Silvertip turned to his braves, and giving a brief command, sprang from the raft.

The warriors closed in around the brothers; two grasping each by the arms, and the remaining Indian taking care of the horse.

The captives were then led ashore, where Silvertip awaited them.
When the horse was clear of the raft, which task necessitated considerable labor on the part of the Indians, the chief seized the grapevine, that was now plainly in sight, and severed it with one blow of his tomahawk.

The raft dashed forward with a lurch and drifted downstream.
In the clear water Joe could see the cunning trap which had caused the death of Bill, and insured the captivity of himself and his brother.

The crafty savages had trimmed a six-inch sapling and anchored it under the water.