CHAPTER XIII.
FRANK OFFERS HIS HAND.
It seemed that the crazy student had shot Frank Merriwell straight through the heart. But Merry did not fall. Instead, he grappled with Defarge, seized the revolver in his hand, and flung him back against the wall.
Then Skelding rushed in, and Frank must have thought Gene there to attack him also. However, Skelding also grappled with Defarge, holding him helpless while Merry wrested away the revolver.
The murderous student fought like a fiend. No cries came from his lips, but the insane light glared from his eyes, and he frothed at the mouth.
“Hold him steady,” he said to Skelding. “Just give me a moment with him.”
For in that furious struggle Defarge seemed to have superhuman strength, and he caused them both to exert themselves to their utmost to subdue him.
“Look at me, Defarge!” commanded Frank. “Look me straight in the eyes!”
“No!” muttered the furious fellow. “I will not!”
He tried to keep his eyes turned away.
“Look at me!” commanded Merriwell again.