grizzled hunters in the depths of the wilderness fired his gun at
some deer, antelope or bear, he hastily reloaded his rifle, listening
meanwhile for sounds of the stealthy footprints of his enemy. He knew
not when the treacherous shot would be sent from behind the rock
or clump of bushes, but he had learned long before, that, when he
penetrated the western wilds and followed the calling of trapper, he
took his life in his hands and he was ready to "go under," whenever the
fate so decreed.

The most flagrant crime on the frontier is horse stealing. He who shoots
one of his fellow men has a chance of escaping punishment almost as good
as that afforded in civilized communities, but if he steals a horse and
is caught, his case is hopeless. It may be said that the value of the
animal to the hunter or trapper is beyond all calculation, and, inasmuch
as the red man is equally appreciative, Carson always warned his friends
to be on the watch against the dusky thieves. Sentinels were on guard
while others slept, but the very calamity against which they thus sought
to protect themselves overtook them.

One dark night a number of Indians stole by the sentinels and before
their presence was discovered, drove off the major part of the horses.
In the morning, when the alarming truth became known, the employer of
the trappers asked Carson to take twelve of the men and do his utmost
to recover those that were stolen. Carson assented at once, and, in his
quiet, self possessed fashion, collected his comrades who were speedily
in the saddle and galloping along the trail of the thieves.

It may strike the reader that an offhand statement like the foregoing
relates to a proceeding of no special difficulty or peril. A party of
brave white men were pursuing a company of Indian horse thieves and the
chances of escape and capture were about equal. Thus the matter presents
itself to the ordinary spectator, whereas the truth was far different.

In the first place, the savages, being as well mounted as their
pursuers, were sure to maintain a swift pace, so long as they believed
any danger threatened. They would keep a keen watch of the back trail
and would be quick to detect the approach of enemies. If pressed hard,
they would act as the Apaches and Comanches do, when they find the
United States troops at their heels--break up in so many small parties
that it is impossible to follow them.

First of all, therefore, Carson had two achievements