remembered, was deep on the ground; but such veterans cared
nothing for a trifle like that, and they speedily reached their animals.

Such an attempt is always a dangerous one, for the horse of the Indian
or white hunter often proves his most skilful sentinel. He is able to
detect the stealthy approach of a scout, long before the straining ear
of his master can catch the slightest sound. If the beasts should become
frightened by the shadowy figures crawling over the snow, they would be
likely to alarm the camp; but Carson and his companions managed it so
well that there was not a single neigh or stamp of a hoof.

Silently rising to their feet, they cut the halters which held the
horses fast, and then, withdrawing a slight distance, began throwing
snowballs at them. These feathery missiles fell among and struck against
them, until, to escape the mimic bombardment they moved out the wood
altogether, where they were taken charge by the others who were waiting.
All this was accomplished without attracting the attention of a single
Indian.

Having met with such success, common prudence and sense suggested that
the trappers should make all haste to their own comfortable quarters, so
many long miles away; but they had scarcely joined each other when they
fell into an earnest discussion as to what the next step should be.

Some were in favor of withdrawing with the least possible delay, but
Kit Carson and a couple of daring spirits were bent on going back and
punishing the thieves who had given them so much trouble. As they could
not be argued out of their purpose, the others, as a matter of course,
agreed to give them their aid.

Three of the trappers were sent to take the recaptured animals to where
the saddle horses were secured while the others advanced directly upon
the Indian camp. They moved cautiously as was their custom and were
almost upon the Crows, when one of their dogs gave notice of danger by a
vigorous barking. On the instant, the warriors leaped to their feet
and the fight opened. So many of the Indians were shot down and the
advantage was so strongly against them, that the survivors hastily
ran into the nearest fort, from which they returned the fire of their
assailants. The latter, however, had stationed themselves behind trees,
where they were safe against the whistling bullets, and in their attack
they threw away very few shots indeed.

It began growing light in the east, and, as soon as the Crows
di