The high clear note pierced to his companion's ear. Adan turned his
head, uttered a cry, and pulled his unwilling mustang about. But the
current was carrying the white face on the waves rapidly past.

"Lariat!" Roldan managed to scream.

Adan's faculties had been paralysed for the moment, but they responded
almost automatically to that imperious will. He unwound the lariat
rapidly from the pommel, hastily gathered the loops, then flung it with
sure hand straight at his friend. It fell about Roldan's neck. The boy
jerked it over his shoulders, then signed to Adan to proceed.

Adan once more urged his horse forward, not daring to look behind.
Roldan made no attempt to swim; he merely used his arms to keep his head
above water. There were but a few yards farther. The mustang, despite
his double load, made them, and scrambled up the bank. Adan, realising
for the first time that he was stiff with cold, scrambled off and pulled
in the rope with hands that were aching and almost numb. He heard Roldan
strike the bank, a moment later the snapping of brush. Roldan's head
rose into view, Adan gave a last despairing tug, and a moment later the
two boys lay on their backs, panting for breath.

V

"Do you want any more adventures?" asked Adan feebly, after a time.

"Not at present," said Roldan.

He raised himself stiffly. "Come," he said, "this will never do. We