Twenty rods beyond this point the path entered an opening in the forest made by a great fire, and half-way across this opening the youth saw a sight which chilled him to the marrow.

There was Minnetaki, her long hair tumbling loosely down her back, a cloth tied around her head--and on either side an Indian dragging her swiftly toward the opposite forest! For as long as he might have drawn three breaths Rod stood transfixed with horror.

Then his senses returned to him, and every muscle in his body seemed to bound with action.

For days he had been practising with his revolver and it was now in the holster at his side.

Should he use it?
Or might he hit Minnetaki?
At his feet he saw a club and snatching this up he sped across the opening, the soft earth holding the sound of his steps.