"Oh, Mr. Merriwell!" cried Sargent, appealingly, "speak to him—do something to save me! Don't let him murder me in this cold-blooded way!"
"It is useless for you to appeal to him," declared Havener. "He can't save you now!"
But Frank had no idea of standing still and seeing murder done in that little room.
"Hold, Havener!" he cried. "Drop that revolver!"
"Keep back! Don't try to interfere with me!"
Havener took aim at Sargent, who covered his face with his hands, and, uttering a scream, fell forward on his face upon the floor.
With a bound, Frank Merriwell was before the madman, having placed his body in front of Havener's revolver at the very moment when the stage manager was liable to fire!
Thus Frank imperiled his life to save that of his enemy.
"Stop!" he cried, advancing on the stage manager.