With the hand that held the pistol, the officer threw back his coat to exhibit his badge.
As he did so, Sam Cole threw the stake with unerring aim at him.
It struck Nick full in the breast, keeling him over.
Cole was upon him, and bearing him to the ground, the giant said:
“The police officer has not yet been born who could take me.”
Nick’s pistol fell from his hand when the negro attacked him; Tambourine saw its silver mounting shining in the grass and soon possessed himself of it.
There was a pistol shot; the negro’s grasp relaxed and he rolled over, dead.
For the second time had Tambourine Jack saved his friend’s life.
“See!” cried the little fellow, when the detective arose to his feet, “there is a light yonder.”
The detective saw the light, but before going to it he caught Jack’s hand in his own, saying: