Suddenly a sound reached his ears, causing him to crouch on the alert, with his rifle ready for use.
He quickly decided that some one was approaching the precipice, and in this he made no mistake. Twice he caught a glimpse of the man before the latter appeared in the full moonlight. When this man did appear, Frank's heart gave a mighty bound of exultation, and the butt of the rifle leaped to his shoulder.
"Halt, Del Norte!" he commanded, in a low, distinct voice. "Stand in your tracks! If you try to run I'll shoot you dead!"
Del Norte it was, and he stopped like a man turned to stone.
"Up with your hands!" ordered Merriwell. "Your heart is covered by my rifle!"
For a single instant it seemed that the villain would make an effort to reach cover. Had he attempted it Frank would have shot him down. This Merry did not wish to do, as he intended forcing the scoundrel to give Inza up.
The Mexican's courage to attempt escape by a plunge into the shadows failed him, and reluctantly he lifted his empty hands, snarling an oath.
"Keep them up!" ordered Merry, as he slowly advanced.
But when he was fairly in the moonlight another voice issuing from the shadows near at hand brought him to a halt.
"Drop um gun! Ben him ready to shoot!"