Over and over they rolled, one trying to use his weapon, while the other did his best to prevent it, and but for an accident the battle might have been continued until the smaller boy was exhausted.
It was not possible to control the direction of their bodies, and suddenly both were precipitated into the stream.
Fred was a good swimmer, while his adversary knew but little of the art, and he succeeded in holding Gus' head under water until he was nearly strangled.
The tables were now turned.
It only remained for Fred to drag the half-unconscious boy to the shore, and there transfer the rope from one pair of legs to the other.
When Gus again had a clear idea of matters he was securely tied, and Fred had put into his own pocket the package of money which Sam was accused of stealing.
To pack in small compass the remaining store of provisions, cut a stout stick, and place the hatchet in a belt improvised from a piece of the rope, occupied but a few moments, and then Fred said, sternly:
"I'm going to slacken up on your legs a bit, so's you can walk, and now it's your turn to step out lively."
"When Tim comes back you shall pay for this."
"I intend to be a long distance from here before that time arrives."