Suddenly, as if impelled by a terrible impulse, the Indian’s tomahawk shot upward.

The next moment the cave resounded with the report of a revolver, and the savage staggered to his feet with a howl of rage!

Donald McKay waited no longer.

He leaped up and wheeled toward the river; but found himself in the midst of a dozen Indians!

Once, twice, thrice, he pressed his revolver against the red breasts and pulled the trigger, then flung wide his iron arms, and dashed forward—free again!

The flashes of pistols revealed him on the brink of the river, and the next moment he was gone!

CHAPTER IX.

JACK IS UNDECEIVED.

Simultaneously with Donald McKay’s first shot, the two spies sprung to their feet.

They saw their would-be murderer recover his equilibrium, and dart toward Hooker Jim, before they could approach him.