might. You played with me--you made a fool of me. We'll see who's the
fool in the end." With a mighty wrench he tore her from her saddle and
she found herself struggling with him in the water.

"If I put you under for a minute I guess you'll be good," he threatened.
"I'll half drown you, Zen, if I have to."

"Go ahead," she challenged. "I'll drown myself, if I have to."

"Not just yet, Zen; not just yet. Afterwards you can do as you like."

In their struggles they had been getting gradually into deeper water. At
this moment they found their feet carried free, and the horses began
to swim for the shore. Drazk held to both reins with one hand, still
clutching his victim with the other. More than once they went under
water together and came up half choking.

Zen was not a good swimmer, but she would gladly have broken away and
taken chances with the current. Once on land she would be at his mercy.
She was using her head frantically, but could think of no device to foil
him. It was not her practice to carry weapons; her whip had already gone
down the stream. Presently she saw a long leather thong floating out
from the saddle of Drazk's horse. It was no larger than a whiplash;
apparently it was a spare lace which Drazk carried, and which had worked
loose in the struggle. It was floating close to Drazk.

"Don't let me sink, George!" she cried frantically, in sudden fright.
"Save me! I won't fight any more."

"That's better," he said, drawing her up to him. "I knew you'd come to
your senses."

Her hand reached the lash. With a quick motion of the arm, such as is
given in throwing a rope, she had looped it once around his neck. Then,
pulling the lash violently, she fought herself out of his grip. He
clutched at her wildly, but could reach only some stray locks of her
brown hair which had broken loose and were floating on the water.

She saw his eyes grow round and big and horrified; saw his mouth open
and refuse to close; heard strange little gurgles and chokings. But she
did not let go.

"When you insulted me this morning I promised to settle with you; I did
not expect to have the chance so soon."

His head had gone under water.... Suddenly she realized that he was
drowning. She let go of the thong, clutched her horse's tail, and was
pulled quickly ashore.

Sitting on the gravel, she tried to think. Drazk had disappeared; his
horse had landed somewhat farther down.... Doubtless Drazk had drowned.
Yes, that would