"I shouldn't be surprised," returned the professor. "I shall make a note of this, for it is truly wonderful to find rafts of timber in the heart of this wild country."
While the professor was jotting down his notes the rest of the party were carefully scrutinizing the river.
Presently they were startled to see one of the timber rafts drifting swiftly down the center of the stream.
Upon it were two men and a pair of horses.
A single glance sufficed to show that the men were Doc Clancy and his villainous companion.
At that instant a puff of smoke came from the raft, followed instantly by the report of a rifle; Van clapped his hand to the side of his head and tumbled headlong from the back of his horse.
[CHAPTER X.]
DOWN THE RIVER.
As Van Vincent fell from his horse his companions immediately dismounted and rushed to his side.