Del Norte had approached Merry in such a manner that Frank was at a decided disadvantage. He was swaying over the very brink of the cliff when he clutched the Mexican’s wrist. Being somewhat heavier than his antagonist, there was danger that Frank’s weight would drag them both to their doom. Beneath Merriwell’s foot a portion of the ledge crumbled and gave way. “Let go!” suddenly urged the Mexican, taking a grip on the collar of the youth. “Let go and I will hold you. I don’t mean to push you over. It’s all a joke, señor. Look out! The ground is slipping beneath your feet!” In this manner the Mexican did his best to deceive Frank, and a moment later the two men were locked in each other’s arms, each seeking to hurl the other prostrate. “May the fiends take you!” panted Del Norte. “What evil spirit saved you from my hands? You turned just in time.” “The blood of Guerrero, the bandit, runs strong in your veins,” said Merry. “You dare not fight the battle out between us in the courts, but you seek by murder to secure your ends.” “I shall yet triumph!” snarled the Mexican. “Even though you escape to-night, my time will come.” Then Merry crushed him down and hurled him heavily to the ground. “Tell the truth, you treacherous dog!” commanded Frank, with his hands at the fallen man’s throat. “Did you see Inza Burrage?” “Yes, I saw her.” “Where did she go?” “She fled past me as I stood in the shadow of some bushes.” “You lied when you said she fell over the precipice?” “It was a little stratagem of mine, Señor Merriwell; that’s all. She didn’t fall over the precipice. No! no! Had she done so my heart would have been broken! I should have been crushed by the frightful horror of it. Oh, I am not afraid of you, dog of a gringo! You have me down, but to your face I tell you that I love her and she shall yet be mine! Now, do your worst!” “You poor fool!” laughed Frank harshly. “You’re not worth kicking over the cliff! Don’t deceive yourself with foolish dreams. And let me give you this warning: Keep away from Inza Burrage if you value your life!” “Bah! You speak boldly now, for you have conquered by your brute strength. It’s not the strength of the brute that wins in the end; it’s the brains of the wise man. You think you’re wise and crafty, but in the end you shall know that Porfias del Norte is a thousand times your superior.” With an exclamation of scorn and disdain, Frank rose to his feet. He turned to move away, but as he did so Del Norte, who had risen to his knees, suddenly clutched Merry by both legs and once more sought to hurl him over the cliff. Only by dropping, quickly doubling himself at the hips and clutching the Mexican about the shoulders, did Frank prevent the treacherous scoundrel from accomplishing his dastardly design.