The floating tree could not have behaved better. It struck the ledge branches foremost, slid along until more than half its length had passed the rock, and then paused, the current gradually swinging the roots toward the bank on which the men were waiting.
With a cheer several cowboys rode into the river with ready riatas. As the butt swung slowly but steadily toward them, two coils swept through the air and settled over a stout root which had been broken. Galloping up the bank, the men made the ropes fast in a clump of cottonwoods, and were ready for another attempt to cross the river.
The current was increasing every moment, and even though the worst part of the torrent was spanned it was no easy job to gain the other side.
Up to this time Buffalo Bill had not discovered that he recognized any of the party, but now a tall man rode down on a rangy sorrel horse and headed across.
“Him all same Red Dick,” said Little Cayuse.
“So it is!” exclaimed the scout. “Now, I can surmise what they are here for. Red has either escaped or been acquitted. If the former he is making a getaway. If the latter he is hunting for Fighting Dan to get square.”
Red Dick chose the up-river side of the lariats and reached the roots of the tree in good order, his horse swimming nobly, but it was a struggle to round the roots and gain the trunk, where it seemed harder work for the tired animal. The water sucked under the great log and threatened to pull both horse and rider down, too.
Then Red Dick clambered from the saddle to the tree trunk holding the bridle and both relieving the animal of his weight and helping its progress by the rein.
At the bushy top Red Dick’s progress was slow and difficult. He clambered over and through the branches, clinging to the rein and handicapping the horse. He had nearly reached the top, and was preparing for the last desperate struggle, when there came a startling interruption that promised disaster.
All eyes had been fixed on the progress of Red Dick, and no one had seen another tree which came sweeping along on the side of the river next the party of cowboys.