"There isn't much to say, except that I propose to get on the other
side of the horseshoe and climb back over the rocks to our trail. If I
am fortunate enough to get there the rest will be easy and I'll have
you up in a short time. How about it, Dad?" asked the boy lightly,
as if his proposal were nothing out of the ordinary.

Dad took a few steps forward.

"How do ye propose to get across that stretch of water there to reach
the other side of the horseshoe?"

"Swim it, of course."

The guide laughed harshly.

"Swim it? Why, kid a boat wouldn't live in that boiling pot for two
minutes. What could a mere man hope to do against that demon?"

"It is my opinion that a man would do better for a few moments against
the water than a boat would. I think I can do it."

"No, if anybody does that kind of a trick it will be Jim Nance."

"Do you swim?"

"Like a chunk of marble. Living on the plains all a fellow's life
doesn't usually make a swimmer of him."

"I thought so. That makes me all the more determined to do this thing."