But they did not stay the panther’s course, though they drew a howl of pain from him.
But every moment increased Frank’s danger. He seemed certain to be overtaken.
“Be me sowl!” groaned Barney, in horror, “I belave the divil will overthake Misther Frank. How many lives has the baste got, anyway?”
But at that moment Barney hit upon a happy idea.
By the best of good fortune Frank’s elephant rifle lay upon one of the seats.
It contained an explosive shell and was a weapon very deadly in its effects.
It did not take Barney long to make use of it.
Seizing the rifle, he sprang to a loophole. The Steam Man had gained, and was but twenty yards from the panther.
But the beast was within ten feet of Frank Reade, Jr.
Just as he made a long leap to overtake his victim Barney fired.