Glancing in the direction it came from, our friends beheld the forms of Doc Clancy and his pal seated astride a pair of horses, and galloping swiftly over the level country in the direction of the forest.
The two villains, thinking that Van and his friends were going to stop a while in the valley, deemed it advisable to get out.
They watched their opportunity, and, catching a couple of horses, mounted them and made off.
The Amazons were in a great state of excitement over this, and the majority of the assembled crowd promptly started in pursuit.
Kanka at once rushed away, leaving our friends standing alone where they were.
"This is our opportunity!" exclaimed Van. "There are some horses grazing over there; let's catch enough for our use and follow Doc Clancy."
"That is just what we will do," returned Jack Howard. "Come on, all of you!"
The next moment they were hurrying toward the horses.
The animals were very tame, and they managed to catch what they wanted before any of the Amazons reached them.
Each horse had a tough vine about its neck, and, placing this between their teeth, they managed to form a rude bridle and bit.