to his speed, started for the Utah
village. On making his errand known to such of the braves as enjoyed
his confidence, he found no difficulty in engaging a well-known
warrior, and one on whom he knew he could rely, to accompany him. The
wily savage was soon ready for the march, when Kit gave the word to
start. Both men were splendidly mounted. Their pace was that of no
sluggard. The high-conditioned animals which they rode seemed to
catch the eager spirit of their masters, and entering into it, bent
themselves to their work with determination accordingly. To discover
the trail of the deserter and to study its various characteristics,
a science of no mean or useless order in the matter of a woodman's
education, required the two men to slacken their pace for a short
time. The tracks made by the stolen animals, however, were well
marked; and, to such practised eyes, afforded a certain indication
as to their route. Again putting their horses to their speed, with
compressed lips and eyes directed to the trail before them, Carson and
the Indian warrior dashed on, feeling confident, that, if the rascal
escaped with his ill-gotten booty, the sin would not be laid upon
their shoulders. The trail led down the Green River. This fact made
Carson conclude that California was the destination aimed at in the
deserter's calculations. Kit and his Indian brave had accomplished
about one hundred miles, having, not once, lost sight of the trail,
when, most unfortunately for Kit, the horse of the Indian was suddenly
taken sick and his strength gave out completely. The Indian could go
no further except on foot, and this mode of travel he was unwilling to
adopt, refusing absolutely Carson's request made to him to do so. This
was an unpleasant predicament, especially as the rascal, who formed
the chase, was a dangerous antagonist even to an experienced fighter
and in an honest cause. Goaded on by the fear of punishment for theft,
Carson well knew that he would require all of his own address to
purchase success; for, the rascal would not fail to make a most
desperate resistance. But Kit Carson's courage arose, as the
difficulties of the adventure seemed to multiply. With a farewell word
to his Indian companion, he put spurs to his horse and entered boldly
upon the trail alone, being determined to run every hazard, which the
unhappy accident to the Indian's horse seemed to require at his hands.
The spectacle here presented to the reader, is one