But neither lacked in coolness, and the next instant their rifles were leveled at the men, while the voice of Jack Howard rang out:
"Hands up, you cowards! Unhand that lady at once, or you die!"
Had a bombshell exploded in their midst the four villains could not have been more astonished.
With one accord they let go their hold upon their captive and turned their startled gaze upon the intruders.
As they did so, Van gave a low cry of astonishment.
One of the men was no other than Doc Clancy!
As his eyes rested upon the villain our hero forgot everything else, and, with a single bound, sprang forward and seized Clancy by the throat.
"I have got you at last, you murderous scoundrel!" he cried. "Down on your knees, or I will choke the life from you."
Again was Van Vincent too rash.
With a muttered oath Doc Clancy tore himself from the infuriated boy's clutch and struck him a fearful blow between the eyes.