Frank was in a most desperate situation, and he laid the boy down and searched the cabin.
He finally found an ax, and with this implement he attacked the door in an effort to burst it down.
Blow after blow he dealt it.
Finally the stubborn door yielded.
As it went down with a crash he seized Leon Zamora and hastened upon deck with the senseless boy.
Frank’s friends were still firing at the pirates in the bushes, and a cry of joy escaped them when they saw him appear with Leon in his arms.
“My son! My son!” frantically cried the Mexican.
Over the schooner swept the Jove, and Frank got on the ladder, whereupon Barney swiftly drove the machine away over the water toward the shore.
Although many bullets were shot at the inventor, they missed him, and he was carried out of danger.
He reached the deck with his burden.