free himself.

Under ordinary circumstances Fred would have been no match for his
captor; but now the knowledge of what was to be gained lent him great
energy, and he clung to him with desperation.

"Let go, or I'll stab you with this knife," Gus shouted; but Fred was
too careful of his wind to make any reply.

Over and over they rolled, one trying to use his weapon, while the other
did his best to prevent it, and but for an accident the battle might
have been continued until the smaller boy was exhausted.

It was not possible to control the direction of their bodies, and
suddenly both were precipitated into the stream.

Fred was a good swimmer, while his adversary knew but little of the art,
and he succeeded in holding Gus' head under water until he was nearly
strangled.

The tables were now turned.

It only remained for Fred to drag the half-unconscious boy to the shore,
and there transfer the rope from one pair of legs to the other.

When Gus again had a clear idea of matters he was securely tied, and
Fred had put into his own pocket the package of money which Sam was
accused of stealing.

To pack in small compass the remaining store of provisions, cut a stout
stick, and place the hatchet in a belt improvised from a piece of the
rope, occupied but a few moments, and then Fred said, sternly:

"I'm going to slacken up on your legs a bit, so's you can walk, and now
it's your turn to step out lively."

"When Tim comes back you shall pay for this."

"I intend to be a long distance from here before that time arrives."

"He can catch you."

"To do it he'll have to be smarter than I think he is."

"Wait an' see."

"That's just what I don't propose doin'. I understand your purpose now;
you're trying to keep me here as long as possible. Get up."

"I won't an' you can't make me."

Fred struck the prisoner several severe blows; but he did not so much as
cry out.

"I'll beat you black and blue, if you don't stand up and walk."

"Pound away, I can bear a good deal of that rather than go to jail."

Again Fred used the stick; but in vain. Gus shut his teeth firmly, and
took the punishment with a stoicism worthy a better cause.

It was important that no time should be lost. Tim might find a boat and
return to the camp before going to the town.

Fred stood still in perplexity for an instant, and then throwing aside
the stick raised Gus in his arms.

It was a heavy burden; but he staggered on with all poss