Clayton gripped tightly the rein, caught hold of the horn of the saddle, yelled for the girl to cling to him, and steadied himself for the shock of the fall.
The horse struck with stunning force, and rolled over, throwing the girl to one side.
Clayton was hurled from the saddle over the horse’s head, where he lay, unconscious and white-faced.
Lena Forest scrambled up unhurt, but dazed and frightened. Then she screamed again, as she saw Bruce lying there as if he were dead.
And on came the fire, roaring and writhing, shooting up crackling flames that seemed to laugh in glee, as if they realized the terrible predicament of the girl and her brave lover.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE SCOUTS’ PURSUIT.
Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill, or Kulux-Kittibux, as he was known among the Indians, after the departure of Nick Nomad, began a search along the cañon stream. They left their horses behind them, for the ground was too rough for a horse to get over it.
The thing for which the eagle eyes of the scout were searching was seen by him at last, when he began to despair of finding anything of the kind.
“There it is, Gordon,” he said, pointing.
What seemed a foot section of twisted vine rose from the water, and was wound in the most natural manner round the root of a tree.