"I've got it," exclaimed Ned.

He cast loose from Bad-eye and threw both arms about the
rock. The pony freed from a share of his burden, struck off up
stream against the current, making excellent headway.

"I don't like to do this," Tad called back. "I wouldn't, were it not
for Chunky. He couldn't have stood it there another minute."

"You can't help yourself now. How's the kid?" called Ned.

"He's all right now."

"Professor, are you up there?"

"Yes."

He had heard the dialogue between the boys, and understood well what
had been done.

"That was a brave thing to do, Master Ned."

"Thank you, Professor. Suppose you try to cast that rope to me. I'm
afraid I shall never be able to hold on here alone as long as Tad
did. B-r-r-r, but it's cold!" he shivered.

The Professor tried his hand at casting the lariat.

"Never touched me," said Ned, more to keep up his own spirits than