however, Bob whipped off both shoes, flinging them into the creek, his cap
after them, stripped his coat from place and tossed it also into the water.
Then he flopped flat to the ground.

"I won't go another foot," he declared. "I'll rip every stitch of clothes
on me to tatters and I'll fight like a wildcat before I'll make another
step."

Frank's eyes flashed. His settled will showed in his resolute face.

"All right," he said quietly. "If you want to be handled like a wildcat, I
can give you the treatment."

Quick as a flash Frank sprang to a plank reaching a few feet out into the
stream. It appeared to have been a landing place for small boats. Lying
across it was a piece of rope, evidently used in securing some water craft.
Seizing this, Frank made a leap back to his stubborn companion, jumped
squarely astride of him, and snatching his knife from his pocket, cut the
rope in two. In a jiffy he had bound the struggling hands of Bob. He
performed the same function for his feet. Then, arising, he looked down
steadily at his helpless captive.

"I can carry you easily that way," he observed.

Frank went along the banks of the stream until he found a long branch.
There was little current to the rivulet, and he soon fished out the
floating coat and cap. One of the shoes had sunk, but it was in shallow
water, and he managed to rescue this also.

"You're making a good deal of trouble, Bob," he remarked, "but you'll think