ere was a great peril, however, that the
little boat, as it was driven forward by one part of the stream, might be
caught in the eddies that were formed when the waters united.

For a time the rocky shores seemed to be flying past the advancing boat.
Occasional glimpses of the sky far above them added to the picture. Before
them extended a long, narrow defile through which the deep water seethed
and boiled as it sped forward. The grave peril here was that the boat
might strike some of the projecting rocks or be grounded on one of the
hidden projections. It was impossible for any one to use his pole here
and Fred had passed the paddle to John while he himself insisted upon
taking his place in the bow and ordering Pete to seat himself amidship.

The boat was moving at least ten miles an hour. Two-thirds of the passage
had been safely made. The expression on Fred's face was tense as
occasionally he caught a glimpse behind him of his long friend working
desperately with his paddle.

Every ounce of strength each boy possessed was required for the effort.
Occasionally the guide shouted his direction first to one boy and then to
another and then to both alike. Neither Fred nor John, however gave much
heed to their advisor nor indeed was it possible for them to hear what he
said. The sound of the noisy water filled their ears, the peril of the
projecting rocks continued to face them and a glance at the dark colored
stream below was sufficient to warn them of dangers to be avoided there.

Fred, who, as has been said, was paddling from the bow turned for a moment
to glance back at John. At that moment, however, the heavy boat suddenly
struck an unseen rock. The force of the current was sufficient to drive
the boat safely over the place of peril, but Fred as he had nearly lost
his balance glanced again behind and to his horror he saw the long legs of
John disappearing over the side of the boat.

CHAPTER X

A RATTLER

Meanwhile the other party which had started for Thorn's Gulch was also
having its own experiences no less thrilling than the mishap which had
befallen John. Zeke was the leader of the trio while George had taken
Pete's place as rear guard.

Steadily climbing the way which previously they had used as a path,
stopping frequently for rest, for their breathing was somewhat more
difficult in the high altitude than on the lower levels, they at last
succeeded in gaining the crest of the canyon.

Zeke then l