried, his voice ringing out clear and calm, "if you will resume your seats, I think the play will go on without further interruption. The party who made the disturbance has just gone out, and I do not think there is anyone else present who will try to fill his place and follow his example."
A moment of silence, and then a terrific burst of applause. Men shouted their admiration, stamping and clapping their hands. Women, also, showed in all possible ways their appreciation of this courageous act.
In a few moments all were seated again. Other lamps were brought to restore the broken ones, and the play continued.
And it seemed that Frank Merriwell played his part even better than before the interruption.
It is needless to say that he received an ovation and a curtain call at the end of the act. He came out with the leading lady, and they were cheered wildly.
But not a complimentary word did he receive from the lips of Roscoe Havener when it was all over.