. The Indians neither halted, deviated
from the path, spoke nor looked up, but walked straight forward with
their silent, measured tread until they disappeared. The explorers did
not interfere with them or speak to them. Thus the representatives of
the different races encountered.

The division under charge of Walker joined Fremont at the appointed
rendezvous, but winter was upon them, the mountains were sure to be
choked with snow and no one was familiar with the route. As a matter of
prudence, therefore, Walker was directed to continue southward with the
principal party, while Fremont and a few picked men pushed on directly
through the Sierras to Sutter's Fort, with a view of obtaining the
necessary animals and supplies.

The smaller division was advancing as best it could, when a number of
plainly marked trails were observed showing they were in the vicinity of
some of the most notorious horse thieves in the world. They were daring
and skilful, went long distances, plundered ranches and hastened to the
mountains with their booty. The exasperated Californians often organized
and went in pursuit, but it was rare they overtook the dusky thieves,
and when they succeeded in doing so, were invariably defeated.

This sort of people were undesirable neighbors, and Fremont sent forward
two Delawares and two mountaineers to make an investigation. They
had not gone far, when the company following them found the signs so
threatening that they were alarmed for the scouts. A short distance
further they came upon such an excellent camping site that they decided
to halt for the night.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Alarming Sounds--Danger of the Scouts--Fremont Goes to Their
Rescue--Arrival at Sutter's Fort--Ordered out of California by
the Mexican Governor--Fremont's Refusal--Withdrawal to Sacramento
River--Arrival of Despatches from Washington--War with Mexico--Meeting
with Lieutenant Gillespie--Night Attack by Klamath Indians.

While preparing to go into camp, the explorers were mystified by
hearing a number of peculiar sounds like the barking of dogs. Attentive
listening, however, satisfied them that it came from an Indian village
close by, whose women and children were calling out and lamenting. This
constituted positive proof that the friends in advance were in trouble
with the red men and there was not a minute to lose in going to their
rescue.

A half mile further, the explorers galloped over a slight ridge, when
they