Then it was that a surprising thing happened. With encouraging cries, two men came through the darkness and attacked the boy's assailants.
That the new arrivals on the battlefield were armed with heavy clubs was apparent, and they used them mercilessly on the ruffians.
This attack was unexpected by Frank's assailants, and they could not meet it. Immediately they turned and fled, pursued by one of the men who had set upon them.
Just then, apparently disturbed by the sounds of the fight, some person came to a nearby window with a lighted lamp.
The light shone out into the alley, and fell on Frank Merriwell and one of the men who had saved him.
"Plug Kirby!" gasped Frank, sitting up.
"Dat's wot, me boy!" cried the bruiser, cheerfully. "An' I kinder t'ink we didn't git round any too quick neider."
"You came just in time."
"Be yer hurt much, youngster?" asked Kirby, anxiously, assisting Frank to arise.