rope settled over Ted's
shoulders, and a great shout went up from the soldiers.

But before Woofer could tighten it Ted managed to wriggle out of it, and
again Woofer drew it in.

Ted realized the danger in which he would stand if ever Woofer succeeded
in getting him fast.

Suddenly his hand came in contact with something hard in his pocket. It
was his knife, and he surreptitiously inserted his hand, and opened it,
then drew it out concealed in his palm. He felt sure that if it was
discovered that even this chance would be taken from him.

Again and again Woofer cast and Ted dodged, and the soldiers were
getting tired of the monotony of it, and began to deride Woofer for not
being able to get Ted.

This aroused the man to anger, and the next time he sent the rope over
Ted's shoulders, and drew it taut. A wild cry went up as Ted was being
dragged along as fast as he could run, and Stella turned white and gave
a cry of fear.

But Ted reached up, just as he was about to be carried off his feet, and
cut the rope in two.

At this a yell of protest rose from Woofer, but the men had at last
turned with sympathy to Ted.

"Let him have the knife," they cried. "You have the horse and the rope."

Woofer was forced to be content, and he slowly dragged the rope back
again, and made a new noose.

He was getting rattled, while Ted was gaining courage, and the rope did
not come as accurately as when Woofer had not begun to grow weary.

The soldiers were now addressing rough pleasantries at Woofer, who was
growing angry and trying harder than ever to rope Ted and drag him to
death.

Then, quite unexpectedly, the rope settled over Ted's arms, for he had
grown a little careless, and his eyes had been directed toward the top
of the hill behind the cabin, where he had seen something that caused
his eyes to open with wonder.

But when he felt himself being dragged along on a run he came to his
senses. Stooping his head, he managed to get the knife between his
teeth. Then he went along the rope, gathering it in his hands as he
went, as if he were climbing it hand over hand.

A shout of joy went up from the two girls at this, for they saw his
purpose.

On he went, the rope coming into his hand and being coiled on his arm.
Woofer all the while was urging on his pony, trying to throw Ted off his
feet.

Ted had now gathered in about thirty feet of the rope, or about half of
it.

Woofer saw his game, and swore horribly, as