igent search, but failed utterly to find them. They
were never seen or heard of again, and Carson was convinced they had
fallen victims to the Indians who in turn made off with the stolen
peltries.

It will be borne in mind that Kit and his friend were several hundred
miles from the main body of hunters, and in one of the most dangerous
countries they had ever visited. So dangerous, indeed, did they consider
an attempt to return to them, that they decided not to make it, but to
stay in the old camp. Inasmuch as it would be impossible to keep their
presence from the knowledge of the Indians, they threw up some rude
fortifications and never relaxed their vigilance. When Carson wrapped
his blanket around him, and lay down to rest, he knew his companion was
on guard and would not slumber. It was the same with his friend, their
watchfulness undoubtedly preventing the attack which scarcely could have
failed to be effectual.

It was needful now and then that one of them should venture out to
procure game, but that was so plentiful that he was never compelled to
go far, and he used such extreme care that he was not even so much as
fired upon.

Thus the time passed, until at the end of several weeks, the hunters
were surprised and delighted by the arrival of more than a dozen men on
their way with a complete outfit to join the main body. Carson and his
friend were glad enough to go with them and the long journey was begun.
They had not gone far, when they exchanged shots with hostiles and there
were almost daily skirmishes with them. By sunset they had travelled a
long distance, and went into camp, feeling certain that though Indians
had not shown themselves, they were in the vicinity. To prevent a
stampede of their animals, the long ropes around their necks were
fastened to stakes driven deep into the earth. This arrangement allowed
them to graze over sufficient ground and opposed an almost insuperable
obstacle to the success of the dusky thieves prowling around.

It was yet early in the evening when one of the dogs belonging to the
camp began barking. A score of causes might have caused this but Carson
believed the incitement in that instance was the one most dreaded.
Several men were added to the guard and the rest lay down, too uneasy to
gain much slumber, however.

The trappers were right in their suspicion that savages were near but
they could not have failed to note what precautions had been taken by
the whites agai