"What's the matter?" called Matt.
"The bush pulled out a little," was the answer, "and I thought I was gone. Rush things up there, will you?"
At that moment Carl came with the rope, and Matt, standing above the place where he supposed the unseen speaker to be, allowed the noosed end to slide down to him.
"I've got it!" cried the voice. "Are you ready to lay on?"
"Catch hold, Carl," said Matt, "and brace yourself. All ready," he shouted, when he and Carl were planted firmly with the rope in their hands.
"Then here goes!"
The rope grew taut under a suddenly imposed weight, and Matt and Carl laid back on it and hauled in.
[CHAPTER II.]
DICK FERRAL.