e
looking around, even if it didn't pay."

"We are very glad you came and that we found you," answered Paul. "I am
sorry for only one thing, that Allen is not here to meet you."

"I am in no hurry to continue my journey; indeed, I do not see how I can
without a horse. If you wish I will remain here until your brother
returns."

"You are right welcome to do that," cried Chet. "As for not having a
horse, you are no worse off than ourselves, for we are without an animal
of any kind, outside of the cattle."

"Then, being equally bad off, we ought to make good friends," smiled
Noel Urner. "I shall like staying on a ranch for a few days first rate,
and you can rely on my giving you all the assistance in my power when it
comes to finding out the fate of your uncle."

"We can't do anything until Allen returns," sighed Paul.

"Then we will hope that your brother returns speedily, and with good
news."

"The best news will be his return with all our horses," returned Chet.
"We can do nothing without our animals."

Alas! How little did both Chet and Paul dream of the terrible ordeal
through which Allen was at that moment passing!

CHAPTER VI.

From One Peril to Another

"I am lost! Nothing can save me!"

Such was the agonizing thought which rushed into Allen Winthrop's mind
as he felt himself plunging madly downward to the glittering waters far
beneath him.

It must be confessed that the otherwise brave young ranchman was
fearfully frightened at the dreadful peril which confronted him. He and
his faithful mare were going down, and certain death seemed inevitable.

"Heaven help me!" he murmured to himself, and shutting his teeth hard,
clung grimly to the saddle.

Out of the sunlight into the gloom and mist below descended horse and
rider.

Scarcely two seconds passed and then, with a resounding splash, the
animal and its living burden disappeared beneath the surface of the
river and out of the sight of the rascals on the opposite side of the
canyon.

"That settles him," cried one of the horse thieves, grimly. "He was a
fool to follow us."

"Maybe he'll escape," ventured a second.

"Wot! Arfter sech a plunge?" returned the first speaker, sarcastically.
"Wall, hardly, ter my reckonin'."

They shifted their positions on the brink of the opening, but try their
best, could see nothing more of the young man or the mare.

It was now growing darker rapidly, and fifteen minutes later, satisfied
that Alle