n village, where forage and rest could
be secured for the animals. When the place was reached, Colonel Cook
learned of a serious mistake made by the party who were transporting
the soldier wounded several days before. They discovered an Indian whom,
after some difficulty, they captured. His horse and arms were taken from
him under the supposition that he was one of the hostile Apaches. He
was not treated very gently and watching his opportunity, he made his
escape. It was afterwards learned that the warrior was a Utah, with whom
the white men were at peace.

The Utahs were of a war-like nature and Colonel Cook was apprehensive
they would use the occurrence as a pretext for joining the Apaches
in their attack upon the settlers. He therefore sent Carson to the
headquarters of his agency to do what he could to explain the matter and
make all the reparation in his power.

As soon as he arrived at Taos, Carson sent a messenger with a request
that the Utah chiefs would come and have a talk with him. They were
always glad to meet Father Kit face to face. The agent told how the
mistake was made, expressed the regret of himself and Colonel Cook and
ended by restoring the property and by distributing a few presents among
the chiefs. The business was managed with such tact that the sachems
expressed themselves perfectly satisfied and their affection and
admiration for Father Kit became greater than before.

Colonel Cook was unwilling to return without striking a more effective
blow against the Apaches. Pausing only long enough, therefore, to rest
and recruit his men and horses, he resumed the hunt. He had not gone
far, when he struck another trail which was followed with great vigor;
but before anything of the Indians could be discovered, it began
snowing. In a few minutes the flakes were eddying all around them, the
wind blowing so furiously that the men could hardly see each other, as
they bent their heads and rode slowly against it. This rendered pursuit
out of the question, because the trail was entirely hidden. Much against
his will Colonel Cook was forced to give up the pursuit.

He made his way to a small town lying on his route, where he met Major
Brooks, who was marching to his help with reinforcements. The latter
officer instead of returning with Colonel Cook, decided to take up the
hunt himself for the hostiles.

With little delay, a fresh trail was found and an energetic pursuit
began. It was plain the Indians wer