There was no time to hesitate.
The promptest of action must be made. Frank sprang to the searchlight and turned its glare full on the throng.
The effect was intense.
For a moment the brigands were blinded and stood gazing helplessly at the mighty glare of light.
In that moment Frank saw that they were types of the roughest men in creation, and that they were in great numbers.
It was a critical moment.
Certainly it looked as if the air-ship was doomed. If the brigands were not repulsed the effect would be terrible.
“On deck, all!” yelled Frank. “Stand ready for a fight!”
He could have rushed to the pilot-house and have sent the air-ship aloft in a moment.
But the brigands were now on deck in large numbers.