Eagle-eye."

The Indian obeyed the command lazily.

"We want you to take one of the ponies and ride back to your friend's
place as fast as you can. Get a rope, one long enough to reach down
into the gully. Don't spare the pony. Get back as quickly as
possible."

"Him no got rope."

"How do you know? You go just the same and you go in a hurry. Don't
you dare to show your face back here unless you bring a rope, sir. If
you get back before dark, I shall make you a present of this rifle
that you have admired so much--"

"I beg your pardon, that's my gun you are trying to give away,"
objected Stacy.

"Never mind, you shall have another. Don't you think it's worth that
much to get Master Tad out of his difficulty quickly?"

"Of course it is. I didn't mean it just that way. Sure, give the
lazy Indian my gun, give him anything I have, only do something to
make him hurry."

The Indian's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "You give Indian gun?"
he asked. "Yes. Me ride um pony like fire from sky."

"Well, get off now," said the Professor. "We'll take for granted that