And he flashed the lantern's light upon him.
That was the crisis of the situation; for as the Spaniard looked he made the appalling discovery that his victim's feet were untied.
And he staggered back, dazed.
"Por dios!" he gasped.
And that exclamation was his last sound.
Clif had nerved himself for the spring; for he knew that Ignacio might have a revolver and that no risks could be taken.
But at that instant a dark, shadowy form rose up behind Ignacio.
And one of his own iron instruments was raised above his head. It came down with a hissing sound, and then a heavy thud.
And Ignacio dropped without a groan, without even a quiver. He lay perfectly motionless. His villainy was at an end.
Clif had sprung up as he saw that, and he gave a gasp of joy. Then he sprang toward his deliverer.