r, better than Jim, though not so daring. This
was a dangerous proposition. Jim went first, going up stream a ways,
then he sprang out into the river.

In a minute we saw what a foolhardy attempt it was. The current caught
him and sped him along like a straw. We could see his black head as it
bobbed along down stream, now and then submerged by a wave that seemed
to us a mere ripple.

He struggled valiantly to strike across the current, for he must reach
the rock or be carried down the river to sure death. We looked on in
fascinated terror.

Nothing but his extraordinary strength saved Jim at this juncture. As he
was being dashed past the rock he threw out one hand and grasped the
edge of it, then the water slammed him against it with great force.

For the moment he seemed stunned, but he clung to the rock as the player
in a big game does to the ball as he goes over the line.

"Hold on, Jim, tight," we yelled.

We saw his muscles strain as he pulled himself slowly out of the hungry
water. Then he reached the inclined surface of the rock and fell
forward, all curled up like a man who is knocked out on the football
field.

We were pretty well frightened and Tom thought he was done for, but I
felt sure that Jim would come around in a few minutes. We did not have
to wait long before Jim sat up. He gave his head a shake and was himself
again.

"Don't try it," he yelled to us. "You can't monkey with this river."

He need not have warned us, for neither one of us was likely to try the
experiment. How was Jim to get off that rock? was the question. It was
impossible for him to take to the stream again, nor was the rock a
desirable permanent residence.

In a minute Jim began to dance around on the rock, and we thought at
first it was his exuberant spirits. But this was not the case.

"Gee, boys!" he yelled. "This rock is hot, get me off quick before I
become a cinder. What are you waiting for? Get me a rope."

Why had I not thought of that before? I jumped out of the river and made
a full speed trip to the camp. The sight was a great shock to Coyote and
Piute, and they jumped to one side, snorting and visibly affrighted.

I got the rope and made a flying return trip to the river. I soon made a
lasso loop and stood poised on the bank, directly opposite Jim, ready
for the throw.

"You stand still now and I bet that I will lasso you," I cried.

This accomplishment the captain had taught us and sometimes it came in