e scrubby
tree's broken branches, the unfortunate one was suspended in midair,
kicking, floundering and yelling at a tremendous rate.

"Say!" exclaimed Frank, when he was able to catch his breath again,
"What d'ye think of that, now? Our friend Peg is so glad to see us he
couldn't wait to walk down, but tried to skate. And see what's
happened to him! Next thing he wants is a bath; and I sure reckon he's
due for one when that cedar pulls out its last root. Wow!"

CHAPTER X

THREATS OF TROUBLE

"Splash!"

Hardly had Frank ventured upon his prediction before it came true. The
stout cloth of which Peg's garments were composed might have sustained
his weight indefinitely, and had it depended on his trousers giving
way, his friends above must have been compelled to use their ropes in
order to release him from so unfortunate a predicament.

But the roots of the little stunted cedar were soon torn from their
hold. And when this came about, of course the unfortunate Peg
continued his roll down the balance of that steep slope, clawing at
every object which he thought might stay his progress.

He certainly did drop into the pool with a tremendous splash that sent
the water flying in every direction.

At first he vanished entirely from view. Then his head emerged, and it
could be seen that he was swimming furiously to keep afloat. Somehow
his awkward movements made Bob Archer think of a hippopotamus he had
once seen in a tank.

Peg must have had his mouth open when he struck. Perhaps he was trying
to shout for somebody to stop him, and in this manner he swallowed a
quantity of water. At any rate he spouted forth quite a little fluid
as he floundered about, kicking and beating with feet and hands, as
though he were being run by an engine that had gone wild.

Both of the saddle boys grinned. They could not help it, the thing
looked so laughable. Had it been a dear friend, instead of an enemy,
they must have enjoyed the sight just the same.

Twice Peg bobbed under, to come up again, paddling for all the world
like a puppy that was having its first swim. His face had taken on a
look of terror.

"Help! Can't keep up much longer! Something pulling me down!" he
spluttered.

Frank and Bob exchanged a quick glance. Of course this put quite
another face on the matter. If Peg was really in danger they had no
business to stand there, laughing. It might seem funny to them, but to
Peg the matter was not