Frank was no less astonished than delighted at his unexpected deliverance.  He tried to shout, to attract the attention of the unknown horseman, but all his efforts were unavailing.  His attempts to release his hands, however, which he commenced the instant the Ranchero left the room, were more successful.  Pierre’s carelessness in tying the knots was a point in his favor then; for, in less time than it takes to record the fact, Frank was free.  He threw the noose off his neck, pulled the lasso down from the hook, and hastily coiling it up in one hand, he ran to the place where he had left his rifle, fully determined that the robber should not escape from the ranch without an attempt on his part to capture him.  His rifle was gone.  The Ranchero had caught it up as he bounded through the window, thinking he might find use for it, in case he should happen to run against the visitor in the dark.

Frank looked upon the loss of his rifle as a great misfortune; for, not only did he believe the weapon lost to him forever, but he was powerless to effect the capture of the Ranchero, even if he succeeded in finding him.  However, he did not waste time in vain regrets.  He sprang through the window, and, running around the house, entered the court, to look for the horseman whose timely arrival had saved his life.  He went as far as the archway that led into the court, and there he suddenly paused, and the blood rushed back upon his heart, leaving his face as pale as death itself.  He had told the Ranchero that a dozen such men as he could not overcome his uncle; but the scene before him belied his words.  Flat upon his back, in the middle of the court, lay Mr. Winters, with Pierre Costello kneeling on his breast, one hand grasping his victim’s throat, and the other holding aloft his murderous-looking bowie, whose bright blade glistened in the moonlight like burnished silver.

Frank started back, rubbed his eyes, and looked again.  There could be no mistake about it, for the moon shone brightly, rendering all the objects in the court as plainly visible as if it had been broad daylight.  He was not only terribly frightened, but he was utterly confounded.  He had believed Mr. Winters to be fast asleep in his bed at the hotel in San Diego; but there he was, when Frank least expected him, and, more than that, he was being worsted in his struggle with Pierre.  The boy could not understand it.

“Unhand me, you scoundrel!” he heard Uncle James say, in a feeble voice.

“Not until you have given me the key of the safe,” was the robber’s answer.  “I have worked hard for that gold to-night, and I am not going to leave the ranch without it.”

Then commenced a furious struggle, and Frank turned away his head, lest he should see that gleaming knife buried in his uncle’s body.

Never before had Frank been so thoroughly overcome with fear.  He had just passed through in ordeal that would have tried the nerves of the bravest man, and he had scarcely flinched; but to stand there a witness of his uncle’s deadly peril, believing himself powerless to aid him, was indeed enough to strike terror to his heart.