or
hours and even then could not be forced hard.

Carson contemplated the situation with dismay. He had not counted on
anything like this, and the help of the Indian was beyond all price
to him. He was unusually strong, active and experienced, and would not
hesitate to attack any person single handed.

Seeing the condition of the exhausted steed, Kit proposed to his dusky
companion that he should abandon him and continue the pursuit on foot,
but the brave shook his head. He was equal to the exploit of running ten
or twenty miles at a high pace, but a great deal more was likely to
be required and he needed all his powers when the shock of the battle
should come. He not only refused to continue the chase, but, knowing
the character of the thief, tried to dissuade Carson from going further.
They had certainly done all that could be asked of them and no one could
find fault if, in the face of such difficulty, they should withdraw and
return to their friends.

"No," said Carson, "I have set out to recover those horses and nothing
shall turn me back. I am sorry to lose you, but it can't be helped; so
good bye and good luck attend you."

And putting spurs to his steed, he dashed over the trail with compressed
lips and flashing eye, determined on running down the fugitive if he had
to follow him to the bank of the Pacific itself. This single act of the
famous mountaineer shows his character in its true light.

In the first place, it must be remembered that Kit Carson was a man
of slight figure and was never noted for his strength. Many of his
companions were much more powerful, though none was so quick and active
in his movements. His wonderful success lay in his coolness, agility,
skill and bravery, which never "overleaped itself." As we have stated,
he was below the medium stature, and never could have attained a tithe
of his renown, had his muscular strength formed a necessary part of his
requirements.

On the other hand, the Indian thief whom he was pursuing, was
exceptionally powerful, athletic and one of the most desperate men on
the whole frontier. He cared nothing for Carson, nor for any single
member of the company he had left. He would expect pursuit and would be
on the watch for it. Whenever he caught sight of those who were seeking
him, he would not abandon the horses and flee. Far from it: he would
stand his ground, and if his booty should be wrested from him the men
who did it would be compelled to the fier