"At first I was satisfied by the receipt of the letter," continued Noel Urner. "But the more I thought over the matter the more I became convinced that something was wrong; but in a different way from what you think. I imagined your uncle had found other speculators to go in with him and they had persuaded him to cut me off. That is why I started off, after settling my other business in California, to find your uncle and learn the truth. I was willing to lose a few weeks' time out here looking around, even if it didn't pay."
"We are very glad you came and that we found you," answered Paul. "I am sorry for only one thing, that Allen is not here to meet you."
"I am in no hurry to continue my journey; indeed, I do not see how I can without a horse. If you wish I will remain here until your brother returns."
"You are right welcome to do that," cried Chet. "As for not having a horse, you are no worse off than ourselves, for we are without an animal of any kind, outside of the cattle."
"Then, being equally bad off, we ought to make good friends," smiled Noel Urner. "I shall like staying on a ranch for a few days first rate, and you can rely on my giving you all the assistance in my power when it comes to finding out the fate of your uncle."
"We can't do anything until Allen returns," sighed Paul.
"Then we will hope that your brother returns speedily, and with good news."
"The best news will be his return with all our horses," returned Chet. "We can do nothing without our animals."
Alas! How little did both Chet and Paul dream of the terrible ordeal through which Allen was at that moment passing!
Such was the agonizing thought which rushed into Allen Winthrop's mind as he felt himself plunging madly downward to the glittering waters far beneath him.
It must be confessed that the otherwise brave young ranchman was fearfully frightened at the dreadful peril which confronted him. He and his faithful mare were going down, and certain death seemed inevitable.
"Heaven help me!" he murmured to himself, and shutting his teeth hard, clung grimly to the saddle.
Out of the sunlight into the gloom and mist below descended horse and rider.
Scarcely two seconds passed and then, with a resounding splash, the animal and its living burden disappeared beneath the surface of the river and out of the sight of the rascals on the opposite side of the canyon.