g fellow whom he knew could be relied on in any
emergency. This Indian required no more time than Carson himself to make
ready, and, shortly after Kit's arrival in the village, he rode forth
again with his faithful friend at his elbow.

It was impossible for the thief to conceal the trail of the stolen
horses and he made no attempt to do so. A slight examination showed the
pursuers that it led down the Green River, the general course being such
that Carson was confident the thief was making for California--a long
distance away.

As the fugitive was well mounted and all his horses were fleet, and as
he must have been quite certain he would be pursued, he lost no time on
the road. The trail showed he was going at a full gallop, and, under the
most favorable circumstances, the chase was sure to be a long one.

CHAPTER IX

A Hot Pursuit--An Unexpected Calamity--Carson Continues the Chase
Alone--The Result.

Everything now depended on speed. Not only was the dusky thief pushing
his animals to the utmost, but Kit Carson knew he would give them little
rest night or day. He was familiar with the route to California and the
pursuit would be no child's play.

There could be no doubt, however, of the destination of the redskin, and
Carson and his brave warrior were equally persistent with their horses.
The ground flew beneath their hoofs. Across the stretch of prairie,
along the bank of the rushing streams, around the rocks, over mountains,
through torrents, they forced their way, with no thought of turning back
or checking the speed of their animals. Occasionally the bright eyes of
the pursuers glanced at the ground in front, when the displaced gravel
or the indentation in the soft earth showed they had not lost the trail.

In this headlong fashion the friends galloped forward until they had
placed a full hundred miles behind them. They were a long distance from
home and camp, but in spite of the speed of the fugitive, Carson was
confident they had gained considerably upon him. If everything went
well, they ought to catch sight of him on the morrow. At this juncture,
when the prospect was so encouraging, an unlooked for calamity occurred.

Carson's steed stood the great strain admirably, but the one bestrode
by the Indian succumbed. He suddenly slackened his pace, staggered and
trembled so violently, that, when the warrior leaped from his back, he
saw he was fearfully ill. If he did not die, he would not recover f