rattlesnake darted from the path. Soon they emerged

from this pass, and again the plains became green and

verdant. Presently a distant line of trees showed that

they were approaching water, and in a few minutes

they were close on it. For the first time Dick felt

alarm. He sought to check his steed, but no force he

could exert had the smallest influence on it.

Trees and bushes flew past in bewildering confusion.

The river was before him; what width, he could not

tell, but he was reckless now, like his charger, which he