that young gentleman, it was only the
beginning of it.

Meanwhile, the fight in the bushes, desperate as it was, judging by the
noise it occasioned, was ended, and Arthur had scarcely disappeared when
Marmion and Carlo walked out into the path, and, after looking up at the
boys, and giving their tails a few jerks, as if to say "We've done it!"
seated themselves on their haunches, and awaited further orders. Archie
threw his reins to his cousin, and, springing out of his saddle, went
forward to survey the scene of the conflict. He was gone but a moment,
and when he came out of the bushes, he was dragging after him--not a
grizzly bear, but a large gray wolf, which had been overpowered and
killed by the dogs. One of the wolf's hind-legs was caught in a trap, to
which was fastened a short piece of chain and a clog. The animal had
doubtless been paying his respects to some sheep-fold during the night,
and had put his foot into the trap while searching for his supper. He
had retreated toward the mountains, and had dragged the trap until the
clog caught, and held him fast. That was the reason he did not run off
when the boys came up, and the commotion in the bushes had been caused
by his efforts to free himself.

While the boys were examining their prize, Johnny, having succeeded in
stopping his frantic horse, was returning to the place from which he had
started on his involuntary ride. As he was about to enter the woods at
the base of the mountains, he saw a horse emerge from the trees, and
come toward him at a rapid gallop. His bridle was flying loose in the
wind, and Johnny at first thought he was running away; but a second
glance showed him that there was somebody on his back.

"Stampeded," thought Johnny. "If I am laughed at, it will be some
consolation to know that I am not alone in my misery."

The rider of the stampeded horse was bent almost double; his feet were
out of the stirrups, which were being thrown wildly about; both hands
were holding fast to the horn of the saddle; his face was deadly pale,
and, altogether, he presented the appearance of one who had been
thoroughly alarmed. Although he looked very unlike the dignified Arthur
Vane, who had ridden so gayly over that road but a few moments before,
Johnny recognized him at once; and the first thought that flashed
through his mind was that something terrible had happened to Frank and
Archie.

"What's the matter?" asked Johnny, pulling up his horse with a je