torture; his body being literally torn to pieces by the drag upon the
strong skin ropes, fastened to the steel points imbedded in his flesh.

Now it seemed evident that for some misdeed one member of the tribe had
been condemned to die. As Johnny stood there staring, the whole affair
seemed so much like things he had seen done on the screen, that he found
it difficult to realize that this was an actual tragedy, being enacted
before his very eyes.

"They do it in the movies," he said.

"Yes," his companion agreed, "but here they will kill him. We must hurry
to help him."

"Who is he?"

"Don't you see? The Russian."

"Oh!" sighed Johnny. "Let 'em have him. He deserves as much from me,
probably deserves more from them."

"No! No! No!" Iyok-ok protested, now very much excited. "That will never
do. We must save him. They think he's from the Russian Government. Think
he will demand their furs and carry them away. They mistake. They will
kill him. Your automatic! We must hurry. Come."

Johnny found himself being dragged down the hill. As he looked below, he
realized that his companion was right. The man was doomed unless they
interfered. Already skillful archers were pausing to shoot and their
arrows fell dangerously near the fugitive.