Investigation for a moment gave the pursuers a thrill of horror.
There were footprints down to the water’s edge, and the marks of some heavy body dragged thither.
In the shallow water, protected by reeds, was a body.
For a moment all expected to recognize Barrows. But all drew a breath of relief.
It was not him.
The body was that of one of the Apaches. Doubtless it was one shot by Barrows, and his body had been thrown into this place to escape the notice of the white pursuers.
“That’s an Injun trick,” declared Harmon, positively. “I’m mighty well satisfied that the captives are alive.”
“I hope you are right,” said one man.
“Ditto!” said another.
“Then let us take the trail,” cried Frank Reade, Jr. “If possible, we must rescue them.”