Catherine, more resolute, tried to encourage her companion; but as they jogged and jolted over the deserted road for what seemed hours, even her own courage began to weaken.
At last they came to a ford that led across a muddy brook.

As the horse entered the water, the forward end of the rickety old "saloon" pitched sharply downward.

The prop that had held the door fast loosened and the door flew open! Needless to say, the girls lost little time in getting out of their prison.

Before the "saloon" had topped the other bank, they jumped out and ran into the alder bushes that bordered the stream.
Their captor was evidently not aware of their escape, for the "saloon" kept on its course.

As soon as it was out of sight the girls waded the brook and, hastening back to the fork of the road, took the homeward trail.
About four o'clock in the morning grandmother Ruth heard them knocking at the door.