"Wait, I'll go with you," said Ned.

"No, remain where you are," ordered Professor Zepplin. "Some of you
will surely be shot. Thaddeus, remember, you are not to go far from
camp.

Tad was off in a twinkle. Putting the spurs to Pink-eye, the animal
leaped from the camp and disappeared among the trees.

"I am afraid I should not have allowed him to go," announced the
Professor, with a doubtful shake of his head. But it was too late
now for regrets.

Tad found the going rough. He soon made out the flaming animal just
ahead of him. The beast was down rolling from side to side in a
frantic effort to put out the fire that was burning into his flesh.

Tad could not understand why the fur should make so much flame. He
spurred the pony as near to the animal as he could get. Then he saw
that the bear had become entangled in the guy ropes, and that he was
pulling along with him portions of the burning canvas, attached to
the ropes. It was this which made the animal a living torch.

The pony in its fright was rearing and plunging, bucking and
squealing so that the lad had difficulty in keeping his seat.

"Steady, steady, Pink-eye," he soothed.

For an instant the broncho ceased its wild antics and stood
trembling with fear.