ptured and driven them off in another direction.

It seems like a piece of madness for three men to pursue ten times as
many Indian warriors; but the blood of Carson was up and he told Godey
it was too soon for them to turn back. The eyes of both flashed, when
they reflected upon the shameful outrage, and they meant that the
marauders should not get off scot free.

As the boy was only an incumbrance, he was left behind, and, taking
the trail of the warriors, the three put their horses to their best,
confident the chase would be a long one. On such occasions, the red men
are accustomed to travel a long distance before making a halt. With so
much booty in their hands, they were liable to be set upon by others as
savage as themselves, and they had every cause, therefore, to get out of
the country with the least possible delay.

The three were riding in this furious fashion, when most unexpectedly
the steed of the Mexican gave out. A minute's examination showed he was
as thoroughly used up and useless as the horse of the Ute Indian, years
before, who started out with Kit to pursue the thief that was running
off with the animals. There was no course but to leave the Mexican
behind, for time was too precious to ride back to camp after another
horse. He, therefore was told to go back to Fremont's camp and await
their return.

The exploit of Carson and Godey, when calmly told, seems incredible.
There was no one in Fremont's command who would go with them, and though
they knew there were a score and a half of savage wild men to encounter,
they did not hesitate, but pressed their steeds to the utmost, eager to
join in the fierce hand to hand conflict.

When night shut in upon them, the Indians were not in sight and the
signs indicated they were a good many miles ahead. There was no moon
or stars and they could see only a few feet in advance of their horses'
ears, but it would not do to linger. If they should go into camp, they
would lose so much ground that pursuit was likely to be hopeless.

Accordingly, they dismounted and leading their steeds, continued
the pursuit on foot. Where it was impossible to see the ground, they
depended on the sense of feeling. Quite certain of the general direction
taken by the red men, they occasionally stooped down and passed their
hands over the earth. The trail was so distinct that it could be readily
detected in this manner, provided they had not gone astray. Several
times they wandered t