The fact that he was not acquainted with the interior of the barn brought him fresh trouble. An avenue of escape might be close at his elbow, an opening such as would afford him exit, and Frank would not be aware of the fact.
He was experiencing for the first time in all his life the sensation that grips one who realizes he is lost. In the woods or among the hills, with a sky overhead to give him the points of the compass, no one could be better than Frank Allen at making his way to safety. But it was vastly different in that smoke-filled structure.
Once more he gave tongue, in the hope that if Zander Forbes or any other of his cowboy friends were close by he would catch the call and cheer the groping wanderer with an answering whoop. Meanwhile, what of Mrs. Wallace and of Minnie? At thought of Minnie his heart sank.
Once the situation took on new threats. A burst of flame straight ahead warned Frank that he must sheer aside if he wished to escape being singed. His heart seemed to be in his throat with the suspense that continually gripped him. And, oh, how he yearned for a breath of fresh air!
Then he thought he caught the sound of a husky voice calling his own name. Could Lanky have followed him into the barn, and was even then wandering this way and that, chased by the fire, and in as great a predicament as himself?
Again Frank let out a whoop, and was cheered to catch an answering cowboy yell. Then it was not his chum after all, but one of the punchers. Somehow, this thought gave Frank renewed courage, for every one of the Rockspur outfit must be well acquainted with the barn's angles that had proved so confusing to him, and could thus lead the way to an exit.
Nearer came the booming voice, heard despite all the clamor around him. Now the boy could glimpse a moving figure, pushing in a beeline for the quarter where he chanced to be.
"Jerry! is it you?" Frank shrilled, somehow touched by this evidence of affection on the part of the old rustler who did not hesitate to risk his own life in the endeavor to save that of his young friend.
"It sure is, Frank! I'm comin' to git yuh out o' this hot box. Hain't got much time to waste neither, 'case the hull pesky roof is shore to drap in on us right quick."