at all comical.

"I don't believe the critter knows how to swim, Bob!" exclaimed Frank.

"That's what," answered the other, seriously. "He's just keeping up
because he's crazy with fright. We've got to get him out of there,
Frank."

"We sure have; come along," echoed the western boy.

Fortunately Frank was possessed of a quick mind. He never wasted any
time in wondering what methods he should use in order to accomplish
things.

The pool was of considerable width, and even though he bent over its
border he would not be able to come within five feet of the struggling
Peg.

Without hesitation he stepped into the water, holding his gun. Two
feet from the bank and it was to his knees. But he believed he had now
reached a point where he could hold out his rifle and touch Peg.

"Take hold, and I'll pull you out!" he called, as he extended the gun.

It was laughable to see how eagerly the other seized upon the chance.
And, when Peg had fastened himself to the other end of the rifle Frank
easily drew him shoreward.

The bully came out, dripping wet, and in anything but an angelic
temper. It was bad enough, in his eyes, to have fallen into the pool;
but to be rescued by a fellow he hated, as he did Frank Haywood, added
to the aggravation.

After spluttering for a minute or two, so that he could get rid of the
balance of the water he had swallowed, Peg faced the two chums.

Strange to say he did not seem to consider that Frank had placed him
under any obligations in the least when he dragged him out of the water.

"See what you did," Peg exclaimed, now spluttering with burning anger.
"What d'ye mean pointing your old gun up at me, and making as if you
meant to shoot?"

"Oh!" remarked Bob, elevating his eyebrows; "was that what forced you
to take that header down the slope? Well, now, we had an idea you were
so glad to see us that you just couldn't wait to walk down, but wanted
to fly! But, if I was to blame at all for your trouble, I'm sure I'm
sorry. But you see, we didn't know whether we were going to be held up
by rustlers or Indians. That's what comes from hiding, Peg."

"Bah! guess I'll do just whatever I want," spluttered the other, wiping
his dripping face on his sleeve without doing either much good,
however. "And do you know what I think?"

"Well, no, I must say I don't happen to be a mind reader, Peg. Suppose
you tell me," replied the unruffled Bob, who had taken the measure of
the other, a