His long yell brought the boys and the major to the veranda, and when they saw Ted running beside the bay pony, with Stella and Kit following, they rushed out to help.
"What is it?" asked the major, as Ted drew up to the veranda.
"Your brother," answered Ted gently, indicating the inert body tied to the pony's back.
"Get him off and into the house," said the major brusquely, his face white with apprehension.
Bud and Ben were working as for their lives at the rope by which the body of Frederic Caruthers was bound to the pony's back.
Soon they had him released, and between them bore the limp form into the living room and laid it on a lounge.
The clothes on the body were torn into strips, and the flesh was gashed in numerous places. This was the work of the wolf's teeth, which, during the chase, had repeatedly leaped at the unconscious man, trying to drag him from the pony's back.
"These wounds are not the worst," said Ted, looking down at Caruthers. "Off with his clothes, boys, and let us see where his real hurt is."
It did not take long for the boys to get Caruthers' rags stripped from his body, and Ted bent over him, examining him closely.
"Ah, here it is," he said, as he turned Caruthers over.