“Oh, no.”
So on they went at a very slow pace for several miles in going down the mountain, and then when they struck good traveling, they pushed rapidly on, the chief not sparing the horses now.
The sun was over an hour high when the river came into view.
A halt was made to cool the horses off a little, then, riding down a steep ravine to the water, the chief said:
“I’ll take your bridle rein here, Miss Fallon. Permit me to fold this rubber blanket around your feet and form, and you will not get in the least wet. Let your horse have full rein and do not be alarmed.”
“I am not in the least alarmed,” was the reply, and she permitted the chief to fold the rubber blanket about her in such a way that she would not get wet when her horse was back deep in swimming.
Then the chief rode in, she followed, her horse led, and the Indians came behind with the pack horses.
The animals began to swim almost immediately, and the brave girl rather enjoyed the scene than dreaded it.
After a long swim a sand bar was reached, they landed in safety, and, not to let the horses get cold, the chief pushed on for a couple of miles and went into camp, with the remark:
“We are safe now, Miss Fallon, and you can rest through the night.”