He was just dropping off into a sound slumber when he was awakened by the shrill cry of a female in the near vicinity.
Quick as a flash, he sprang to his feet and listened.
"Help—help! Oh, save me!"
Again the cry was repeated.
In the twinkling of an eye the whole camp was aroused.
Seizing their rifles, Van and Jack Howard sprang through the dense undergrowth in the direction the cries came from.
It was tedious work forcing their way through the thorns and dank weeds, but they accomplished it in short order.
As they emerged into an opening about two hundred yards from their camp they beheld a truly startling scene.
A young and beautiful girl was struggling in the midst of four men, who had seized her and were making efforts to stifle her cries.
Both Van and Jack were astonished beyond measure when they beheld the fair creature, who was as white and as civilized in appearance as they were, in those wild parts.