CHAPTER IV.
FRANK PROVES HIMSELF A HERO.
"There!" said Frank, with something like a sigh of relief.

"If Pierre gets into that office to-night, he'll have to use an ax; and if he tries that"-- Frank finished the sentence by shaking his head in a threatening manner, and taking down his rifle, which he proceeded to load very carefully.

He had made up his mind to fight, if it should become necessary.
He was now more anxious than ever for the arrival of his two friends, for he did not like the idea of remaining alone in the house all night, with so much money under his charge, and a villainous-looking Mexican hovering about.

Frank, as we know, was very far from being a coward; but having by some means got it into his head that Pierre was a rascal, and that something unpleasant would happen before morning, he could not help feeling rather anxious.
The afternoon wore slowly away, but Johnny and Dick did not make their appearance.

Darkness came on apace, and Frank, being at last satisfied that he was to be left alone in his glory for that night at least, ate his supper, and visited Roderick in his stable to see that he was well provided for, and then whistled for his dog, which he had not seen since the departure of Mr.Brown.Marmion, however, did not respond to the call.