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diff --git a/40927-0.txt b/40927-0.txt index 98377a8..010c669 100644 --- a/40927-0.txt +++ b/40927-0.txt @@ -1,35 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Scouting with Kit Carson, by Everett T. Tomlinson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Scouting with Kit Carson - -Author: Everett T. Tomlinson - -Illustrator: John Frost - -Release Date: October 3, 2012 [EBook #40927] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40927 *** [Illustration: “‘Here I am, Kit! Don’t shoot!’”] @@ -7148,359 +7117,4 @@ suitable for EVERY BOY’S LIBRARY. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Scouting with Kit Carson - -Author: Everett T. Tomlinson - -Illustrator: John Frost - -Release Date: October 3, 2012 [EBook #40927] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -[Illustration: "'Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!'"] - - - - -Every Boy's Library--Boy Scout Edition - -SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON - -BY - -EVERETT T. TOMLINSON - -AUTHOR OF - -SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE, Etc. - -ILLUSTRATED BY - -JOHN FROST - -NEW YORK - -GROSSET & DUNLAP - -PUBLISHERS - - - - -Copyright, 1916, by - -Doubleday, Page & Company - -All rights reserved, including that of -translation into foreign languages, -including the Scandinavian - - - - -PREFACE - -Perhaps it is unnecessary to explain that the purpose of the author -primarily has been to write a story, not a biography. And yet behind -the story stands the romantic character of the great trapper, scout, -guide, messenger, and soldier--Kit Carson. In every way the aim has been -to portray him in a manner that should be true to his unique -personality and his adventurous life. There is a basis of truth for the -incidents incorporated in the tale. Although exact chronology has been -impossible, still an attempt has been made in a general way, to present -in order, various phases of Kit Carson's stirring life. The courage and -truthfulness of the famous scout, his modesty and determination, as -well as his fidelity and his friendliness are qualities of life never -more in demand than to-day. Where can our boys and girls learn of their -value better than in becoming familiar with a life which, whatever its -limitations may have been, surely possessed these valuable qualities. -Is it not high time, too, for young Americans to be taught that in the -romance and adventure of the early days of our own country there are -heroes as deserving of recognition as the semi-fabulous characters in -the early life of nations across the sea? Whatever may be taught of the -latter, surely American boys and girls ought not to be ignorant of the -early heroes of their own land. - - Everett T. Tomlinson. - Elizabeth, New Jersey. - - - - -CONTENTS - CHAPTER I--THE CAMP ON THE PLAINS - CHAPTER II--IN PURSUIT OF A HERD - CHAPTER III--THREE CHEYENNES - CHAPTER IV--RAT TRUE - CHAPTER V--THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER - CHAPTER VI--ALONE - CHAPTER VII--MOUNTAIN TROUT - CHAPTER VIII--AN UNEXPECTED MEETING - CHAPTER IX--WOLF'S CLOTHING - CHAPTER X--ATTACKED - CHAPTER XI--A TRYING EXPERIENCE - CHAPTER XII--A PUZZLING MESSENGER - CHAPTER XIII--PURSUIT - CHAPTER XIV--CAPTURED - CHAPTER XV--A LONELY RIDE - CHAPTER XVI--A MOUNTAIN LION - CHAPTER XVII--THE COMING OF RAT - CHAPTER XVIII--A FIGHT - CHAPTER XIX--TRAPPED - CHAPTER XX--WILD HORSES - CHAPTER XXI--THE CHASE OF THE LEADER - CHAPTER XXII--A WHITE MAN IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE - CHAPTER XXIII--BAFFLED - CHAPTER XXIV--A FRESH ATTEMPT - CHAPTER XXV--THE CAPTIVE LEADER - CHAPTER XXVI--THE RETURN OF RAT - CHAPTER XXVII--THE THEFT - CHAPTER XXVIII--THE RETURN - CHAPTER XXIX--THE GREAT SCOUT AND THE GREAT EXPLORER - CHAPTER XXX--CONCLUSION - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - -"'Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!'" - -"Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of the cave" - -"The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew his knife" - -"Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a blow between his -eyes with his fist" - - - - -SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON - - - - -CHAPTER I--THE CAMP ON THE PLAINS - - -"I am glad we are going to stop here." - -"It ees so. The boy ees mooch tired?" - -"Yes, I am tired," responded Reuben Benton. "I have been in the saddle -since before sun-up. Sometimes it seems to me as if I had been riding -forever and a day." - -The conversation ceased, and both men, leaping from the backs of their -tired horses, first stretched themselves and then danced about in a -manner not in the least suggestive of weariness. The action, however, -was not so much to express their pleasure as to give relief to the -cramped muscles of their backs and legs that now were almost numb. - -The ponies manifestly, too, were glad of the respite. It was a long -trail from St. Louis, or Pain Court, as the trading post frequently was -called ninety years before this story was written, to the foothills of -the Rocky Mountains. For many days the two weary travellers had -steadily ridden across the arid plains. In certain places they had -forded rivers or had crossed on boats or rafts, that now were left far -behind them. Here and there along the uncertain trail they had camped -near the springs that occasionally were to be found. It was a spring -which now had caused the two men to halt and to prepare their camp for -the night. - -For a brief moment both men turned and looked sharply all about them. -Not far away, although they were much farther than they appeared to be, -the towering Rocky Mountains lifted their summits high in the air. Some -of the peaks still were covered with snow, although nearly all of them -at this time in the summer were bare and bleak. Gorges and caons were -plainly visible, and the keen look which each of the riders gave them -indicated that they were aware that these great defiles among the giant -hills might be the hiding-places of savage beasts or of no less savage -Indians. Indeed, the latter were much more to be feared, for recently -there had been an increasing hatred of the whites manifested by all the -tribes of the prairies and the mountains beyond. Not that many white -men as yet had ventured into the wilderness, but the few that had done -so had aroused feelings of fear and anger lest the pale-faced men might -be merely scouts for a larger body that was following them. Rumours of -battles fought farther east between the Indians and the settlers had -made their way somehow even across the plains. Many of the actions, as -well as the activities, of certain of the trappers and hunters, in -their occasional visits among the tribes, also had not tended to soothe -the fears or allay the feelings of the suspicious redmen. - -Although thoughts of such perils were in the minds of the two men who -had halted for the night, neither referred to them, nor was there any -unusual anxiety betrayed by either. The horses now were hobbled, -blankets were spread on the sandy soil, and a few cooking utensils were -taken from the backs of the pack-horses, and all things were made ready -speedily for the night that was fast approaching. - -The horse of Jean Badeau, the elder of the two men, would have been -noticed even by a passing stranger. Even after the long ride of the day -was ended, there still was a flash in the eyes of Proveau, as Jean -called his horse, and splotches of foam were still flying from his -mouth when he proudly tossed his head. - -The horse of Reuben Benton, though its coat was not quite as sleek and -its eyes betokened a greater weariness than those of his companion's -mount, still was manifestly fleet and strong. Four other ponies also -were in the little caravan, and it was not long before the burdens they -carried were removed from their backs and placed together on the -ground. - -As soon as the contents of the packs were seen it was evident that the -men were engaged in what was a not infrequent occupation in these early -days: both men were trappers. Indeed, numerous traps tied together were -seen among the burdens carried by the patient animals. Powder and lead, -two or three blankets, a few cooking utensils, and a scanty store of -provisions comprised most of the outfit of the little train. - -Of the two trappers, Jean Badeau was a man of medium height, with dark -hair, and eyes piercing and black as midnight. His swarthy skin as well -as his manner of shrugging his shoulders indicated that he was French. -Whether he had come from St. Louis or Montreal, or even from France -itself, he had not explained to his companion. It was in St. Louis, -however, that Reuben first had met him, and there he had agreed to -accompany Jean on his long journey to the Rockies, where they were to -trap until late in the fall or early winter. - -Their first plan had been to go to the upper waters of the Missouri -River. When, however, they learned that several large trapping parties -were also planning to go to the same country, Jean decided that their -opportunities would be better and their chances of success much more if -they should leave their companions, and set their traps among the hills -or mountains farther south, where some of the smaller streams had their -rise. - -Jean was about thirty-eight or forty years of age. The muscles of his -neck and shoulders indicated his great physical strength. His heavy -chest and long arms were silent witnesses to the power of the -Frenchman. - -Nor was Reuben Benton a weakling. Slightly taller than his companion, -he, too, had dark hair and black eyes, but the tint of his skin -indicated that it was due more to the sun and winds he had encountered -on his long journey from St. Louis than to its original colouring. His -eyes were expressive of the kindness of his heart, and it was clear -that Reuben was not one that easily lost his temper or self-possession. -Perhaps it was for this reason that Jean, whose success as a hunter and -trapper was well known, had urged the lad to accompany him. He himself -was the possessor of neither of these two virtues. Indeed, Reuben had -told him that "he was not so much a man who had a temper as he was a -man whose temper had him." - -The difficulties confronting the two men were many. The food they had -brought was not sufficient to provide for their wants more than a few -days, and for the greater part they must depend for supplies upon their -own skill with their rifles. However, as game was plentiful in the -region, neither was anxious concerning the outlook for their immediate -future. They were much more fearful of the red-skinned Indians among -the defiles of the mountains and of possible rivals whom they might -encounter in their visits to their traps. - -Of all the trappers that had gone forth that year they were the only -ones who had ventured to start with only two in the party. Whether or -not they were wise in their undertaking will be better understood as -the story of their adventures is unfolded. - -In a brief time after they had arrived at the spring their camp had -been made, brush had been gathered for a fire, the horses had been -hobbled, and Jean had taken his flint and tinder and after two quick -attempts had started a fire in the dry brush. The sun was still well -above the tops of the mountains, but darkness, when it fell, would come -suddenly. - -"I'm telling you," said Jean, "that we start on Friday. That is ver' -mooch onlucky." - -"Why is it unlucky?" laughed Reuben, who was not greatly moved by the -superstitious fears of his companion. "Do you think we shall have -trouble or that we shan't get any skins?" - -"I fear ver' mooch the both things." - -While Jean had been talking he had been preparing their simple supper. -So engrossed was he in his occupation, as well as in the steady stream -of talk he maintained, whether Reuben heeded his words or not, that he -was unaware of what was occurring in the vicinity of the camp. It was -plain that he had entrusted to his younger companion the guardianship -of the camp, while he himself prepared their simple evening meal. - -"Look out! Look out!" suddenly shouted Reuben. - -At the words of his companion Jean leaped to his feet, grasped his -rifle, which he had left upon the sand nearby, and hastily turned in -the direction indicated by Reuben. In a brief time the sight which had -aroused the younger trapper also stirred the older man. - -Not far away a buffalo calf was running directly toward the camp, -evidently exerting itself to the utmost of its strength. Behind it in -swift pursuit were following two long, gaunt wolves. - -"It is so scared," Reuben suggested, "that it probably has taken us for -a herd of buffaloes." - -The calf by this time had in all likelihood discovered its mistake, but -with undiminished speed it was continuing on its way directly through -the camp. - -The wolves, however, swiftly moved in a circuit outside the camp, so -that the fugitive secured a slight gain on its enemies, and in a moment -was straining every nerve to reach a large herd which now could be seen -at the foot of the hills not more than two miles away. - -"Why didn't you shoot, Jean?" inquired Reuben. - -The trapper shook his head as he replied, "No waste powder." - -"It isn't wasting powder to shoot one of those wolves!" replied Reuben. -"It's one of the best pieces of work you can do! Look yonder! It almost -seems as if they had come up out of the ground. There's one, two, -three, four, five more now that have joined the two already there." - -In silence the two trappers watched the pursuit, and in a brief time -they saw that the number of wolves had increased to twenty or more. -Indeed, the helpless victim was overtaken long before it could find a -refuge among its fellows. The little animal fell an easy prey to its -savage pursuers and was half devoured even before it was dead. - -"I wish I had shot heem," muttered Jean. - -"If one of our horses had been saddled I would have helped out the -little beggar. I wonder why it is that one always feels that he wants -the weaker side to win?" inquired Reuben. - -Jean shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply, and once more resumed -his task over the fire. Silence rested over the region, for Reuben was -caring for the horses while his friend was busy with his labours. - -"I no think they fight mooch," said Jean in a low voice. - -Reuben hastily glanced up at the words of his friend, as for a moment -the flight of the buffalo calf had been forgotten. Looking in the -direction indicated by Jean, he saw that four or five buffaloes had -advanced from the herd, keeping well together, and were moving toward -the pack of wolves that still were busy over what remained of the -unfortunate calf. - -"Perhaps they won't," responded Reuben, "but they are going to do -something which is almost as bad." - -Both men stood silent as they watched the herd. Although the animals -were two miles distant, as has been said, in the clear air they seemed -to be much nearer, and the entire herd was advancing in a body. Out -from the ravine was coming a steadily increasing number of buffaloes. -Soon the great herd, forming as if some one had been giving directions -which they understood, began to move in such a manner that for a moment -it appeared as if the prowling wolves would be surrounded. In a brief -time, however, the savage animals were aware of the threatening danger, -and with incredible speed fled from the region. The advancing -buffaloes, however, did not halt when they saw their enemies disperse. -Their speed steadily increased. The earth rumbled beneath the heavy -tread of the myriad feet, producing a sound not unlike that of distant -thunder. - -An exclamation of dismay or fear from Jean caused Reuben to glance -hastily at his companion; and it was plain that Jean was anxious or -alarmed. Not many minutes elapsed, however, before Reuben understood -the source of his friend's excitement and was sharing in his feeling of -fear. - -The great herd, moving now as if it was controlled by one motive, with -steadily increasing speed was directly approaching the very place which -the trappers had selected for their camping-place. - - - - -CHAPTER II--IN PURSUIT OF A HERD - - -"Queek! Queek!" called Jean. "At once! Immediately!" - -Whether or not it was the call of his excited companion that influenced -Reuben, his pony was quickly bridled, and almost at the same time both -men leaped upon the backs of their horses. In spite of the weariness of -both men and beasts, in a brief time all were alike highly excited. The -great rumbling mass was steadily approaching and the horses also were -aware of the peril that threatened. - -In Reuben's heart there was a thought that if he and his companion -should fire at the buffaloes the course of the mighty herd might be -diverted. Perhaps even the direction in which they were moving would be -turned and they would then avoid the camp. The young trapper had heard -many stories of men and horses that had been trampled beneath the feet -of a frantic herd of buffaloes. - -As the huge animals came nearer and a mighty bull was seen acting as an -advance guard, Reuben glanced quickly at Jean to see whether or not he -shared in his alarm. Nothing apparently would be able to stand in the -way of the rush of the oncoming horde. It was a sight unlike any that -Reuben ever had seen. - -On, and still on, dashed the animals, moving almost as if the swaying -mass was one huge creature. Neither Reuben nor Jean had as yet advanced -from the camp, but both were waiting with loaded rifles, unable to -discover just what the exact course of the fleeing herd was to be. - -"How many are there?" inquired Reuben in a low voice. - -"About seven hundred." - -Reuben whistled, but made no further response. Two minutes elapsed -without any change in the direction in which the buffaloes were going. -Then Jean said quickly, "I shall go to one side. It ees good for you to -wait. When you shoot you must hit a cow, that ees the only meat that -one can eat. Il trouverait tondre sur un oeuf." - -Whenever Jean fell into the use of his native language Reuben was aware -that his excitement was almost beyond control. What the words meant he -had no conception, but an instant later he saw Jean dashing directly -toward the approaching herd. His horse now apparently was as excited as -its rider. The weariness of the long journey of the day was forgotten -or ignored. - -Without any definite plan, Reuben departed from the camp, moving in -accordance with Jean's advice toward the rear of the animals. The great -mass was now less than a half-mile distant, and as the two hunters -separated and approached the herd, Reuben saw that they had come within -three hundred yards before the presence of the two riders was -discovered. Then there was a sudden agitation in the huge body. The -band apparently wavered for a moment, and some of the bulls galloped to -and fro along the borders of the herd, betraying the fact that the -presence of enemies had been discovered. - -The progress of the trappers, however, was not stayed. Riding steadily -forward, they drew nearer the buffaloes. To Reuben the interest of the -chase had now become so intense that all other things were ignored. - -Suddenly the movements of the dense mass were changed. The body swerved -in a semicircle and apparently was in swift flight for the foothills. -Within a few seconds the entire herd had joined in the flight, a guard -of bulls as usual bringing up the rear. Frequently some of them -stopped, and faced about as if they intended to test the strength or -learn the purpose of the men on horseback. In every case, however, the -huge animals speedily turned and once more dashed after the band, only -to stop again and gaze at the horsemen. Indeed, as the minutes passed, -Reuben was persuaded that the animals were minded to stand and fight. - -Whatever may have been the impulse, however, as the hunters increased -the pace at which they were riding the confusion in the herd became -more manifest. The buffaloes were moving over the ground now with -increasing swiftness, while the rumbling and roaring became steadily -louder as the speed increased. - -Reuben, who had followed directions and was making for the rear of the -herd, now lost sight of his companion. He had a momentary glimpse of -Jean when he was about thirty yards from the border of the herd, -dashing into its midst. He heard the loud shout of the Frenchman, "A -beau jeu beau retour!" but as he did not understand any of the words he -was ignorant of Jean's purpose. He saw the mass give way, and a -half-dozen or more of the bulls, that were less fleet than the cows, -turned to face the approaching hunter. Several of them, however, were -thrown to the earth by the mass of maddened animals and rolled over and -over upon the ground, hardly to be distinguished from the clouds of -dust that now were settling all about them. - -Aware that Jean's plan was, if possible, to separate one animal and -pursue it until he had approached its side and then aim directly at its -heart, Reuben became so interested that for a brief time he almost -forgot the task which had been assigned him. - -Recalled in a few moments, however, and aware that Jean no longer was -to be seen, he shouted to his horse to increase its speed and soon was -swiftly moving toward the rear. He saw one cow slightly separated from -the mass, and in a moment he was pursuing her as swiftly as the wolves -had followed the buffalo calf a little while before. - -Steadily the young trapper gained upon his victim until at last his -horse was alongside the animal he was seeking. Partly rising in his -stirrups Reuben, when only a yard separated him from the buffalo, -fired. The animal fell headlong at the discharge of the rifle, and then -Reuben checked his horse and looked about him for his companion. Not -far away he discovered Jean tying his horse to the head of a cow, which -he was preparing to cut up. - -Filled with the spirit of the chase, Reuben decided that he would try -to secure another cow. As he swiftly advanced he heard a shout from -Jean, "Le cot en te le got!" Still he did not understand what was -said, and in his determination to secure another victim he did not heed -the call, and soon was engaged in the mad pursuit of the flying herd. - -Whether or not it was due to the weariness of the horse he was riding, -or to the increased speed of the buffaloes, Reuben never knew, but at -all events he was compelled to continue the pursuit for a long -distance. Unaware of the passing time and unmindful of the fact that -the sun now was disappearing below the western horizon, intent solely -upon securing another buffalo, Reuben still followed in the chase. A -thick cloud of dust filled his mouth and eyes and at times nearly -smothered him. There were moments, too, when the herd was not to be -seen, so concealed was it by the cloud which the hundreds of feet had -stirred up in the desert. - -He was aware also that the buffaloes were crowding more closely -together, and the body was so compact that he was beginning to question -whether or not he would be able to force an entrance and cut off any of -the animals from the others. The dull and confused murmuring at times -was as distinctly heard as was the noise of the many feet. Many times -before Reuben had seen herds of buffaloes in the distance, but this had -been the first time he had joined in a chase. - -Jean had told him often of his own experiences in buffalo hunting, and -in his own peculiar way had declared that "Indians and the buffalo -provide the poetry and life of the prairie." - -Whenever a discovery of a herd had been made Jean had insisted upon -hunting alone. Even now Reuben could picture the excited Frenchman -shouting to his horse, "Avance donc!" and cracking his whip to urge the -fleet animal into its best paces. Often Reuben had shared in the feast -that had followed, enjoying the tongues and steaks which his companion -insisted were the only choice bits of meat that the buffalo provided. -While these pieces were being roasted on sticks held over the fire, -Reuben in a measure had been content because of the feast that was -promised. Now, he himself was a buffalo hunter and already had secured -one victim. - -Unaware how far he was leaving his companion behind him, and ignorant -of the direction in which he was moving as he followed the herd, Reuben -still maintained the pursuit. He was unaware also of another change in -the course of the animals. He had ridden near to the border of the -terrified mass, but for some reason had been unable to penetrate it, or -to separate one from the others. - -As the herd swung to the right, Reuben found that he was being crowded -by the animals, that apparently either were unaware of his presence or -ignored their peril. He was ignorant of the fact that the herd was -passing over dangerous ground. Many times in his long rides across the -plains Reuben had passed through a prairie-dog village. The sight of -the little creatures sitting erect upon their haunches, watching the -approaching stranger on horseback, had become so common that he had -given slight heed to the little animals. Nor had he once thought of -them as a source of danger. - -Still the flight and the pursuit were maintained. Several times the -horse which Reuben was riding stumbled and nearly fell, but every time -the pony was able to regain its foothold and dashed forward with -undiminished speed. - -Reuben was now aware that the animal he was riding was breathing -heavily and doubtless was feeling the effect of its swift pace after -the long ride of the day. As soon as he had secured the cow he -desired--for now the young trapper had selected the animal which he -intended to shoot--he decided that he would give his horse a long rest -before he returned to the camp. - -Suddenly one of the forefeet of his horse sank into a hole which the -prairie-dogs had made. Glancing about him, Reuben saw that he was in -the midst of a village of the little animals. With an effort he -maintained his seat in the saddle, for he was an expert horseman, and -an ordinary fall had little peril for him. This time, however, his -horse was unable to regain its foothold. It stumbled and staggered -several steps, and then with a groan sank to the ground. - -As it fell, Reuben slipped from its back and leaped lightly to the -ground. Advancing to the head of his horse, he seized the bridle and -attempted to lift the animal to its feet. It was unable to rise, and a -brief examination convinced the young trapper that the fall had broken -its leg. - -The thunder of the flying herd now sounded farther away. In the dim -light Reuben saw that the buffaloes were still running swiftly and were -headed for a valley or defile among the hills not far distant. Once -there, doubtless they would be secure from attack. - -His own predicament, however, was too appalling to enable Reuben long -to think of the fleeing herd. He was miles distant from his companion, -his horse had fallen with a broken leg, and night was upon him, while -his perils doubtless would be greatly increased before morning came. -For a moment the heart of the young hunter was heavy. A groan of his -faithful pony recalled him to the necessity of action. There was no -hope of restoring the suffering brute, and, advancing to its head, -without hesitating a moment, Reuben fired at the heart of the panting, -suffering animal. With scarcely a quiver the horse became still. - -His own problem, however, was still unsolved, as Reuben now was fully -aware. The cloud of dust in part had disappeared in the dim light. He -looked all about him, but not a trace of Jean or the camp was he able -to discover. He was alone on the trackless plains and by no means -certain of the direction in which he had come or of the way in which he -should go. - - - - -CHAPTER III--THREE CHEYENNES - - -Reuben was aware that he was not far from the base of one of the -highest mountains. As once more he looked up and peered intently in -every direction, he was aware also that no one was within sight. The -poor beast on which he had ridden was dead and there was no means by -which the young trapper might return to the camp where he had left his -friend. In the distance the herd of buffaloes still could be seen, a -tiny mass moving across the plains in the dim light. Even while he was -gazing at them they disappeared and were lost to sight among the -foothills. - -Reuben was aware that he had shot one cow, but where the animal had -fallen or how far it was from the place where he now was standing he -had no means of knowing. He looked behind him, but was unable to -discover even his own trail in the sand. All traces had been destroyed -by the hoof-prints of the mighty herd of fleeing animals. - -In what direction had he come? Reuben was aware that in a general way -he had followed the line of foothills, but it was plain to him now that -the herd which he had pursued had not moved in a straight course. In -and out over the uneven ground, the animals, frantic with fear, had -fled for safety. - -The young trapper was aware also that he was hungry, and yet he had no -food. If he could secure the carcass of the buffalo cow he had shot his -wants would be supplied. The light, however, was too dim to enable him -to see far away, and even in clear daylight he was doubtful if he could -see the body in the distance. - -Again he tried to discover the fire or smoke of the camp which he and -Jean had made. Not a trace of it, however, was to be seen. It was quite -likely that the very fire itself had been scattered by the herd when -they had dashed across the plains. The pack-horses, too, doubtless had -fled, and Reuben shuddered as he thought what was likely to be their -fate before the morning appeared. The pursuit of the buffalo calf by -the gaunt, hungry wolves was only an indication of what might occur -when the ponies, wearied by their efforts throughout the day, would be -in no condition to escape from the attack of the savage animals. - -For several minutes Reuben remained standing, slowly turning in his -position until he had looked about the entire region. He listened -intently, hoping that he might hear the sound of Jean's rifle. The -oppressive silence of the great desert, however, was unbroken. -Twinkling stars had appeared in the sky, the air was motionless, the -solitude was almost appalling, and within a few minutes Reuben decided -that he must take his rifle and saddle and proceed in the direction in -which he thought the camp was located. - -The boy, however, was now feeling the full force of the reaction after -his strenuous day. Every muscle in his body seemed to be sore. He -advanced with difficulty, and the saddle somehow appeared to be much -heavier than when he had thrown it on the back of his pony. - -It was impossible for him to think of remaining where he was. He was -hungry as well as tired, and the fear of an attack by a pack of hungry -wolves was more than a vague impression. - -Suddenly Reuben saw the outline of three dim forms approaching on -horseback. Startled by the unexpected sight, the boy remained -motionless and waited for the strangers to come near him. The sight was -not one to soothe the fears of the troubled young trapper, but he was -convinced that his safest course was to await their coming. - -Accustomed now to the dim light, not many minutes elapsed before the -young man was able to see that the advancing party was composed, of -three Indians. One of them was much smaller than his two companions and -perhaps was a lad. Who they were or why they should be coming at that -time he was unable to conjecture. - -It was plain, however, that his presence had been discovered, for a -slight divergence in the course the Indians were following showed that -they were now approaching. In a brief time they drew near and one of -them spoke. "How? How?" inquired the leader. At the same time he -indicated, by extending his open hands, that no hostile action was -intended. - -Following their example, Reuben also held forth his hands in a way to -indicate his peaceful intentions. - -"Where go?" inquired the Indian that before had spoken. - -"I want to find my camp," answered Reuben. He was relieved by his -discovery that the three Indians were poorly mounted, the beasts which -they were riding apparently being well-nigh exhausted. The smallest -member of the party he now discovered was an Indian boy, perhaps -fifteen years of age. It was manifest, too, that the spokesman was the -only one able to speak English. - -"Where go? Where go?" repeated the Indian. - -"I want to find my camp," again answered Reuben. "I left my partner -back yonder somewhere, while I went out to shoot buffaloes. My horse -stumbled and fell in a prairie-dog village over here. The poor brute -broke his leg and I had to shoot him. I thought I was not very far from -camp, but I reckon now I am a good deal farther than I thought I was. -Where are you going? Who are you?" - -"Cheyenne," answered the Indian promptly. "We go home." - -"How far do you go?" inquired Reuben. - -The Indian held up three fingers of his right hand to indicate the -distance which must be covered before they rejoined their tribe. - -"Three miles!" said Reuben, startled by the suggestion. - -The Indian laughed and, shaking his head, again held up his three -fingers. - -"Three hundred miles, you mean?" said Reuben. - -The Indian nodded his head several times to indicate that the young -white had spoken correctly. Plainly the words "hundred" and "miles" -were not in his vocabulary. - -Patting himself upon the chest, the Indian said: "Me Breaker of Arrows. -Come to Pawnee country. Try to get Pawnee ponies." - -"You mean you came out here to steal their horses?" inquired Reuben. - -"No steal; _take_ horses." - -"How many did you get? It doesn't look as if you had had very great -success. These ponies you are riding look as if they had been turned -loose by the Pawnees. They aren't worth feeding." - -"Pawnee heap coward!" said the Indian grimly. "Pawnee shut up horses in -lodges at night." - -"Did they find you?" inquired Reuben. - -"No find. Breaker of Arrows, Cheyenne. Dark Night, no find," added the -warrior, pointing to the boy as he spoke. - -The third member of the party apparently was ignored. - -"Where did you get these ponies?" - -"Ponies wild. Get horses on plains." - -"They look as if they were wild," said Reuben. "Have you had anything -to eat?" - -"No eat," replied the warrior; at least the man was posing as a -warrior, although the only weapons the three Cheyennes carried were -bows and arrows and one long spear, which was in the hands of the -spokesman. - -"I shot a buffalo cow." - -"Where buffalo?" demanded the Cheyenne quickly. - -"I wish I knew," replied Reuben lightly. "I am hungry and tired. I -ought to have stopped when I shot one, for one was enough, but I kept -on, thinking I would get another, and so I passed the place where the -cow fell. If you can find it you will have something for supper, for I -will be glad to share with you." - -The Cheyenne turned and spoke in his own tongue to his companions. -After a hasty conversation the spokesman once more turned to Reuben and -by the aid of signs and a few words intimated his desire for the young -trapper to remain where he then was while the Indians searched for the -body of the fallen buffalo. - -Somewhat suspicious that if the strangers should succeed in finding the -dead animal they might not return, Reuben nevertheless agreed to the -suggestion, at the same time striving to conceal his own fears. - -At once the Indians departed after they had secured from Reuben his -impressions of the direction in which they should go. The boy watched -them until the outlines of their forms no longer could be seen in the -dim light. It was plain to him that they were moving in parallel lines -at a considerable distance from one another. - -Casting his saddle upon the ground, Reuben stretched himself on the -sand, using the saddle as a pillow. His rifle was loaded and placed -beside him, and in a brief time the young trapper was sleeping soundly. - -How long he had slept he was unable to decide when he was suddenly -aroused from his slumber by the sound of approaching footsteps. Lifting -his head but still retaining his position, Reuben peered in every -direction to discover the approaching party. At first he was unable to -see what had awakened him, but in a brief time he saw a man approaching -on horseback. In a little while he was convinced that the man was an -Indian, and if so doubtless was one of the party which he recently had -seen. His impression was confirmed when in a low voice the approaching -Indian spoke: "Find um buffalo." - -"Where is it?" inquired Reuben. - -The Indian did not reply, but alighted from his pony, for by this time -he had drawn near the place where Reuben was standing, and bade him -follow. - -"Where are you going?" inquired Reuben. - -Still the Indian did not explain, and after a brief hesitation Reuben -decided to obey the suggestion. - -Slowly the Cheyenne, who still was on the back of his pony, led the way -toward the foothills that now seemed to be nearer than before. In a -brief time the desired point was gained and there Reuben discovered the -Indian boy who had been with him a little while before. The third -Indian, however, was no longer to be seen, and no explanations were -given for his absence, although Reuben asked several times where the -other member of the party was. - -Sheltered by a huge rocky boulder, the Indians soon kindled a fire and -parts of the buffalo tongue and steaks which they had cut from the -carcass were roasting on sticks held over the flames. - -Conversation ceased until the repast was prepared and eaten. Then -Reuben inquired: "Did you see anything of my friend?" - -"No see. What do now?" - -"Do you mean what I am going to do?" inquired Reuben. "Well, I wish -some one would answer that question for me." - -"Breaker of Arrows go home. Black Night come, too. White boy want to go -with us?" - -"No," answered Reuben, "I must stay here. I must find my friend." - -Apparently his explanation satisfied his companions, for in a brief -time they mounted their ponies and prepared to leave Reuben alone in -the little valley or defile where the buffalo meat had been roasted. - -It was impossible for Reuben to resume his search for Jean. In the -place where he then was he was protected from sudden attacks and he -decided to remain there and await the coming of the morning. - -The night passed without any adventures, but when morning came the -light revealed to Reuben a sight even more startling than that of the -preceding evening, when the three Cheyennes had discovered him alone on -the plains. - - - - -CHAPTER IV--RAT TRUE - - -In the light of the early morning Reuben saw a man on horseback -approaching the place where he was standing. Behind him were two -pack-horses, each heavily laden. - -Convinced that the man was a stranger and that as yet he had not -discovered the presence of any one besides himself in the defile, the -first impulse that seized upon the young trapper was to seek some place -of safety. - -He waited, however, excitedly watching the stranger as he led the -little procession up the narrow natural pathway. It soon was evident -that the stranger was a white man, and, once convinced of that fact, -Reuben's fears in a measure departed. What a man could be doing among -the foothills of the Rockies, so far from companions and civilization, -was something he was unable to conjecture. The bundles on the backs of -the horses indicated that it might be possible that he had come with a -purpose not unlike that which had drawn him and Jean to the region. At -all events, he decided that he would not flee immediately. Hastily -examining his rifle to make sure that it was ready for immediate use if -occasion required, he awaited the coming of the man. - -There was a slight bend in the valley, which for a moment hid the -approaching stranger from sight. As soon as the man turned the bend, -however, he discovered Reuben before him, and instantly stopped, -grasped his rifle, and gazed intently at the unexpected sight. - -"Who are you?" demanded the stranger. - -"I was just going to ask you that question myself," replied Reuben, -laughing in a manner that served to allay much of the suspicions of the -newcomer. - -"My name is Rat True. Now that I have told you that much," said the -stranger, "tell me who you are." - -"My name is Reuben Benton," acknowledged the young trapper. - -"Good name," said the other man, laughing boisterously. Now that he had -discovered that apparently there was only one man approaching, Reuben's -confidence in his own ability to protect himself returned in full -measure. - -"What are you doing here?" demanded Rat. - -"Trying to get out." - -"Where did you come from?" - -"Last night I came from the plains. I was chasing a buffalo herd and my -horse fell in a prairie-dog village and broke his leg. I had to shoot -him." - -"You weren't alone, were you?" - -"No." - -"Who was with you?" - -"Three Cheyennes came to join me for a little while, but then they went -on, so I was left alone." - -"Yes, but who was with you before the redskins?" - -"Jean Badeau." - -"Who's he?" - -"A trapper." - -"He's a trapper, is he? Well, has he ever tried it before?" - -"Yes." - -"Where did he sell his skins?" - -"Sometimes he took them to the trading-post and sometimes he took them -to Pain Court." - -"Are you and he the only men here?" - -"Yes," answered Reuben with a laugh. "And he isn't here now. At least I -can't find him." - -"Where did you leave him?" - -"I can't even find the place where I left him. You see, as I told you, -I started out last night to shoot one or two buffaloes. I got one and -then I chased along after another, but I think I must have gone farther -than I knew, for I couldn't find my way back before dark." - -"Do you think that you can find it now that it is light?" - -"I don't know," replied Reuben dubiously. As he spoke he glanced in the -direction in which it seemed to him the place where he had left Jean -must lie. - -"I don't mind telling you," began the stranger, "that I'm a trapper -myself." - -"Have you ever been here before?" - -The man, who was at least six feet three inches tall, and large in -every way, threw back his head and emitted a laugh that was -proportionate to the size of his body. - -"'Have I been here before?'" repeated the stranger. "Well, just a -little. Last year I took in over one thousand beaver skins. I shot more -than two hundred buffaloes. I hugged a grizzly bear until he yelled for -mercy. I killed two Utes with one bullet." - -Reuben was looking intently at the stranger as he spoke and was -inclined to believe that he was telling the truth. It was plain that -the newcomer was a man of great physical strength, and his exploits, -which he described in a loud voice, were not altogether improbable. At -all events, the boy decided that the man was in nowise bashful, -whatever his other faults might be. - -"Yes, sir," continued Rat. "I guess if you were to ask the redskins -about me there aren't many of them that can't tell you who I am. I've -fought them single-handed and alone, and then, again, I've fought them -when there were hundreds of them together. I thought at first I would -go up along the Oregon this trip, but I soon decided that too many -others would be there, too. I don't like company. That's the reason I -wasn't very much pleased when I first saw you here." - -"Do you own this country out here?" inquired Reuben soberly. - -"I can't just say as how I _own_ it," laughed the giant, "but there -aren't many who will dispute what I claim. Where did you say your -friend is?" - -"I didn't say. That's just what I want to know." - -"Well, what are you planning to do?" - -"The first thing I have got to do is to find Jean. Then I suppose we'll -start pretty soon for the place where we are going to begin our -trapping." - -"I hope you don't trespass on any of my territory." - -Reuben did not respond to the suggestion, and a moment later the -newcomer said: "Have you had your breakfast yet?" - -"Not yet," replied Reuben. "I was just going to have it." - -"What have you got to eat?" - -"Buffalo tongue and some strips of steak." - -"Good! That's mighty good! I'll help you get ready," said the giant. -"I'll do you a good turn even if I shan't let you trap along the -streams what I prempt for myself." - -Acting upon his suggestion the trapper dismounted and removed the -saddle from the horse he was riding. The pack-laden animals, however, -he did not relieve in the same way. - -"I'm thinkin' I'll stay here and help you with your breakfast," he -repeated. - -Reuben, who at once had begun to make preparations for the morning -meal, was unable to see for a time, at least, where the "help" of his -uninvited visitor was shown. As soon, however, as the pieces of buffalo -meat had been cooked and the repast was ready, Reuben discovered how -capable the giant was to "help" in disposing of the food which he had -provided. Indeed, Rat was increasingly free with his advice and -directions as to what Reuben should do, and for several reasons the boy -did not refuse to obey, or even to follow, any of the proffered -suggestions. - -When at last the food had disappeared, the giant remarked: "Then you -think you will look up your camp, do you?" - -"I want to look up Jean." - -"Well, isn't that the same thing? I'll tell you what I'll do. You have -been good to me and given me a bite, now I'll take the pack off of one -o' the ponies and let you saddle it, and then we'll go out and look for -your friend. I hope he really is somewhere," added Rat, suspiciously. - -"He was, the last I knew," laughed Reuben. - -In a brief time the suggestion of Rat had been followed, and after -Reuben had carefully adjusted his saddle to the pony of his companion -they decided to leave the remaining pony in the defile while they set -forth on their search for the missing Jean. - -Still Rat was loquacious. Apparently it made little difference whether -or not Reuben replied or even listened to what he was saying. "You -asked me a spell ago did I own these streams out here where I'm -trapping. I told you I didn't know as I did, but I likewise remarked -that no one else had been putting in no claim for them. I don't think -many of them are likely to, not while I'm 'round." - -"There aren't likely to be any here, are there?" remarked Reuben. - -"You're here, aren't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, isn't the other fellow that was with you? Isn't he here?" - -"That's what I'm trying to find out," laughed Reuben. - -"So am I," roared the giant. "If you're here, it may be somebody else -will be here, too. Now, let me tell you that there isn't anybody in -creation what is going to set traps along the same streams where I set -mine." - -"How will you stop it?" inquired Reuben. - -"Do you see that?" inquired the giant as he held up for Reuben's -inspection an immense fist. "With that bunch of bones I have knocked -down an ox. If anything happens to that fist, then I have got something -else to fall back upon," and with a loud laugh the giant held up his -rifle. "And if worst comes to worst," he continued, "I have got -something in my belt here that will help take care of me." - -As he spoke he drew from his belt a long, slim, sharply pointed piece -of steel, which he explained had once been a bayonet, but by repeated -filings had been reduced to its present shape and size. That it was a -dangerous weapon Reuben instantly understood. - -"That time I was hugging that grizzly," resumed Rat, "or, rather, that -time when he was hugging me, do you know I just tickled his ribs with -that instrument?" - -"Did he like it?" inquired Reuben. - -"He didn't live long enough to say. There was a grin on his face though -when he doubled over, so I guess he didn't feel so bad as he made out, -though he was pretty dead when I left him." - -"What do you mean by 'pretty dead?'" - -"Dead as a door-nail." - -"But when one is dead he can't be any deader, can he?" persisted -Reuben. - -"I don't know about that. That bear didn't look as if he was dead, but -he was. Now, suppose I had blown him all to pieces, and couldn't find -as much as a nail or a tooth left, I guess he would be deader then than -he was when he just had my knife in between his ribs. Where did you say -this fellow came from?" - -"What fellow?" - -"Why this man that you were with--this fellow Jean." - -"Pain Court." - -"Is that where you belong?" - -"Yes." - -"Ever heard o' Kit Carson?" - -"I have that!" said Reuben eagerly. "I know him. I have seen him." - -"How long ago?" - -"He was there early in the summer not long before we left. Indeed, he -wanted us to go with him." - -"Why didn't you?" remarked Rat. His eyes, which were unnaturally small, -contracted as he spoke, until the expression startled the young -trapper. - -"Because Jean thought we would do better not to go with a crowd, but to -go off by ourselves." - -"That Jean of yours is a fool." - -"But I thought that is what you yourself said," suggested Reuben, "and -that you wanted to trap alone and not with a good many others." - -"There's a mighty sight o' difference when I say it and when this -friend o' yours says it." - -"What's the difference?" - -"Look here, my friend," said Rat, turning sharply upon his companion. -"There are better men than you got into trouble from asking too many -questions." - -"But you asked a good many questions of me." - -"Did I get into any trouble by askin' 'em?" demanded Rat, as he laughed -loudly. - -"Not yet." - -"What do you mean by 'not yet?'" - -"Oh, nothing." - -By this time the two men had proceeded far from the place from which -they had started, and still Reuben was unable to recognize any signs of -the locality where he and Jean had prepared to make their camp the -preceding night. - -Suddenly, however, he abruptly halted and, pointing toward a spot not -far away, he excitedly demanded: "What's that? What do you make of -that?" - - - - -CHAPTER V--THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER - - -In response to Reuben's startling questions both men halted and looked -keenly in the direction in which he was pointing. - -"Is that where your camp was?" inquired Rat. - -"It looks like it," replied Reuben quietly as he hastened toward the -spot he had discovered on the plains. Both were silent until they -arrived at the place they were seeking. Then, after a hasty inspection, -Reuben said quickly: "This is where Jean and I camped last night." - -"Are you sure?" - -"I know it is," said Reuben positively after further investigation. - -"Where is your friend now?" - -"That's what I should like to know, myself," responded Reuben, as he -peered intently about him in all directions. - -"What are you going to do about it?" inquired Rat after a brief -silence. - -"It's strange where Jean could have gone," said Reuben slowly, almost -as if he was unconscious of the presence of his companion. "He isn't a -man likely to be drawn into trouble. I have been wondering if the -redskins got him." - -"If they did they carried him off." - -"But there are no signs of any scuffle," protested Reuben, as once more -he examined the ground around where the fire had been. - -"He may not have put up any fight." - -"You don't know Jean," said Reuben positively. "It's strange. The -ponies are gone. There isn't a sign of the packs, and Jean isn't to be -seen anywhere." - -"What are you goin' to do about it?" repeated Rat. "You know I can't -stay here forever. I've got to look after my own job. I usually find -that if I ever have anything or get anything done it is because Rat -True looks after it. Ever noticed that, boy?" - -"I wonder where Jean can be," repeated Reuben, almost as if he had not -heard the inquiry of the giant. - -"Maybe if you stay here long enough he will show up. That's what my -father used to tell me about the cows. He told me if I would take my -milkin' pail and go out and sit down in the middle of the pasture, -pretty soon the cows would all come up and ask me to milk them. So I'm -thinkin' it may be a good thing for you to sit down here, and perhaps -your friend, if there is such a friend, will come back." - -"What do you mean?" demanded Reuben quickly, as he turned and faced his -companion. "Don't you think Jean was here?" - -"That's what you say; I have your word for it." - -Reuben's cheeks slowly flushed, but he wisely controlled his anger and -did not respond to the implied unbelief of the huge Rat. - -"I told you I couldn't stay here all day," continued Rat. "Now will you -go back with me to the place where we started, or do you want to go on -alone? I shan't let you have that pony if you don't go back with me, -and if you do go I want you to understand right now that we part -company when we get back to the gorge." - -Still Reuben did not respond to the rough declaration, for he was yet -uncertain what his best course would be. - -"Come, make up your mind," called Rat, as he turned his horse about so -that he faced the direction from which they had come. - -"I'm going back with you," said Reuben quietly. - -"All right, then, come along." - -Together the two men departed from the camp, but they had not gone far -before Rat insisted upon drawing his young companion into conversation. - -"You was tellin' about Kit Carson a spell ago," he suggested. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what about him? What is his name anyway? What does 'Kit' stand -for?" - -"Christopher." - -"And they call him Kit for short?" - -"Yes." - -"Same as they call me Rat instead of Erastus." - -"I didn't know but Rat was your real name," said Reuben. - -"It is," laughed Rat, "only it isn't all there is of it when my mother -speaks to me. Speaking of Kit Carson, you say you have seen him?" - -"Lots of times." - -"Did you ever talk to him?" - -"Yes." - -"Tell me about him." - -Instantly Reuben's face lighted and it was evident that the request of -his companion was one that touched a responsive chord. - -"He's the greatest man I ever saw," he declared enthusiastically. - -"The biggest?" - -"No, I didn't say biggest, I said greatest." - -"What's the difference?" roared Rat. - -"I cannot explain it to you," said Reuben truthfully, for his feeling -toward the boastful Erastus was rapidly becoming one of disgust. The -man was so blatant and boastful that the reaction had taken place which -led Reuben to believe that he was not all that he claimed to be. - -"Where did he come from?" inquired Rat. - -"He told me he was born in Kentucky, but that his father moved to the -backwoods of Missouri when Kit was a little fellow." - -"How old is he?" - -"I don't know. I think he is about twenty-five or six." - -"Quite an old man, isn't he?" laughed Rat. "Do you think he could throw -me?" - -"Yes," said Reuben quietly. - -"That's a good one!" roared Rat. "I could take him in my hands and -crack him the way I would a stick. I am told he is a little fellow." - -"Yes, he isn't very large," acknowledged Reuben. "He isn't much taller -than I am, and he is light. His voice is as soft as a girl's. Any one -might think when he first saw him that he was the most peaceful fellow -in the county." - -"Isn't he?" - -"He never picks a quarrel, but anybody who picked a quarrel with him -would wish that he had grabbed a grizzly instead of the quiet, -peaceable little Kit Carson." - -"Tell me some more about him," suggested Rat. - -"I don't know that I know very much. I have talked with him and asked -him a good many times to tell me about his adventures, but he is very -modest." - -"Your modest men are always cowards. They don't say anything, because -they are afraid." - -"It's plain you don't know Kit Carson. He told me that when he was -fifteen years old his father 'prenticed him to a harness-maker. That -was a good trade, but such a quick, nimble fellow as Kit couldn't work -at it very long. He did stay his full two years, though, and learned -the trade, but when his time was out he decided that he would become a -trapper. That was what he had always wanted to be. He told me that when -he was a little fellow one of the trappers that had come in with his -skins let him pull the trigger of his gun. That was the first time Kit -had ever fired a rifle, but he wanted to keep at it, he liked it so -well, and pretty soon he not only learned to shoot, but he became the -best shot in the neighbourhood. The Indians all liked him and they told -him a great many things about the woods and the animals that live -there. You see, when his father first went into Howard County all the -settlers had to live in a log fort for a while, that had guards on the -lookout for the Indians day and night. That was a part of Kit's work -when he was a little chap. He got so that he knew the war-whoops of -every tribe and almost every redskin. My father used to say that if Kit -Carson did so well in his harness-making, which he didn't like, he -wondered what he would do when he found some work that he enjoyed." - -"Did he go to trapping right away?" - -"He was on the lookout all the time, and pretty soon he went to the -leader of a party that was going to start for Santa F. You see, then -there were no trails marked out over the plains. That was a good while -ago--in 1826." - -"And I wish there wasn't any now," suggested Rat. "In those days they -tried to hide the trails, and now they try to make 'em plain. The -redskins know every time a party starts with their traps, and wherever -you find game you find Indians there, too." - -"Yes. Kit Carson told me some stories of how parties of Indians -surrounded the trappers or traders and took their guns and horses away -from them and either tomahawked the men or left them to starve. But -every man in Kit Carson's party was well armed, had a good horse, and -was up to all the tricks of the Indians. I have seen them start out, -every man wearing a deerskin suit, and some of the men all dressed up -with bead embroidery, and the fringes of their shirts dyed half a dozen -different colours. They had pack mules to carry the traps, and when -they all started they marched in Indian fashion, single file. They took -turns in going ahead, for the ones that went first had to break the way -for the others. Then, there was a bugler at the head of the line. If -any of the men strayed away while they were hunting, the bugle was to -let them know where the main line was." - -"That's all very pretty," said Rat. "I have heard a good many stories -about Kit Carson, but I'm wonderin' if he has any nerve." - -"I know he has," said Reuben quickly. "On that first trip one of the -men in the party had an accident. He shot himself in the arm. Pretty -soon the others decided that the only way for the poor chap to save his -life was to have his arm cut off. I don't know whether or not Kit -Carson did the job, but I know that he helped. They used a razor, a -saw, and a redhot wagon-bolt." - -"Did the man get over it?" demanded Rat boisterously. - -"Yes. And he kept on with the others. He forded the rivers and climbed -the mountains and followed along an Indian trail, over the track that -the buffaloes had made, and never once dropped behind. When the party -finally got to Santa F Kit Carson decided that he would not go back to -Missouri, so he pushed on alone to Taos. That was eighty miles from -Santa F. You know that is a trading station for trappers?" - -"So I have heard," assented Rat. - -"Well, there wasn't much in that place for Kit. He said the little, -narrow streets had mud huts along their sides and that water was pretty -scarce, but he always liked Taos, because it was there that he met -Kincade." - -"Who's he?" - -"Didn't you ever hear of Kincade? Why, he was one of the biggest -trappers that ever got a skin in the Rocky Mountains. He knew all about -the wild beasts and the places where the beaver dams were, and he knew -where the Indians that troubled the trappers were likely to be found." - -"He knew a lot, didn't he?" laughed Rat. - -"Yes, he did. Kit Carson says he did. But what he liked best of all was -that he knew Spanish, and he taught Kit how to speak it. He stayed -there until spring, and then he decided that he would go back home and -start out trapping on his own account. So he joined a party of trappers -that were going East and started to go home, but he hadn't gone halfway -across the prairies before he met some more trappers that were on their -way to Santa F, and what they said to him made him change his plans." - - - - -CHAPTER VI--ALONE - - -"What did he do then?" inquired Rat, who, for some reason which Reuben -did not understand, appeared to be intensely interested in the life of -the scout who had already become famous throughout the West. - -"Why, they offered him a chance to go back with them, and be their -hunter, so he joined the new party. He told me, though, that he didn't -find any fun in his work. A good deal of the time he was driving a -team, and that was the last thing in the world he wanted to do." - -"I suppose he wanted to shoot buffaloes and hunt Indians?" - -"That's exactly what he wanted to do. He didn't give up his plan, -though, all that winter he was a cook for a man named Young, who had -made a lot of money trapping. Kit said that was the worst winter he -ever had. Sometimes he used to chase the rats out of the corn-bin and -then he would say to himself, 'Here are poor Kit Carson's buffaloes.' -When the winter was gone he still did not find any party of trappers -that was willing that he should join them. You see he was such a -slight, little fellow, and, as I told you, his voice was so soft and -his manner was so gentle, that the men all thought he would not be able -to stand the work and they would have a sick man on their hands. - -"In the spring he made up his mind to go back home again. But that -time, too, he met a party that was on its way to Santa F. They offered -him a job which he took and went back with them. Finally he did find -something worth doing. He went down into Mexico as an interpreter for a -lot of men that were going to Chihuahua. When he got there he hired out -again as a teamster for a man who was going to the copper mines. But he -didn't really get his chance to begin his scouting and trapping until -he came back to Taos. He had become so used to seeing parties of -trappers start off without him that when at last this Mr. Young, the -man for whom he had been working, told him that he could join a party -he was sending out, he took up with the offer right away. The man that -hired him knew that he wasn't afraid of anything on earth." - -"Ho!" snorted Rat, breaking in upon the narrative. "I guess he wouldn't -have felt that way if he had seen me. What do you suppose a little -fellow like Kit Carson would do if a man like me got after him?" - -"I'd feel sorry for you, if you tried to go 'after him.'" - -"That's a good un! That's a good un!" roared Rat. "Do you think he -could run away from me?" - -"I don't think he would try." - -"Well, if he didn't run and I once got my hands on him I would break -his back as easily as I would a stick." - -Reuben smiled and did not reply to the boastings of the braggart. - -"How many men were in this party you are telling about?" demanded Rat. - -"About forty." - -"How old was Kit then?" - -"About twenty." - -"Ho, ho!" roared Rat again. "And yet you say he wasn't afraid of -anything on earth? How do you know he wasn't? Because he told you so?" - -Still Reuben refused to make any explanations to his companion. He was -aware that Rat was deeply interested, although the cause of his -interest was not yet apparent. - -"Probably your wonderful Kit," suggested Rat, "caught more beaver, shot -and scalped more redskins, killed more deer and buffalo than any other -man in the band." - -"I don't know about that. He never told me. He wasn't the one that told -about these other things, either. He did say that scouts were always -sent ahead of the men to find out whether any Indians were near. Every -night they had guards for the camp." - -"They didn't find any Indians, did they?" - -"Not until they came to Salt River. There they found they were likely -to be attacked by the same redskins that had killed the last party of -trappers that had been there." - -"This time I suppose Kit single-handed killed every one o' them?" - -"I don't know; I suppose he did his part. This Mr. Young played a trick -on the Indians." - -"What did he do?" - -"Why, he sent a few men ahead and hid the rest of them among the bushes -and trees, and then when the Indians saw the little party they did not -know there were any others, so they chased them clear back into the -woods. When they came close to the place where the men were hiding the -trappers all fired their rifles." - -"And killed all the redskins?" laughed Rat. - -"Kit Carson said they killed fifteen. Then the Indians ran and never -once attacked them again. They did steal their ponies and traps, but -they didn't make any more attacks on them. By the time the men had -reached the headwaters of the San Francisco River they had so many -beaver skins that Mr. Young sent some of the men back to Taos. He kept -some of the best ones, though, to go on with him into California." - -"I suppose he kept Kit Carson, of course?" - -"Yes, sir, he did. It was a terrible time they had, too. There weren't -many trails and they couldn't find much grass for the horses, or water -for any one, or even wood enough to make a fire. Out there on the -desert there weren't any buffaloes or deer, but there were enemies that -were a good deal more dangerous than either of them." - -"What were they?" - -"Hunger and thirst. The men had a little deer meat and some water bags -they had made of deerskin, and Kit said they were mighty careful every -day when they measured out the water and divided up the meat. When they -had been out four days, all at once the donkeys stretched out their -necks and began to run. Everybody knew what that meant." - -"What did it mean?" - -"Why, they had sniffed water somewhere. Pretty soon they came to a -stream. Kit said he never had anything in his life taste as good as -that water. It didn't seem as if they could get enough. The men rested -up a while and then started on again across the desert. On the fourth -day they came to Colorado. There they stopped to rest and to cook an -old horse which they had bought off the Indians." - -"Pretty fine feast," laughed Rat. "Cold water and horse meat! Which did -they take first--the water or the horse meat?" - -"I don't know. What difference does it make?" - -"Why, I know a man back East who lives on dried apples. He has dried -apples for breakfast, cold water for dinner, and swells up for supper. -Perhaps the horse meat served in the same way." - -"By and by they came to a mission down in the San Gabriel Valley. The -priests had taught the Indians there how to make farms. There was -everything one wanted to eat." - -"What did they do? Help themselves?" - -"No, they didn't. They paid for what they took." - -"That's a good un," laughed Rat. - -"They did, for Kit Carson told me so. He said he paid four butcher's -knives for a steer." - -"He might just as well bought the steer without handing over the -butcher's knives." - -"Anyway, the trappers had a good time there. They found lots of beaver -and the men had enough to eat and drink. When the warm weather came -they went into camp down on the lower Sacramento. They had enough to -do, hunting deer and antelope. Kit Carson then was the best shot in the -whole band. All the men had somehow come to rely upon him." - -"Did he say so?" - -"No, sir, he didn't. He never told me about it, but some other men who -were with him told me, and they said he was the one man the Indians -were afraid of." - -"That's a good un, too," laughed Rat. - -"Well, the men thought so," retorted Reuben angrily. "One of the -priests came over and told Mr. Young how some bad Indians had gone over -to an Indian village and wouldn't come out. The priests wanted some of -Mr. Young's men to get the runaways. Of course the men said they would, -and they said right away that Kit would have to be their leader. So Kit -took the men over to the village and told the Indians they must give up -the men for whom they had come, but the big chief said they wouldn't do -any such thing." - -"So they had a fight, did they?" - -"Yes, they did." - -"And all the redskins were killed?" - -"No, not all of them, but they lost so many that they gave up the bad -Indians. One night not long afterward a lot of Indians came into the -camp of the trappers and made off with sixty horses. Kit said most of -the men were angrier to have their horses stolen than they were to have -some of the men shot. They were mad through and through, and pretty -soon twelve of them, with Kit Carson at their head, started after the -thieves. They had a long ride across the mountains and through the -valleys, and for a long time they couldn't find any signs of the men -they were after. They went more than one hundred miles before they -caught up with them." - -"Then Kit Carson shot every one of them, I suppose?" - -"No, he didn't. He found the Indians in camp, cooking and eating horse -meat. Without stopping a minute, Kit called to his men, and they -started straight for the camp. They shot eight the first time, and all -the rest made for the woods." - -"But they didn't get away because Kit Carson chased them into the -forest and got them all?" - -"No, he didn't; he told the men to get all the horses that had been -stolen, and then they started straight back for camp. They were lucky -to find some one who bought all their beaver skins. When the summer was -over they all started back home, but they kept trapping all the way -along. They made a lot of money, and every one got a share. He said he -didn't know what to do with the money." - -"Probably he found somebody to tell him?" laughed Rat. - -"Yes, he did. He said he got into all sorts of bad ways that winter. I -don't suppose he was doing anything different from the rest of them, -but Kit Carson isn't the kind of a man that could ever find much fun in -drinking and gambling. That was about all the other men seemed to care -for." - -"He must be a wonderful man. I think I must try to see him some time. -He wouldn't scare me, would he?" - -"No," replied Reuben seriously. "I told you he is as gentle as a girl." - -"I am glad," laughed Rat. As he spoke he extended his huge arm, and as -he clinched his hand Reuben was almost convinced that even Kit Carson -would be powerless in its grasp. - -"There's our camp," suggested Rat, as he pointed to the defile in the -distance. "There I have got to leave you, if you won't go on with me." - -"No, I have got to find Jean." - -Not long after their arrival, Erastus True, as soon as he had packed -his belongings on the backs of his ponies, bade farewell to Reuben and -started on his lonely journey northward. - -Reuben had his rifle, his bags of powder and shot, and a saddle and -bridle. His pony was dead, but he was hopeful that soon he would find -the missing Jean, and then all his troubles would be ended. - - - - -CHAPTER VII--MOUNTAIN TROUT - - -It was not until he was left alone that the full sense of his -difficulties came upon Reuben Benton. He watched his recent companion -as leading his little train he slowly passed to the north and soon was -hidden from sight among the foothills. He might have gone with him, -although the man had not been cordial in his suggestion, but the chief -barrier was that Reuben had taken an intense dislike to the boastful -man. Not the least of the grounds for his prejudice was the ridicule -which the giant had heaped upon Reuben's hero, Kit Carson. For a -moment, however, Reuben almost wished that he, too, had gone with the -man, much as he disliked him. At least he would be certain to go -somewhere, and now he did not even know what fate had overtaken Jean -Badeau. As yet no suspicion had occurred to him that any serious -misfortune had befallen the trapper. Indeed, Reuben was inclined to be -angry with the man for having departed without awaiting his return. - -He thought, too, of Kit Carson, and the band which he had led into the -defiles of the Rocky Mountains on their trapping expedition. He had -been eager to join that party, but the same opposition greeted him -which years before had been faced by Kit Carson himself. The men were -afraid that he was not sufficiently strong to endure the hardships of -the long journey and the trying winter that was certain to come. For -that reason Reuben had accepted the invitation of Jean to go with him. - -Jean did not wish to trap with a band, as we know. And yet he did not -plan to be entirely alone. His own thought had been that if Reuben -should accompany him, at least he would provide company, and if evil -befell him he would not be bereft of all help. - -And Reuben had listened to the appeals of Jean, not only because of his -eagerness to become a trapper, but also because he was compelled to -choose between being bound out to some of the Missouri pioneers or else -to learn the harness trade, as Kit Carson had learned it before him. - -Reuben's father, a ne'er-do-well, had urged Reuben to accompany his -older brother William when he had migrated from Virginia to find a new -home in the rich lands of western Missouri. Reuben had been treated -with a degree of kindness by his older brother, but his brother's wife -objected to his remaining longer a member of the household. She now had -six children of her own to care for, and the addition of another -dependent had become somewhat irksome. She was a worn, nervous, -scolding, irritable woman, and Reuben, after a long talk with his -brother, had decided that it was wiser as well as better for him to -find a home somewhere else. - -It was soon after this decision had been made that the homeless lad had -met Jean, who had returned from his annual trip to the fur country. And -Jean had not found it difficult to persuade Reuben to accompany him. -There were visions held out before him of the great wealth that was to -be obtained by trapping, and the adventures which Jean graphically -described with many gestures also had their own appeal for Reuben. He -was now a well-grown boy of sixteen, strong, skilled in the use of the -rifle, and he confidently believed that he was equal to any of the -hardships which an ordinary party of trappers might be compelled to -undergo. - -Not much time was required in preparations for the journey. Reuben's -rifle, a few traps, most of which were unreliable, and a few other -belongings were collected. A pony was provided by Jean, and when he set -forth from Pain Court, aside from his brother William, there was slight -regret in his heart for any one he was leaving behind him. - -The long journey had been made with but few mishaps. They were now -within sight of the land of promise, but on the very border he had lost -his companion. And yet, as has been said, Reuben was by no means -convinced that Jean was lost. He was inclined to believe that Jean had -left him, either expecting to return or that the boy would soon find -him. Perhaps he had seen the Indians whom Reuben had met and was -fearful of their evil intentions. They might be only the scouts of a -large band not far away. - -The thought for a moment made even Reuben uneasy and he glanced -apprehensively about him. The noisy little mountain brook not far away -made the only sound he could hear. Above him in the sunlight towered -the summits of the lofty mountains. Trees and grass were about him, and -no scene upon which he had ever looked had been more peaceful in its -outward appearance. - -It was now late in the afternoon. Reuben was aware that he was not only -tired, but also hungry. It was necessary for him to obtain something to -eat, although he was uncertain where food was to be found. That, like -certain other disagreeable facts, however, must be faced. - -Near the little brook he suddenly saw a deer approaching from the upper -part of the gorge. A moment later he was aware that it was a doe -leading her fawn to the brook for a drink. Reuben, who had been seated -motionless, had not been discovered by the timid creatures, and as the -wind was blowing toward the valley below him the keen-scented animals -had not noticed his presence. - -Here was his supper sent directly to him! - -The sight of the graceful little fawn, however, caused Reuben to -hesitate. He hated to shoot the pretty little creature. He watched the -fawn as it glanced up into its mother's face with an expression that -was as filled with affection as that which he had seen sometimes in the -face of a child. Already he had raised his rifle to his shoulder, but -for some reason he did not shoot. The sudden loosening of a stone by -his foot produced a sound which made the two animals look quickly in -his direction, and instantly he was aware that he had been discovered. -For a moment the doe anxiously gazed at the intruder, and then like a -flash she was gone, followed by the fawn. The supper which had come to -him almost miraculously was lost, and for a moment Reuben was inclined -to blame himself for yielding to his feeling of sympathy for the fawn. - -And yet what was he to do for his supper? Carelessly he advanced to the -border of the brook and looked with interest at the hoof-prints of the -doe and the fawn. He was aware that there were occasional pools in the -little stream, and as he glanced into one he had a momentary vision of -a fish darting under the shadow of the overhanging bank. Reuben had -never heard of mountain trout, but the sight of the fish instantly -suggested a plan by which he might be able to obtain his supper. - -A few yards below the place where he was standing the stream narrowed -until it was not more than two feet wide. Quickly he rolled some of the -loose stones to the place so that when they fell into the water they -served as a barrier in the stream. When a half-dozen stones had been -placed in the narrow neck of water Reuben cut a good sized club, and, -going up the stream a short distance, stepped into the water. As he -advanced he shouted and struck the water and was positive that several -times he saw fish dart swiftly down the stream before him. Proceeding -cautiously and using his club all the time, he soon drew near the dam -he had made. As he did so he began to leap up and down in the water and -shout and strike the bank as well as the stream with his club. - -The hungry boy was delighted when a few moments later a fish, finding -its progress barred in either direction, leaped out of the water. -Reuben succeeded in striking it with the club he was carrying, and -watched it as it fell on the ground several feet away from the stream. -If there was one fish in the water, he concluded there must be others, -and quickly he repeated his tactics. After two failures he succeeded in -obtaining another fish, and finally threw the third up on the bank. The -last was larger than the other two combined. - -Again the problem of his supper had been solved. He soon secured the -three fish he had taken and, returning to the spot where he had left -his belongings, he at once made them ready for cooking. Afterward he -collected a mass of branches which had fallen from the nearby trees and -was preparing to kindle a fire. - -In the midst of his occupation he abruptly stopped. Should he light a -fire? It is true it might not only provide a means of cooking the fish, -but also indicate to Jean, who could not be far away, the presence of -his camp. On the other hand, the Indians he recently had seen had told -him that many more redmen were among the mountains. They, too, might -see the fire and might steal upon him unaware. - -The feeling of hunger, however, was so strong that Reuben soon decided -in favour of a fire. Disregarding the danger, by means of his flint and -tinder he soon started a roaring blaze. He had made a rude little -fireplace by piling some of the stones in such a manner that the top -was covered. On this top he placed a large, flat stone, and upon this -he laid two of the trout. - -It was not long before Reuben had a supper not only "fit for a king," -but such a supper as a king is seldom permitted to enjoy. It is true -all the salt which he and Jean had brought had been in the saddlebags -of the trapper, but the mountain trout were delicious even without -salt. - -By the time Reuben's supper was eaten he was aware that the brief -sunset was nearly ended. Much of his anxiety had now departed and he -was quite content, as he said to himself, to let Jean do the searching. -He seated himself upon the ground, leaning back against the trunk of a -huge tree, and as he listened to the music of the noisy little brook -and watched the scurrying clouds pass across the evening sky he was -even more decided that Jean might find him if he should search -diligently. - -Not long after the coming of the night, however, this feeling of -confidence gave place to one of loneliness. Indeed, the consciousness -that he was alone soon became oppressive. He recalled the sight of the -pack of gaunt and hungry wolves that had run down the buffalo calf. -Perhaps they would be glad to feast upon a young trapper for supper, -just as he himself had feasted upon the trout he had taken from the -mountain stream. Aroused by the suggestion, Reuben started to his feet -and made a tour of his camp. Although he walked one hundred yards in -every direction, he was unable to discover any signs of danger. When he -returned to his camp the fire had burned low, but it was plain that -everything was as he had left it. His troubles might wait until -morning, he finally decided, and not long afterward, stretching himself -upon his blanket, he was sleeping soundly. - -It was daylight when he awoke, and as soon as consciousness returned -Reuben was aware that he had been awakened by sounds that even now he -could still hear in the distance. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII--AN UNEXPECTED MEETING - - -At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into -the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs. -Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, -taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments. - -In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded -buffalo cow. Only one glance was required to show the young trapper -that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her -flight was not slow in spite of her trouble. - -In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond -were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing -buffalo. How dogs could be there, far from the habitation or the camps -of man, was a problem Reuben was unable to solve. The sight, however, -of the fleeing animal recalled to him the possibility of securing -breakfast. As the buffalo came near, he raised his rifle and fired at -her. - -The buffalo was under such momentum that, although the shot had been -true, she plunged forward several yards before she fell to the ground. -Running hastily to the spot, Reuben quickly saw that his aim had been -fatal and the animal was lifeless. He hastily reloaded his gun and -prepared to face the dogs. He was aware that his shot might reveal his -presence to enemies if they were near. It was well known that the -Blackfoot Indians and several other tribes were intensely hostile to -the whites. They were determined that the white man should not enter -the grounds which they believed belonged to themselves, inasmuch as -they had received them from their forefathers. Not only had several -parties of trappers been attacked, as Reuben knew from the stories of -Kit Carson and Jean, but also some of the white men had been killed and -many more had been driven away from the streams where they had set -their traps and had been compelled to withdraw from the region. - -Thoughts of his own danger now returned with increased force. He did -not believe the dogs belonged to any Indian tribe, but if they were -owned by trappers, how had it come to pass that white men were now in -this region? He had understood from Jean that Kit Carson's party had -gone far to the north and that in all probability no men of their own -colour were likely to be seen until they returned to Pain Court. - -Reuben's meditations were interrupted by the coming of the dogs. He saw -four of the savage animals approaching, and the sight convinced him -that he would as willingly face the gaunt and savage timber-wolves as -the animals he now saw before him. It might be necessary for him to -defend himself against their attack. - -By this time the dogs had discovered the young trapper. Instantly -stopping in their tracks, about one hundred feet distant, they were all -silent for a moment as they stared at the unexpected sight. A moment -later, however, all four, throwing back their heads, emitted the most -plaintive and prolonged howls to which Reuben had ever listened. They -did not, however, make any advance upon him. - -This fact caused Reuben to decide that he would attempt to drive the -animals away. Doubtless the men who owned them were not far distant and -if they had heard the shot they soon would appear. Seizing two stones -and still holding his gun, Reuben ran toward the brutes and shouted in -his loudest tones, "Get out! Get out!" At the same time he hurled one -of the missiles and was delighted when he saw all four of the dogs turn -about and run swiftly down the defile. - -Reuben waited half an hour for the return of the dogs or the appearance -of the party to which they belonged. The minutes passed, however, and -he was still alone. At last, persuaded that his hiding-place was -unsuspected, he hastened to the spot where the body of the dead buffalo -was lying and cut from the carcass the pieces which he already had -learned were the most eatable. In a brief time he had his fire kindled -and was busily engaged in the preparation of his morning meal. - -Frequently he glanced toward the entrance to the valley below him, -still aware of the possibilities that his hiding-place might not escape -the attention of others who might be in the vicinity. If they were -white men he believed that his safety would be assured. His great -danger lay in the fact that the dogs which he had seen might belong to -some roving band of Pawnee or Blackfoot Indians. - -Time passed, however, without interruption, and when his hunger had -been appeased, Reuben took his rifle and cautiously began his descent -of the valley. When he came out into the more open country he was -startled at the sight of a campfire not far away. Gathered about it -were half a dozen men, and to them doubtless belonged the dogs which he -had seen. Indeed, while he was looking at the camp he saw these same -dogs moving about near the spot. - -Assured that he would find help there, Reuben started toward the place -where the fire was burning. He had left his saddle and bridle and a few -other belongings in the defile among the mountains, but he was -convinced that if he could secure aid from these men it would be an -easy matter to obtain his possessions which for a little while he had -abandoned. As he came near the camp the dogs discovered his presence -and, with loud barking, started toward him. - -At the sound the men about the campfire instantly leaped to their feet -and seized their rifles, and all were looking in the direction from -which the young trapper was approaching. Apparently convinced by what -they saw that they were in no danger of an immediate attack by enemies, -they waited for Reuben to approach the camp. - -Greatly to the astonishment of the lad when he had come near enough to -distinguish the faces of the men, he saw that the leader of the little -party was none other than Kit Carson himself. How it was that the -trapper and guide was so far south of the region into which he with his -company originally had gone Reuben did not understand. There was no -question, however, as to the person before him, and he was greatly -pleased when a moment later the guide said to him: "You are Reuben -Benton. The last time I saw you was in Pain Court. What are you doing -out here on the plains?" - -By this time Reuben had been admitted within the circle. The glances of -suspicion which were given him when first he had appeared were gone as -soon as the leader explained that he personally knew the young trapper. - -"I came out here with Jean," explained Reuben. - -"Jean? Jean who?" inquired Kit Carson. - -"Jean Badeau." - -"Where is he?" - -"I don't know." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Just what I say. I don't know where he is. I wish I did. We came out -here day before yesterday. We made a camp, and while we were there a -herd of buffaloes came along and Jean and I started after them. I -haven't seen him since." - -"He may have been trampled by the herd," suggested Kit Carson. - -"I don't think so," asserted Reuben. "There was a man here who helped -me look for the place where we had camped and after a while we found -it, but the ponies and saddles and traps and everything were gone." - -"A man with you?" inquired the guide, glancing keenly at Reuben as he -spoke. - -"Yes." - -"Who was he?" - -"Rat True." - -For a moment Kit Carson was silent as he looked steadily at Reuben. -"What has become of him? Where is he?" he inquired at last. - -"He left last night and took his ponies and his traps and said he was -going up among the hills. He said he wanted to trap alone. That's what -Jean said, too, and that was the reason why we camped down here." - -"He cannot be very far away, then?" - -"I don't know how far. He took his ponies with him, and the little -beasts were tough, and they may have been able to make good time." - -"And you haven't any idea what has become of Jean?" - -"No. I don't know where he is. I must look him up to-day. He may have -been captured by the Indians and they may have carried off his ponies -and his belongings." - -"So they might," said Kit Carson in a low voice. "Very likely that's -just what they did. We'll have to give you a lift, however, and help -you try to find him. Have you had any breakfast?" - -"Yes. Your dogs chased a wounded buffalo into the gorge where I was and -I shot it." - -"Yes," explained Kit Carson. "We saw a big herd this morning and cut -out two or three cows, but two of them gave us the slip and the third -we wounded, but it got away, though the dogs took after it." - -"It is only a little way back yonder; you'll find the carcass there -now." - -"I don't think we shall go back for the carcass," said the guide -quietly. "There are too many herds around here for us to bother about a -little thing like that. How are the streams?" - -"I don't know," answered Reuben. "The only ones I have seen were in -that valley where I was, and there they were not very full." - -"Did you see any beaver?" - -"Yes. Jean and I found several dams." - -"Have you seen any Indians?" - -"Yes, the night I lost Jean I met three Cheyennes, two braves and a -boy. They had been out trying to steal horses from the Pawnees. They -said the Pawnees were cowards because they kept their horses shut up -every night." - -A smile appeared on the face of the guide as he said: "The redskins are -like the rest of us. When we don't get what we want we're down on our -luck, or blame the other fellow. How old a boy was the young Indian?" - -"About fifteen or sixteen." - -Turning to his men Kit Carson related the story which Reuben had told -him, and in response to his suggestion the men all declared that they -were more than willing to join in a search for the missing Jean. - -Soon afterward, Reuben conducted the men to the place where Jean's camp -had been made, but a careful investigation failed to reveal any signs -of the fate which had overtaken the trapper. - -The men then separated into three parties and, moving in different -directions, tried to ride in circles about the camping-place in their -efforts to discover some indications of what might have befallen the -missing Jean. Their search was continued throughout the day, but when -night fell it was still unrewarded. Not a sign had been discovered as -to what had been the fate of the trapper. - -Upon the suggestion of Kit Carson, Reuben then led the way to the -defile where he had passed the preceding night. Abundance of food had -been secured, because late in the afternoon a herd of buffaloes, -numbering no less than five hundred, had appeared. Several of the -animals had been shot by the hunters, who brought the meat which they -had secured to the place that had been selected for the camp. - -Although Kit Carson did not refer to his fears, it was evident that he -was somewhat uneasy, as several times signs of Indians had been -discovered by the men in their search of the afternoon. Although he -still did not refer to his fears, when arrangements for the night were -made he insisted upon a guard being established. - -Before darkness had fallen upon the region the trappers became aware -that their hiding-place had been discovered. - - - - -CHAPTER IX--WOLF'S CLOTHING - - -Excitement first arose when the dogs, growling, and the hair on their -backs standing erect, began to circle the camp and peer angrily into -the darkness. The action of the animals caused the men at once to look -more carefully to the horses. Every one of the beasts had been hobbled, -and were all within the circle of the camp. Although few words were -spoken, it was plain every man was suspicious that enemies were not far -away. - -Soon in the deepening twilight several long, gaunt, shadowy forms were -seen creeping about the place. They were the timber-wolves, the most -savage of all the wolf tribe. Reuben, congratulating himself that he -was no longer alone, thought what his own feelings would have been if, -without the presence of the other trappers, he had heard these hungry -and savage animals prowling about his camp. He was positive that he -would not have given in without a struggle, but his confidence -certainly was much stronger now that he was in the company of Kit -Carson and his men. - -The actions of the guide, however, were peculiar. Only two of the -wolves had been seen, and the sounds which they emitted were unlike -those which had been heard when they had been farther away. -Occasionally one or the other seated itself upon its haunches and, -throwing back its head, sent forth its mournful howls. At the same time -it was manifest that, although they kept well out of sight, the wolves -were stealthily creeping nearer the horses, which now had been -assembled at one side of the camp. - -Kit Carson, too, was unusually watchful, although he had little to say -to any of his friends. When some of the men suggested that it would be -wise to shoot the treacherous animals, he had quietly and yet sharply -objected. "There isn't one of you," he said, "but might hit a dog, -mistaking it for a wolf. I would rather have a dozen timber-wolves -yelling around here all night than to lose one dog." - -The actions of the dogs also increased the uneasiness among the -trappers. Now they either were afraid or had lost the first fierceness -of their desire to drive away their foes. All four were whining and, -although the hair about their necks was still erect, they displayed -less inclination than before to attack the marauders. Crouching and -growling, they slunk back toward their masters. - -For several minutes Kit Carson remained seated near the border of the -camp, holding his rifle in his hand and listening intently to the -sounds made by the two wolves. These animals had acted peculiarly from -the first. Both now were near the horses, and the terror of the -frightened animals was almost pathetic. - -Beckoning to his friends to remain where they were, Kit Carson suddenly -raised his rifle to his shoulder and shot one of the wolves. - -A strange, well-nigh unearthly sound followed the report of his rifle. -A scream, loud and prolonged, in no way resembling the howl of a wolf, -broke the silence. For a moment the men in the camp stared blankly at -one another, while Reuben was appalled by the weird and unnatural cry. - -The guide, however, apparently was unmoved by the alarm of his friends. -Laughing lightly, he ran quickly to the place where the wounded wolf -was lying. The other beast had instantly turned and fled into the -darkness. - -The approach of the guide produced an immediate effect upon the wounded -animal. Struggling desperately, it rose upon its hind feet and for a -brief time struggled to escape. The effort, however, was unavailing, -and it soon fell to the ground again and became motionless and silent. - -Every one in the camp now was watching the leader with intense -interest, Reuben being the most excited of all. Indeed, the lad had -followed Kit Carson and was only a few yards behind him when the guide -stopped to watch the struggles of the animal before him. When at last -the wolf became motionless, Kit Carson advanced upon it and at once -lifted it to an upright position. - -The strange events which had occurred were followed by those that were -stranger still. Seizing the wolf by its fore-shoulders, the guide -alternately with his foot and knee kicked the animal, compelling it to -walk in advance of him on its hind feet. - -"Look out there, Kit!" called some one in the camp. "If you let that -fellow bite you it will be sure poison!" - -No response was made by the guide, who had been intently watching the -wolf, which when standing up on its hind feet was as tall as he. -Strange to say, the animal made no attempt to bite its captor. As soon -as it was discovered that all efforts to free itself were useless, the -wolf was forced to approach the campfire, where the men curiously were -watching the antics of the strange animal. Never before had Reuben seen -a sight like the one he was now beholding. Why the wolf did not fight -he was unable to understand. The very fact that it had been wounded was -sufficient to arouse its anger, but, as far as he could see, it was -advancing as meekly as if it had been a lamb instead of a wild animal -in the hands of Kit Carson. - -When the guide had brought his victim nearer to the fire in the camp, -he suddenly forced back the head of his prisoner, and then with one -quick motion tore back the skin, revealing the head and face of an -Indian. The sight, startling as it was, caused most of the men to -laugh. Reuben recalled now the stories which Jean had told him of how -some of the Indians, disguising themselves as wild animals, in the -darkness of the night had crept near the camp of the trappers to steal -their furs or run away with the ponies that belonged to the outfit. The -howlings he had heard then had been made by the Indians, and yet as -Reuben looked at the prisoner it was difficult for him to believe that -the human voice could so closely imitate the cries of a prowling wolf. - -Meanwhile Kit Carson, who not for a moment had relaxed his grip of his -captive, suddenly tore away the skin in front, and as it fell to the -ground the entire body of a young Indian was revealed to the excited -assembly. - -"Kill him!" shouted one of the men. The cry was taken up by others, and -for a brief time the fate of the young Indian was in the balance. - -It was marvellous to Reuben at this time to see the young leader -quietly step in front of his men and say in a low voice, "We will have -none of that. He is my prisoner, anyway." The guide, slight and boyish, -in his figure, speaking in a tone so low that it did not betray any -excitement under which he might be labouring, instantly checked the -anger of his men. - -As they made no further effort to advance, he said: "This redskin is -only a boy. I shot him in the leg. I suspected just what he was trying -to do, and though he played the trick well, he lost. Come up here!" he -said to his captive, as taking him by the arm he led him near the fire. - -A hasty examination of the wound disclosed the fact that it was slight, -the ball having not more than grazed the calf of his leg. A bandage was -soon made and applied, and after the feet and hands of the prisoner had -been securely bound he was placed upon the ground between the fire and -the trappers, who were soon asleep. - -Meanwhile a guard had been established by the leader and a careful -watch was to be maintained throughout the night. If Indians were as -near as the presence of the prisoner indicated, Reuben was at a loss to -understand why the fire should have been kept up. However, as he had -complete confidence in the leader, he asked no questions, and soon he, -too, was sleeping as soundly as his companions. - -When morning dawned and Reuben arose, he found Kit Carson talking to -the prisoner. "Come here!" called the leader when he saw that Reuben -was awake. "Have you ever seen this young redskin before?" - -Reuben looked keenly at the captive before he replied. "He looks like -the young Indian that I saw two or three nights ago," he said. "He was -one of the three I told you about that had been trying to steal horses -from the Pawnees. At least that's what the Indian said who could speak -English." - -"Doesn't this one talk English?" - -"He didn't that time, and the one who did speak it said he was the only -one that understood it." - -The trapper turned again to the Indian boy and tried to engage him in -conversation, but either the lad did not understand what was said or he -did not want to, for he stolidly refused to reply. - -Once more the guide examined the young Indian's wound, and soon -afterward turned to his followers, explaining that as soon as they had -all had breakfast and the horses had been watered and permitted to -gather such food as they could obtain in the little valley, the entire -band would resume its journey. - -"But what shall I do?" said Reuben. "Shall I go away without trying to -find Jean?" - -"Jean can take care of himself if he is alive," said Kit Carson -quietly, "and if he is dead he will not need your help. I think the -only thing for you to do is to come with us." - -"Where are you going?" - -"That will depend somewhat on what comes to us. We shall go back to -join the main camp pretty soon, but just now we are busy on some other -work. You will be safe with us, and if you stay here you may not see -another white face in a year." - -"But I don't like to leave Jean," persisted Reuben. - -"As far as I can see you are not the one that left him. He left you. -Come, my lad, there's nothing else to be done." - -"I have no pony." - -"What became of it?" inquired Kit Carson. - -"While I was chasing a buffalo I ran into a prairie-dog village and the -horse stumbled and fell, and broke its leg. I had to shoot it." - -"We can fix you up. We have several ponies that are not being ridden. -You may have one of them to use." - -Somehow, feeling as if the matter had been decided for him rather than -that he had had any part in the decision, an hour later Reuben found -himself astride a stocky little pony riding beside Kit Carson, who was -leading the way. Conversation ceased, for still the guide did not -explain the purpose of their journey. - -A brief time later he selected two men to go in advance of the others. -It was evident to Reuben that they were following what appeared to be -an Indian trail. The captive Indian was still in their midst, although, -he was no longer bound. What had become of his companion no one in the -party knew. He had vanished in the night as soon as his comrade had -been hit by the bullet of Kit Carson. - -The journey was uneventful until the noon hour had passed, then when -the guide began to look about for a suitable place where they might -halt and prepare such food as they possessed for the mid-day meal, he -said abruptly: "Do you see what that is ahead of us?" - -"Where?" inquired Reuben, who still was nearest the leader. - -"Right ahead on the right. Close to the trail. Look at it closely and -tell me what you see." - -Doing as he was bidden, Reuben soon discovered an object that instantly -aroused within him a keen feeling of excitement. - -"I see it!" he said, turning quickly to Kit Carson. "I see it! What are -we going to do?" - - - - -CHAPTER X--ATTACKED - - -Not far in advance the body of an Indian was seen lying directly across -the trail. The entire band stopped abruptly at a signal from Kit -Carson, and a moment later all were running forward to the place where -the Indian was seen. - -"He may not be dead," suggested one of the men. "He may be playing -'possum." - -"That's right, too," suggested another. "They may be fixing a trap for -us." - -At the bidding of the leader the men all halted, every one holding his -rifle in readiness for instant use, and all alike striving to keep -watch on the various points from which they thought an attack upon them -might be made. - -Alone and cautiously, Kit Carson advanced, and in a brief time he -returned saying: "The man is dead. He had the smallpox. I don't want -any of you to go near him." - -It was well known by the trappers what a terrible scourge smallpox was -among the Indian tribes. Entire villages had been wiped out of -existence by its ravages. - -"What do you think, Kit?" inquired one of the men. "Is this redskin -left here for us, or do you think the village was trying to run away?" - -"Perhaps both," replied the guide quietly. "At all events we'll go -around the hill." - -"Better than that," suggested one of the men. "I have had the smallpox -and I'll go ahead and drag the body out of the way." - -At last the advice of the volunteer was accepted, and as soon as the -dead body had been removed from the pathway the advance was resumed. - -Although he did not explain nor share his feelings with his companions, -it soon became evident that Kit Carson was suspicious of the presence -of other foes. Several times he had dropped behind the little cavalcade -and as frequently had gone in advance of the body. It seemed more and -more strange to Reuben that a man so boyish and slight as Kit Carson, -in spite of his youth, should have such absolute control and such loyal -support of the men who made up the little company. - -Late in the afternoon Carson, who had been serving for an hour as the -advance guard, hastily rejoined his fellows and said: "There are -twenty-five redskins ahead. They have stopped right near the trail." - -"What are they?" inquired one of the men in a whisper. - -"Blackfeet." - -"Are they armed?" - -"Yes." - -"How many horses have they?" - -"There are as many horses as there are men." - -"Do you think they know we are coming?" - -"I have no doubt of it." - -"What shall we do?" - -"Drive them out." - -"It can't be done! It can't be done! We haven't but seven men." - -"Yes, it can be done," said Kit quietly. "Now if you'll do just what I -say, I'll show you how." - -Seeing his calmness and confidence, a new spirit of enthusiasm entered -the hearts of the men, and they all cordially and willingly followed -the directions of the young scout. Three of them were selected to -advance along the trail toward the Indians. The other four, together -with their prisoner, were to be concealed in a cluster of bushes near -which the halt had been made. Just what the young Indian in their midst -would do if left to himself no one of the trappers knew, but as they -were fearful that he might try to betray them it was deemed wiser to -compel him to remain where he then was. - -"Now, men," said Kit Carson, as he and one of the trappers, named Jake, -and Reuben prepared to leave their companions, "see that you do not -expose yourselves. Every one of you hide and keep hidden until we have -joined you. You may think when you first see us that you ought to fire -right away, but hold your powder until we come. Now, don't forget -that!" - -As soon as these instructions had been given, the scout, together with -his two companions, started along the trail in the direction of the -place where the Indians had been seen. - -Reuben was excited and yet he was so elated over the consent which had -been given him to accompany Kit Carson on this perilous adventure that -he was almost unmindful of the danger that confronted him. They had -left their ponies behind them, and now as they drew near the place -where they were expecting to behold the Blackfeet Reuben glanced -excitedly at his two companions. Neither of them, however, betrayed any -alarm, and in a brief time they had come within sight of the camp. - -"I want both of you to show yourselves directly behind me," directed -the scout, "and then I want you to jump back into the bushes on either -side of the trail, run back a few feet, and then come out where you can -be seen again. We must make these redskins think there are at least a -dozen of us. You'll have to move fast, too, because we aren't going to -stay here very long." - -A few moments later the men came within sight of the Indians. The -discovery of their presence was greeted by a shout, but as yet none of -the braves manifested any desire to start in pursuit of the white men. - -Acting promptly upon the suggestion of Kit Carson, Reuben and Jake -darted into the bushes, emerging several times in a manner that might -confuse their foes and lead them to believe that there were more in the -party than at first appeared. Soon after the war-whoop of the Blackfeet -had been heard Kit Carson and his companions started swiftly back over -the trail by which they had come. Their flight was greeted with a loud -yell, and instantly most of the Indians started in swift pursuit. - -"It's the same band that killed the last party of trappers," said Kit -Carson in a low voice to Reuben. "We'll fix them this time so that they -won't make any more trouble of that kind." - -Reuben was running rapidly, but all three knew that they were a -considerable distance from the Indians and that their own friends were -not far back on the trail; so he was not unduly alarmed. Somehow his -complete confidence in the young guide caused him to believe that even -in their present peril he would find a way out. - -The yelling band of braves soon appeared. They were running swiftly and -it was evident that they had cast aside their usual caution. The -confidence of the attacking party was unabated. If Kit Carson was -correct in his statement that the band following them was one which had -destroyed the company of trappers the preceding year, it was plain now -that they were equally sure the whites were afraid of them. - -At all events they were swiftly pursuing and were steadily gaining upon -the three fugitives. The air resounded with blood-curdling war-whoops. -The faces of the warriors, smeared with war-paint, were terrifying, and -every time Reuben glanced behind him his fear increased, although he -still was convinced that Kit Carson was not attempting any trick for -which he was not fully prepared. - -Strong in their belief that the men who were fleeing were afraid, the -Indians pressed still closer in their pursuit. Indeed they were almost -upon the heels of the fleeing men. A few steps more and the venturesome -trappers would be in their power. - -At last Reuben and his companions arrived at the thicket in which their -friends were concealed. Darting quickly into the midst of the band, -they cast themselves upon the ground, concealing themselves behind the -trees, and prepared to join in the counter-attack which was about to be -made. At that moment a shower of arrows fell among the bushes, and -almost as if in response to this action the thicket resounded with the -reports of the guns. The resounding yell of triumph from the eager -Blackfeet was lost in the midst of the roar of the guns. Clouds of -smoke slowly rose above the bushes and hid the scene from the sight of -the anxious defenders. However, as soon as the smoke lifted a little, -the bodies of the fallen Indians were seen upon the ground. On every -side was the neighing of the terrified and the riderless horses. The -startled Blackfeet in the midst of it all heard the click that -indicated the reloading of the guns of their enemies. Too late they -were aware of the mistake they had made. - -The band of warriors instantly broke and fled, and in the midst of the -wild confusion that followed the first attack the weapons of the -trappers had been reloaded and again the reports of the rifles rang -out. With wild cries of terror the Indians continued their flight. Nor -did they stop until they had disappeared from sight and had run far -into the wilderness. - -Then it was that Kit Carson, bidding his men follow him, led them once -more upon the trail. Scattered on the ground nearby were the bodies of -ten of the Indians that had fallen under the fire of the trappers. -Brave as the redmen had been, too late they had discovered that their -bows and arrows were of no avail when they were fired upon by men armed -with rifles and who were expert shots. - -Convinced at last that the danger was passed, Kit Carson summoned his -men about him and first of all inquired whether or not any one had been -hit in the shower of arrows that had fallen upon them. Fortunately no -one had been injured, for the Indians had fired without any sight of -the white men, simply trusting to their knowledge that some of them at -least were concealed within the underbrush. - -"What will happen next?" inquired Jake. - -"No man can say," replied Kit Carson. - -"Do you think they will attack us again?" - -"Not soon. They have learned a lesson which they will not forget right -away." - -"Then we can go right ahead?" - -"We shall keep on," replied the guide quietly, "although I am sure that -we are not done with our troubles." - -"What are you afraid of?" - -"I am sure they will not leave us. They will follow us, and when night -comes they will try to steal our horses, and if we were trapping here -they would try to get our traps. I shall be surprised if we do not find -that they are watching us all the while." - -"Don't you think we had better turn back?" - -"I have never travelled that way," replied Kit Carson lightly. "The -safest thing for us will be to show the Blackfeet that we are not -afraid of them and are prepared to meet them." - -In accordance with the suggestion of the scout, preparations were made -at once for resuming the journey. It was plain, however, that not all -of the men were of the same mind as their leader and that some were -still fearful of attacks by the band which they had successfully driven -off. Some time elapsed, however, before the true purposes of the -Blackfeet were discovered. - - - - -CHAPTER XI--A TRYING EXPERIENCE - - -Meanwhile the little band continued steadily on its way. Reuben now -thought of the missing Jean less frequently. He was confident that the -French trapper was abundantly able to protect himself, and, besides, -there was less peril for a man alone than there was for a large force -of the trappers. The Indians were intensely jealous, fearful for the -safety of their possessions, and angry at the intruders for daring to -come in numbers to trap along the streams which the redmen had been -taught to believe belonged to them by inheritance. - -There were occasions when the presence of the prowling Indians was -evident, for horses several times vanished from the camp and were not -found again. The traps, too, which were used by the men in their -advance, frequently disappeared, and there was slight question in the -mind of the young leader that the Blackfeet, although they had not -dared to make an open attack since the ambuscade, none the less were -steadily following their enemies. - -At last it was decided that the division should go on toward the -Sacramento River, while part of the force already had been sent back to -Taos to dispose of the beaver skins which had been secured and also to -get more traps. All the remaining men agreed to continue on to the -Sacramento, and in this company was young Reuben Benton. To the lad the -days were all filled with interest the chief of which was in the -expeditions for hunting the savage grizzly, whose reputation for blind -and savage courage increased as the men journeyed farther among the -towering mountains. - -The Indians, however, whom they met as they proceeded on their way, -proved more and more friendly. The stories, too, which the redmen told -of the marvels of the valley of the Sacramento increased the desire of -Reuben and his companions to see the land which was declared to be not -only marvellously beautiful and fertile, but also to abound in beaver. - -To reach this land of promise, however, it was necessary for the little -company to make its way across a country upon which neither grass nor -trees grew, and where water was seldom found. Even the wild animals -avoided these desert plains. Not a deer was likely to be found in the -course of the journey, and the buffaloes were far behind the mountains, -which now were in the rear of the advancing trappers. - -Before entering upon the final stage of the journey it was decided that -there should be a rest of several days. Accordingly the entire party -went into camp. The horses were fed far better than had been the daily -custom and were not compelled to carry any burdens. The trappers -employed the time thus afforded in hunting. There was need of food in -the party, and to supply this need Kit Carson and a half-dozen others, -among whom was Reuben, devoted much of their time to hunting for -animals that would provide meat. - -On the second day, while Reuben, Kit Carson, and a man who was called -Jack were about six miles from the place where the camp had been -pitched, they discovered a herd of deer. The curious animals plainly -were not familiar with the sight of men. They were discovered near a -spring on the border of a grove that grew far down into the plains. At -least a dozen of the creatures were seen by the keen-eyed leader. - -"We mustn't lose any of them," said Kit Carson in a whisper, as he -turned to his followers. "The best thing we can do is to spread out and -come up to them in a semicircle." - -"They have seen us already," suggested Jack. - -"That's true," replied Kit Carson, "but the very fact that they have -not run away will make it easier for us to get more of them, and we -must have them. Our very lives may depend upon our aim. I hope every -one will hit his target." - -In accordance with the directions of the hunter, the party spread out -and prepared to creep nearer the spring, advancing in a semicircle. -Even when they had come within fifty yards of the water the inquisitive -animals were still standing, gazing almost stupidly at the approaching -hunters. Indeed to Reuben it almost seemed as if the timid creatures -were unable to flee. Even the fawns, with ears erect, stood gazing -open-eyed at the men. - -In this manner the trappers approached, as has been said, within fifty -yards, and then at a given signal all arose and fired upon the timid -animals. Two of the deer were seen to fall. Then with a loud summons to -his followers, Kit Carson, after he had hastily reloaded his rifle, -darted toward the spring from which even yet the startled deer had -withdrawn only a few yards. - -In a brief time the guns were reloaded and almost together the trappers -once more fired at the graceful creatures that were still gazing at -them. A third deer fell to the ground, but all its companions instantly -fled from the spot. - -"We didn't get as many as we ought to," said Kit Carson quietly when -the men approached the place where the fallen deer were lying. "I shall -be surprised if we do not find that some of these deer are pretty well -filled with lead. We ought to have arranged for no two men to fire at -the same animal." The trapper's suggestion was found to be correct, for -six bullets were found in one of the bodies. - -In response to the directions of the scout, the men at once took their -knives and skinned the creatures, and then, while part of them sewed -the skins into water-bags, the others prepared to smoke the meat which -had been secured. - -Haunches of venison were dried on the branches of trees above the reach -of prowling wolves, and fires were kindled beneath them which it was -believed would last throughout the coming night. The smoke from the -flames soon hid the suspended bodies, and, satisfied that their work -for the day had been completed, the hunters turned and departed for the -camp in the defiles of the mountains. - -To Reuben Benton these experiences were all so novel that he had ceased -to think often of the missing Jean, and he was thoroughly enjoying his -adventures. Such a life was wholly new to the eager-hearted boy. In the -vicinity of his home he often had trapped and hunted, but nothing had -occurred like the exciting incidents of his hunting with the great -scout. Perhaps the honour of being associated with Kit Carson, whose -name was already familiar in all the West, provided the greatest -enjoyment of all. More and more Reuben was impressed by the quiet -self-control of Carson and the respect which was paid him by all the -men in the company. - -Reuben, who was a strong and rugged boy, had found no difficulty thus -far in keeping up with the men. Indeed, his spirit of eagerness several -times had led him far in advance of his companions. Kit Carson, -however, occasionally had rebuked him for his foolhardiness and told -him that his safety depended almost entirely upon his remaining in the -company of his fellow trappers. There was slight question in his mind -that the Indians had followed them all through the defiles of the -mountains. Whether or not the pursuit would be maintained was a -question which could be solved only by the events which might occur -when once the party had entered on its way across the pathless desert. - -On the day after the shooting of the three deer Reuben and Jack, -together with two other trappers, were sent to obtain the carcasses, -which had been left hanging from the boughs of the tree under which the -fires had been kindled. For the meat to be thoroughly cured a longer -time would be required, but as the horses were now rested, the men were -eager to push forward. - -Just before the departure from the camp was made three Indians were -seen approaching, leading a poor old horse that was soon found to be -blind as well as lame. By the use of signs the Indians finally agreed -to sell the poor old creature and then departed with the money which -they received. After they were gone the horse itself was killed and -roasted, and the trappers that night enjoyed a feast of tough -horse-meat and water from the mountain springs. - -The following morning the entire band set forth on their long and -difficult journey across the plains. When three days had elapsed, the -riders, wearied by their journey and nearly parched with thirst, were -well-nigh exhausted. The supply of water which they had brought with -them had proved to be inadequate. - -All the efforts of Kit Carson were required to keep up the courage of -his followers. The heat had been intense, and the brief rest which had -been given the horses and mules had not been sufficient to restore -their full strength. Even the animals were dejected as they lifted -their feet from the heated sands and slowly moved forward. - -Not a word of complaint, however, had escaped the lips of Reuben. -Fearful that the objection which had been made at St. Louis against his -joining a party of trappers would be repeated here, the boy had done -his utmost to bear the hardships that he was compelled to endure. His -lips were swollen and cracked, and the intense feeling of hunger which -he had the preceding day had given place to a dull ache. His manner was -thoroughly dispirited as he slowly followed his companions. The mule -which he was riding had lagged behind the other animals, until Reuben -was several yards in the rear of the little company. - -It was at this time that Carson, noting the plight of his young friend, -dropped behind and waited for Reuben to approach. - -"Well, lad," he said, striving to speak cheerfully, "how is it?" - -Reuben, almost unable to speak, shook his head as he tried to smile in -response to the query of his friend. - -"It's a pity, lad," continued the guide, "but there's no going back. We -have got into a hard piece of work, but the only thing to do is to go -ahead. That is the only way out, so keep up your heart and don't give -in." - -Reuben nodded decidedly to show that his determination was still -unbroken, and as he did so the mule he was riding suddenly lifted his -head and, after he had sniffed the air, lowered it almost to the sand, -and emitted several prolonged, heart-breaking, agonizing brays. - -The stentorian blasts were quickly answered by similar sounds from the -other mules in the train. Despite the efforts of the weary men to -control the beasts, they all immediately began to run, followed -speedily by the horses. - - - - -CHAPTER XII--A PUZZLING MESSENGER - - -"What's wrong? What's the matter?" demanded Reuben excitedly of Kit -Carson, who was riding by his side. - -"Don't you know?" laughed the leader good-naturedly. - -"No, I don't know, that's why I asked," replied Reuben in the -disjointed words he was able to speak, while the mule which he was -riding increased the speed at which he was running. - -"They have sniffed water." - -"But I can't see it anywhere!" - -"That's likely," replied the hunter, smiling as he spoke. He was having -less difficulty than his young companion in controlling his mount. - -The animal which Reuben was riding had stretched forth its neck and its -muscles were almost as tense and stiff as if they had been made of -bone. Occasionally one of the excited mules stopped, and, planting its -feet firmly in the ground, stretched forth its neck, elevated its tail, -and at the same time emitted another prolonged and discordant bray. - -The minutes passed swiftly and no signs of the longed-for water were -discovered. An hour passed in the wild flight and still the stream was -not found. To Reuben's protest that the mules had been mistaken, Kit -Carson made no reply save to smile in the quiet manner which was -characteristic of him, and slowly shook his head as if he still had -faith in the instinct of the strange beasts. - -Ten minutes later a cry arose from the dry throats of the men when a -stream not far in advance was seen by them all. In a brief time the -entire line had gained the banks and men and animals alike plunged into -the water and drank their fill. - -"I never knew before how good it seemed to have all the water I wanted -to drink," said Reuben with a sigh of relief when he returned to the -bank and once more stood beside the leader. - -"It's just like air and sunshine and other things that are so common -that no one thinks they are worth much," replied Carson thoughtfully. -"It is only when we lose them that we think they are worth having." - -"This certainly is worth having," said Reuben fervently. - -"It's so good that I think we'll stay here for a little while. Turn in, -boys," the leader added, calling to his companions, "and we'll make -camp." - -The courage and hope of the men had now returned in full force, and the -long journey across the desert was forgotten or ignored. Eagerly they -responded to the call of their leader, and in a brief time a -comfortable camp had been made on the banks of the little stream. - -For two days the weary men remained in the camp. In a few spots near -the spring grass had grown, and this, together with the leaves of the -trees, provided food for the horses. No wild animals were seen during -the stay of the men, and on the third day, when the journey was -resumed, there were few traces to be seen of the suffering which the -trappers had endured in their ride across the desert. There still -remained, however, a long and toilsome journey between them and the -region which they were seeking. Occasionally a stream of running water -was found, and then the party went into camp for two or three days. - -When at last they arrived in the beautiful valley of San Gabriel they -were nearly exhausted, but the sight which greeted their eyes did much -to restore their spirits. - -In the valley was the Mission of San Gabriel, established many years -before this time by the Spanish padres in their labours among the -Indians of that region. Already the fruits of their devoted work were -to be seen. In the valley there were many fields of waving grain and -great orchards whose trees were bending under the loads of fruit which -hung from their branches. In certain parts of the valley there were -large herds of cattle, and many flocks of sheep were to be seen, almost -as numerous as the cattle. - -The sight of all these good things instantly revived the drooping -spirits of the trappers. It is true they had little to offer in -exchange, but the people of the mission and the Indians of the vicinity -were kind to the newcomers, and in a brief time the wants of the nearly -famished men were all supplied. - -Perhaps some of them rejoiced more over the fact that water and food -for their horses abounded than they did over the reports that were -given them of the multitudes of beaver that were to be found in the -nearby streams. To Reuben the region seemed to be a land of plenty. The -Indians were peaceful and apparently happy, and the few white men that -were to be seen in the vicinity were prosperous and contented. - -After the men had been thoroughly rested, Kit Carson explained to -Reuben that the time had come for them to enter upon the work which had -been their object in seeking the marvellous valley. - -"We'll go down the San Joaquin River," he explained. "We shan't have -any trouble in getting the skins we want, and at the same time we'll -find game enough to supply all our needs. All you have to do," he -added, with a laugh, "is to look at the men. A little while ago they -were half-starved and as lean as bullrushes. Just look at them now! -Almost every one is getting so fat he won't be able to do his -trapping." - -"Yes," laughed Reuben. "They all look as if they would rather stay here -than go on any farther." - -"That's just what they must do, though," said Kit. "I have seen a good -many men in my life who did all right until they came to the last thing -that had to be done and then they gave out. I believe there are more -men that lose because they don't follow up to the very end what they -have begun than from any other one thing. Who's this coming?" he added -abruptly as he turned and saw a stranger approaching on horseback. - -At first the approaching man was thought to be a priest, as he was -dressed in a strange garb that somewhat resembled that worn by the -priests in charge of the mission. As he came nearer, however, they -discovered that he was not a priest, and when he spoke, his words -confirmed Kit Carson in his conclusion. - -"I am looking for a man named Kit Carson," explained the newcomer. - -"You won't have to look very far," replied the guide quietly. - -"Where is he?" - -"Not very far away." - -"Tell me where he is and I will go to him." - -"I reckon I am the man you're looking for." - -"You?" exclaimed the stranger in surprise. "You? Are you Kit Carson? -Why, you're nothing but a boy." - -"I'm not very old," replied the guide with a smile, "but that's a fault -I hope to correct some day. Meanwhile let me tell you that my name is -Kit Carson. If you have any message for him you had better give it to -me." - -"I came from the Mission San Gabriel," explained the newcomer, after a -brief silence in which he had steadily looked into the face of the -young hunter. "One of the padres sent me. He says that some Indians -have run away with some of our sheep. It is the same band that stole -some horses from the mission a few weeks ago. Before that they stole -some of our cattle. The padre wants to know if some of your men will -help us to punish them." - -"Where are they?" asked Kit Carson. - -"We don't know exactly, but we suspect that they have gone to one of -the strongest of the Indian villages." - -"Will they fight?" - -"I think they will." - -"Then we will go," said the guide quickly. "You tell the padre that -we'll help him out. How many men does he want?" - -"All you can spare." - -"Tell him we'll be at the mission to-morrow morning. There will be as -many of us as care to go, whether it is the whole eighteen or only -one." - -"You will be the one?" inquired the stranger. - -"I will be one," laughed Kit Carson, "but I do not think I will be the -only one." - -Reuben had been silent throughout the conversation and seldom had -turned his face away from the man who had brought the message from the -San Gabriel Mission. - -When the messenger departed Reuben turned to Kit Carson and said: "That -man looks enough like Jean Badeau to be his own brother." - -"Who is Jean Badeau?" - -"Why, he's the trapper that I came with from St. Louis." - -"The one you lost in the camp when we first saw you?" - -"Yes." - -"Are you sure he isn't the same man?" - -"No, I am not sure, and that's just the trouble. Of course it is some -time since I saw him." - -"Don't you know his voice?" - -"His voice certainly sounded like Jean's." - -"Why didn't you ask him if he is Jean?" - -"I don't know why I didn't," replied Reuben. "He looks like him, and -yet if it is another man it might make trouble." - -"How would it make trouble?" - -"Oh, I don't know," replied Reuben somewhat uneasily. "I cannot see why -Jean should be down here in this valley, anyway, unless he wanted to -get away from everybody." - -"Is that the reason why we came?" demanded Kit Carson quizzically. - -"No, we came for the beaver skins." - -"Perhaps your friend came for the same reason. You'll soon know, -though, whether he's the real one or not, because when we go over to -the mission to look up these thieving redskins, you probably will see -the man again and can find out just who he is and why he is here." - -For the time Reuben was forced to be content, and yet on the following -day, when with eleven others he went to the San Gabriel Mission, the -question in his mind still remained unanswered. He looked about on -every side, but did not discover the messenger. Nor was he able to make -inquiries, for he understood neither the Spanish nor the Indian tongue. - -In a brief time, however, his thoughts were withdrawn from Jean to the -task which immediately confronted them. A band of twenty-five or more -soon set forth from the mission, half the men belonging to the force -which Kit Carson had led into the valley. - -The trappers and the volunteers from the mission rode swiftly away, and -not more than three hours had elapsed when they arrived at the Indian -village which they were seeking. When they drew near, the advancing -party halted, while one of the white men advanced to meet three Indians -who had now come forth from the village. It was impossible for Reuben -to hear what was said, nor would he have understood the conversation -had he been able to hear it. It was not long, however, before the white -man returned to his followers with the statement that the Indians had -absolutely refused to give up the redmen for whom they had come. - -The village was not large, but the warriors plainly outnumbered the -white men. To attack seemed foolhardy. - -Greatly to Reuben's surprise, after a brief consultation had been held -between Kit Carson and the leader of the men from the mission, the -hunter turned to his followers and said quietly: "There is only one way -for us to get those rascals. We must attack the village." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII--PURSUIT - - -For a moment the startled men gazed silently at their leader. Every one -had been confident that when they drew near the Indian village the -redmen would give up the culprits. However, the quietly spoken -declaration of Kit Carson speedily aroused a spirit of determination, -and every one of his followers was willing to do his utmost to carry -out his directions. - -Before an attack was made, however, the daring hunter approached the -village alone and noisily summoned the braves to a second conference. -Doubtless the slight form of the hunter and his boyish appearance -created a false impression in the minds of the Indians. That such a man -could really be the leader of the white men and that his courage would -be equal to an attack upon their village was plainly something the -braves did not believe. A brief conference followed, but the result of -it was not any more satisfactory than had been that of the former -interview. - -Turning sharply about, Kit Carson quietly went back to his companions, -and then before the Indians were fully aware that he was gone, he said -in a low voice to his men: "Fire on the village! Every one pick his -man, and don't one of you miss!" - -Instantly dropping upon their knees the men obeyed the order. Almost -like the report of one gun the rifles rang out together. - -Without waiting for the smoke to clear and reveal the result of their -attack, every man hastily reloaded his rifle and raised his gun to his -shoulder, ready for instant use. The Indians were not armed except with -bows and arrows, and the distance at which Carson's followers had fired -was believed to be out of range of the warriors. - -Cries of alarm and confusion arose from the village. Few of the redmen -had believed that the white men would dare attack, and the unexpected -action had thrown the entire place into confusion. It is true the -Indians greatly outnumbered the little attacking party, but as soon as -it was discovered that the white men were deadly in earnest and -determined to secure the culprits for whom they had come, their greater -numbers did not afford much comfort to the startled braves. Many of -them fled from the village, and those who remained speedily decided to -give up their guilty comrades who had sought refuge among them. It was -impossible to resist the onslaught of the band which had attacked them, -when it was led by such a man as the quiet, courageous scout. - -For the third time the rifles were loaded, but before they were -discharged an Indian was seen approaching, extending the palms of his -hands in token of his peaceful purpose. - -Directly behind him appeared a young Indian on horseback. He followed -the chief, who was advancing toward the white men, until he came near -the place where the spokesman halted. Although the followers of Kit -Carson were prepared for any event, no gun was fired, while all the men -awaited the coming of the messenger. It was believed now that there -would be no further attempt to shield the guilty parties for whom the -padre at the San Gabriel Mission had sent the expedition. - -For a moment, although none of the watchful observers was able to -discover the cause, the herald remained silent. Reuben, who was deeply -interested in the exciting event, now saw, approaching from the -village, a young squaw. Just what was her purpose in coming was not -apparent. - -The herald began his speech. "We shall no longer protect the men for -whom the white brothers have come," he explained. "We did not ask them -to come to our village. They were in trouble and they sought us out. We -would punish them for the evil they did to the good padre, but now that -the padre's men have come to take back to the mission the men who have -done evil, we shall no longer try to hold them in our village. The -brothers of the padre when they see the evildoers coming forth from our -village will not then make any more attacks upon us." - -The spokesman paused as if he was waiting for Carson to respond to his -implied question. As the hunter remained silent, the Indian herald -continued his appeal. "Already we have children that are fatherless -because the white men have killed our braves. You can hear the wailing -of the squaws whose husbands and sons you have slain. Is not this -enough punishment for the white men to visit upon us? We shall no -longer try to shield those who fled to us for refuge." - -"Will you give us every one?" demanded Kit Carson abruptly. - -"Every one," replied the Indian. - -"Then tell them to come out to us now." - -The Indian turned back toward the village and then, abruptly halting, -once more faced the scout. "And will my white brother promise that no -harm shall befall us? That he will take the bad Indians only? Will he -promise that they shall be dealt with justly, and that no harm shall -come to them on their way back to the mission?" - -"I make no promises except to tell you that every man will be treated -as he deserves." - -"That's just the very thing they don't want," muttered Jack, who had -been listening as he stood opposite Reuben. "If they got what they -deserved there wouldn't be many left in the village." - -"I'm afraid there wouldn't be very many left among us either," -suggested Reuben quietly. - -"What do you mean?" demanded Jack. - -"Why, I mean that if every man got what he deserved perhaps he would be -worse off than he is now." - -"I never got all that I deserved," said Jack sharply. "I've seen a good -many men who passed for more than they were worth and then again I've -seen others who didn't pass for what they were worth." - -"Which is your class?" said Reuben, laughing. Throughout the -conversation he had not turned away his gaze from the exciting events -which were occurring before him. - -"It doesn't make any difference which is my class," retorted Jack. "All -I say is that Indians are all in one class----" - -Jack stopped abruptly, for at that moment it was seen that the young -squaw who had come from the village had now turned quickly toward the -young Indian who had approached on horseback. Suddenly the mounted -Indian darted ahead, his horse apparently breaking into its swiftest -paces at its first leap forward. - -The action of the Indian girl, however, was most startling of all. As -the young brave fled from the spot she grasped the tail of the horse he -was riding, and, clinging tenaciously to it, she was partly dragged and -partly helped forward as both fled from the spot. - -At the first sight of the unexpected happening the men with Carson -laughed loudly. To them it was apparently a joke of some kind that was -being enacted before them. In a moment, however, Kit Carson turned to -Reuben and Jack and said: "Take your horses and follow that redskin. -He's trying to get away and he's using the squaw as a shield. If he -thinks that she is going to protect him, just show him how mistaken he -is. Take after them and don't come back until you get them both." - -Instantly Reuben and Jack obeyed the command which had been given them, -and putting their horses into their best paces started in pursuit of -the fleeing pair. - -It was not long, however, before they discovered that the Indian pony, -in spite of the load he was carrying and the weight that was attached -to his tail--for the Indian girl still was clinging tenaciously to her -hold--was much swifter than those of his pursuers. - -The marvel of it all was the fearless manner in which the young squaw -still clung to the tail of the running animal. There were moments when -she was dragged over the sands, and then again she would regain her -footing and, running swiftly and leaping wildly, continue her flight. -But whatever befell her, whether she was dragged or drawn, her grasp -was not relaxed. - -The horses which Reuben and Jack were riding were old and slow. The -main thought in the minds of the men when they departed from the -mission did not concern any possible pursuit. They all had confidently -believed that as soon as they approached the Indian village the -culprits whom they were seeking would be delivered into their hands. - -Their plans, however, had undergone a change, owing to the attack which -they had been compelled to make. And now the wild flight of the two -Indians convinced the pursuers that the brave was a man of importance -in the tribe and that there were special reasons why he was eager to -escape. - -Doggedly the white men held to the pursuit, but as they fled across the -level plains toward the defiles of the mountains not more than ten -miles away, they were soon aware that there was slight probability of -their overtaking the fugitives. - -"My horse is winded!" called Jack sharply. "Let's turn back!" - -"We can't turn back," replied Reuben. - -"We can, and I shall," retorted Jack. - -"You'll have to go alone," said Reuben. "Kit Carson told us to follow -this redskin until we got him. We have been following him, but we -haven't got him yet." - -"Well, I can't follow any farther," said Jack, and as Reuben glanced at -the horse of his companion he was convinced that the man had spoken -truly. The sides of the poor beast were heaving convulsively and its -suffering was clearly apparent. - -"You stop here!" called Reuben. "I'll go ahead alone. I have a rifle -and the redskin hasn't any, so I'm not afraid." - -In response to his suggestion Jack drew rein on his horse, and when -Reuben glanced behind he saw that the poor animal was barely able to -stand. The necessity of urging his own horse forward, however, soon -caused him to ignore the plight of his companion and he continued his -well-nigh hopeless pursuit. - -Reuben was convinced that the Indian, although now he had stopped and -had taken the squaw behind him on the back of his pony, would be able -to outdistance him. In the pursuit they had steadily drawn nearer the -foothills and once among them Reuben was convinced that the fugitives -would escape. Doubtless they were familiar with the valleys and the -gorges and would speedily find some place in which to hide. But -remembering the words which had been spoken to him by Kit Carson, and -in a measure unconsciously imitating the spirit of the young scout, -which knew no such word as turning back, Reuben still clung to the -chase. The horse he was riding was slow, but its wind apparently was -holding out. Again the boy glanced behind him, and quickly discovered -that he was no longer able to see his companion. What had become of -Jack was not plain, but without any thought of giving in, Reuben urged -his steed forward. - -In a brief time he was approaching the valley which he had seen when -the pursuit first began. It was a narrow pass between the foothills. -What lay beyond it he did not know, but his spirit of determination was -so strongly aroused that when the Indian whom he was following turned -into the narrow defile he decided at once to follow him. - -Not long afterward Reuben found himself in the gorge. It was several -hundred feet wide and on one side there was a steep, precipitous rock. -On the opposite side the valley extended for several hundred feet to -the right, and apparently much of it was under cultivation. Surprised -by his discovery, Reuben still did not stop. He was relying chiefly -upon the rifle he carried for his defence. - -He had not advanced more than two hundred yards beyond the narrow -opening before he was aware that further pursuit of the fugitives would -be useless. Both had disappeared from sight and doubtless were hidden -in some one of the many caves past which he had been riding. - -Still keenly alert, Reuben turned and began to retrace his way toward -the entrance of the valley. He had advanced only a few yards, however, -when his progress was abruptly halted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV--CAPTURED - - -Directly in front of Reuben five Indians stepped from behind a huge -rock and halted his progress. Two of them seized his horse by its -bridle, while two more advanced upon him, one from each side. - -Startled by the unexpected sight, Reuben gazed at the men a moment, and -then when he tried to bring his gun to his shoulder his arms were held -powerless in the grasp of his captors. A moment later he was thankful -that his enemies had prevented him from using his weapon. If he had -succeeded he was well aware that instantly he would have been -overpowered and doubtless slain by the young redmen. - -Several times one of the Indians questioned Reuben, but the boy was -unable to understand what was said, and consequently attempted no -reply. In a brief time the conversation ceased, and his hands were -securely bound behind his back. He was compelled to dismount and to -follow the men, who now took his pony and led the way farther within -the valley. - -They were moving cautiously, too, an act which Reuben did not -understand. His confusion, however, was soon gone when, after a walk of -a half-hour, he was conducted to a camp in which fifteen Indians were -seated around a fire over which they were roasting pieces of meat that -he strongly suspected had been cut from the cattle stolen from the -mission. - -As the young prisoner was ignorant alike of the language spoken by the -Indians and of the few words of Spanish which one of them was able to -speak, he was at a complete loss to understand not only who they were -and what their plans might be, but also what was likely to be his fate. -His hands had been freed after he had been brought to the camp, but he -was not permitted to leave the enclosure. When night came he was -conducted to a cave among the nearby rocks and there by signs was -informed that he was to remain throughout the night. - -Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of the cave, and -Reuben was convinced that escape for the present at least was -impossible. - -Three days slowly passed. Not once was he permitted to leave his -prison, although he was not treated unkindly. Food was given him every -morning and night, and a gourd of water every morning was placed at his -disposal. - -[Illustration: "Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of -the cave"] - -As the afternoon of the third day wore on, Reuben became aware of a -partly suppressed but increasing excitement among his captors. At first -he was hopeful that the place was about to be attacked by some of his -friends, in which event he might hope for release. It was impossible -for him, however, to obtain any information from the Indians, and -indeed few of them now even glanced at him as they apparently prepared -to depart. - -Reuben was disappointed when he learned that only half of the Indians -were to leave the place. The excitement among the others, however, did -not die away, and they frequently talked with one another in low voices -and pointed anxiously in the direction in which their friends had gone. -When darkness fell Reuben stretched himself upon the hard floor of the -cave, and although he was aware of the excitement which still possessed -his captors, he was convinced that he would be unable to learn the -cause of it, and soon was sleeping soundly. - -The first faint streaks of daylight were seen when Reuben was awakened -by the return of the men who had departed the preceding night. -Instantly it was plain to him what the purpose of their journey had -been. With them now were at least threescore horses, and as he looked -keenly at the animals Reuben recognized some of them. They had belonged -to the men whom Kit Carson had been leading. Had their owners perished? -Had there been a night attack by the redmen and had Kit Carson's band -been destroyed? Excited as Reuben was he was not able to find any -answer to his questions, though he eagerly interrogated several of the -redmen with signs. Not one of them, however, gave any heed to their -prisoner and his demonstrations. All about the camp the redmen were in -action, and it was plain to the boy that they were planning to depart -quickly. - -His surmise proved to be correct, for within a few minutes all their -weapons and belongings had been packed on the backs of their horses and -they were ready to start. For a moment Reuben was hopeful that he was -about to be left behind, but this was not to be, for one of the Indians -approached and motioned for him to follow. Obedient to the command, -Reuben accompanied his captor, who led the way to the spot where -several of the Indian ponies were standing. Altogether there were not -more than twenty of the Indian braves. How they had been able to secure -so many horses and to return to their camp without any one having been -injured was still a puzzle to Reuben. In obedience to the motion of his -captor he leaped upon the back of one of the horses and took the reins -in his hands. - -The excitement of the band increased when at last it set forth from the -place. Every rider was leading two or three horses. It was plain, too, -that the Indians were fearful of pursuit. Frequently they would glance -behind them, as if expecting an attack. They had not gone far, however, -before a brief halt was called and three of the braves were sent back -to form a rear guard. - -Throughout the day the flight was continued, with only two or three -breaks, when the men and horses stopped to quench their thirst at a -running stream. Even when night fell the march was continued. -Occasionally the band halted, while the men who formed the rear guard -joined them and a brief conference was held. In every case, however, -either the guard or those who were to take their place returned to the -rear and the journey was resumed. - -There were only slight and occasional rests during the second day. It -was becoming increasingly plain to Reuben that the men were not only in -desperate haste, but were in great fear of pursuit. - -Grimly the young prisoner assured himself that their fears were well -grounded, if their horses had been stolen from the band of which Kit -Carson was the leader. Still Reuben was not ill-treated, although his -conviction became stronger that if he should try to escape his fate -would be quickly sealed. - -The way over which they had come had been rough, and in places it was -only with great difficulty the horses were able to advance. The ride -was hard and all the braves by this time were showing the effect of -their almost continuous ride. The distance which they had covered, -however, had been much less than if they had been fleeing over the -plains. - -When the darkness of the third night fell the wearied warriors halted, -and Reuben suspected from their actions that now a longer time for rest -was to be granted. It was also plain that much of the fear which had -urged the Indians forward was gone. And even Reuben did not dare to -hope that his friends would follow the redmen so far. One hundred miles -or more had been covered in the three days, he assured himself. With a -sinking heart he was beginning to believe, with his captors, that the -possibility of pursuit no longer existed. Evidently the Indians all -felt now that they were safe. The silence which had rested over the -party gave place to noisy calls and shouts. - -Not long after the halt had been called, Reuben was startled when he -saw that the Indians were preparing for a feast. Two of the poor beasts -that had carried them safely throughout their flight and were nearly -exhausted were taken apart from the others and killed. The skins were -stripped from the bodies, and then over the fires, which were speedily -kindled, the flesh was roasted, and a wild feast followed. - -With strength restored by the food they had eaten and their fears of -pursuit now gone, the Indians were like children. They laughed and even -played pranks upon one another. - -After the hunger of the band had been appeased Reuben was given a -portion for his own needs. It was almost impossible for him to bite -through the tough flesh, but hunger provided a strong incentive and -soon he, too, was sharing in the changed mental attitude of the entire -group. As he glanced behind him at the hills among which they had -passed he saw that the moon had risen and that night was at hand. There -was still sufficient light, however, to enable him to see distinctly -all about him as he watched the antics of his childlike captors. - -Suddenly in the midst of their pranks there came a rude and sharp -interruption. The reports of rifles were heard from two sides of the -camp. Several of the Indians fell to the ground, and Reuben instantly -followed their example, although he was uninjured. - -With wild cries the redmen now ran for their horses, but as they -approached the place where they had corralled them there were fresh -shots, and others of the Indians fell. - -With renewed and louder shouts they now turned and ran swiftly toward -the plains beyond. Many of them had been able to secure mounts and some -of the horses were carrying double loads. Most of the animals, however, -had been abandoned in the sudden flight. - -By this time the men who had attacked the camp were near enough to -enable Reuben to recognize them as his recent companions. Among them he -saw the youthful form of Kit Carson riding at some distance to the left -of his comrades and evidently fearful of an attack from the redmen who -might still remain in the camp. - -Aside from those who had fallen, Reuben was convinced, as he lifted his -head and gazed about him, that he was the only one left there alive. -All those who had been able to escape had fled from the place. - -"Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!" he called loudly, afraid to lift his -head lest instantly he should be made the target of the excited -trappers. - -"Who's calling? Who is it?" demanded Kit Carson quickly, as he and his -companions stopped to stare blankly all about them at the unexpected -hail. - -"Here I am!" repeated Reuben. "If you won't shoot I'll stand up." - -"Go ahead, show yourself!" called Kit Carson. - -At the command Reuben instantly arose and was recognized by the scout -and his band. - - - - -CHAPTER XV--A LONELY RIDE - - -The surprise of the trapper at first made him speechless, as he gazed -at his young companion. He had been aware that Reuben had left the -camp, but as yet he was without any suspicion that evil had befallen -the lad. - -"Where did you come from? Why are you here?" he demanded slowly, as he -advanced to the place where Reuben was standing. - -"I came because they made me come," replied the boy somewhat ruefully. -"They cut me off in the valley, so I couldn't get back to the camp, and -then they tied me up and made me come." - -"You were very good to consent," replied Kit Carson dryly. - -"That wasn't the point," laughed Reuben, immensely relieved now that he -was once more among his friends. "It wasn't whether I wanted to come, -it was simply because I couldn't get away!" - -"How far do you think you have come?" - -"I haven't any idea. It seems like a long way." - -"It's a hundred miles." - -"Whew!" whistled Reuben. "The way we came when we first started made me -think that you were close on our heels. I never saw a band go faster -than they did, and they kept the horses well together, too. Why didn't -you overtake us?" - -"The redskins had too good a start. Some of the men thought we ought -not to keep on." - -"Why not?" - -"Because they said they were hiding among some of the gulches in the -Sierras, and we never would stand any chance of getting them, while -there was every chance that they would get us." - -"But it has turned out all right," laughed Reuben. "You have found me -and you have got back your horses." - -"Yes, and we got some redskins, too," added the guide quietly. As he -spoke he turned toward the place where several of the fallen bodies -were lying, and after he had examined every one to make sure that all -were lifeless he turned once more to his followers and said: "I don't -think there is much danger of the rascals following us, but at the same -time I think we had better start back for camp." - -His suggestion was speedily acted upon. The horses of the trappers had -travelled so fast and so far that some of them were well-nigh -exhausted. In spite of their condition, however, Kit Carson insisted -upon the men rapidly withdrawing from the region. Reuben, as a matter -of course, had joined the band, his heart lighter, now as he was -confident that his troubles were ended. His own pony was in better -condition than those of his companions, and it was not difficult for -him to maintain the speed at which they were riding. - -When two hours had elapsed and the sun had disappeared from sight, at -the word of Kit Carson the men halted in a narrow ravine, and after -guards had been established on each side of the camp, preparations for -supper were made speedily. - -These preparations, however, did not require much time, as the supplies -which the men had brought with them had been mostly consumed. Kit -Carson and his young companion entered into the nearby region hoping to -discover a deer or some birds which they might secure for supper. Their -efforts, however, were unavailing, as no signs of any living animal -were seen. When they returned to the camp the jerked venison which had -provided the diet for the past twenty-four hours was all the food in -the possession of the trappers. - -To Reuben the supper was tempting, because in the swiftness of the -flight of his captors they had stopped only twice to eat, although they -had halted several times for rest or to discover whether or not their -enemies were close upon their trail. - -Before midnight, at the call of the leader, the men once more rode -forward, and driving before them the ponies which they had reclaimed, -they resumed their journey toward their camp. - -No signs of pursuit had been discovered, and the quiet declaration of -Carson that the redskins would not attempt to follow them was accepted -by all the men as correct. The loss of so many of the warriors--for -eight had fallen at the first fire--doubtless had alarmed the Indians, -who in their flight were not fully aware of the numbers in the -attacking party. - -On the fourth day the band, with the horses which they had retaken from -the Indians, re-entered the camp. Kit Carson and Reuben at the time -formed the rear guard, so that they were unable to hear the words of -welcome which were given the returning men when first their presence -was discovered. In a brief time, however, the shouts were redoubled -when the stolen horses were all made secure and the leader and Reuben -rejoined their companions. - -"How did you do it, Kit?" called Jake. - -"We just kept at it." - -"How far did you go?" - -"Better than one hundred miles." - -Jake whistled and said: "We never believed you would keep up. When you -didn't come back at the end of the first day we began to think -something must have happened to you and we were going to send a party -out to rescue you." - -"That was mighty good of you," replied Kit Carson demurely, "but I'm -not in the habit of giving up when I start." - -"So it seems," laughed Jake. "I begin to understand why it is that the -men are all willing to follow you." - -"Why should we give up?" inquired the scout simply. "We started out to -get the horses, didn't we?" - -"Yes, but I've seen a good many men who were willing to start, but -that's as far as they ever got." - -"Well, we started and we came back, and when we came back we had the -horses with us. That's all there is to the story." - -The words of Kit Carson, however, belied the feeling of the camp. There -was great enthusiasm among the men, who were loud in their praises of -the young leader who had followed the fleeing Indians far beyond the -regions where they had believed he would be able to make his way or to -discover their trail. - -"It's all right now, anyway," said Kit quietly. "I'm ready to turn in -for the night." - -As soon as the simple supper had been prepared and eaten, all the men -in the camp sought their blankets. The horses which had been restored -had been hobbled, and the various guards of the camp had been so placed -that the approach of any one would be known at once. - -The following day, after a long conference between the young scout and -several of his men, Carson approached Reuben and said: "Do you think -you could find your way to San Gabriel if you were to go alone?" - -"Yes," replied Reuben quietly. "I am sure I can." - -"Through the Sierras?" - -"Yes, through the mountains. It is a simple path to find." - -Kit Carson smiled as he said: "I hope you'll find it so, because we -want to send you back to the mission." - -"When am I to go?" - -"Just as soon as you can get ready to start." - -"I shall be ready in five minutes." - -"That's the way to talk," said the scout quietly. "I'll tell you what -we want just as soon as you are ready." - -Within the time which he had allotted for his preparations Reuben had -all things in readiness for his departure. He had selected a pony which -he was confident would be fleet and sure-footed, and his few belongings -had been packed on the back of the faithful animal. Kit Carson handed -him a letter, sealed and addressed to "Captain White, at the San -Gabriel Mission." - -"It is very important," said Kit Carson in a low voice to Reuben after -the latter had mounted his pony. "Come back just as soon as you have an -answer. As I told you, it may be that there will be a man who will come -with you, but of that I am not sure. At all events you are to look out -for yourself, and don't get caught again by the redskins." - -"Do you think I shall meet any?" inquired Reuben, startled by the -suggestion. - -There was a quiet smile on the face of the scout as he said: "I don't -think you'll have any trouble. About all the Indians out here on the -coast do is to steal our horses or traps and get away with our skins. -Take care of the letter and don't lose it!" - -Armed with his rifle, and with provisions sufficient for his journey -strapped upon the back of his sturdy little pony, Reuben departed from -the camp. The way he was to follow lay for a time among the hills. In -the heart of the excited boy there was a feeling of elation that he had -been selected for this journey. He was eager to show Kit Carson and his -comrades that they could depend upon his coolness and that he would be -able to make his way in safety to the old mission and there deliver his -message. He was mindful of the heat of the plains and of the length of -the journey and consequently he did not urge his pony. At last he found -himself among the narrow defiles of the bleak and towering Sierras. - -It was not difficult for him to retrace the way by which he had come -from the old mission the last time he had visited the station. It was -now early in the morning, and he was hopeful that before sunset he -would once more be among the friendly Indians and the whites who dwelt -at San Gabriel. - -The morning passed without any adventures, and the afternoon sun was -waning when at last Reuben entered a defile that was, as he recalled -it, several miles long. On his left were stunted growths of trees and -the sides of the mountains sloped gently back with the valley. On the -opposite side, however, the cliffs were steep and the mighty crags in -places hung directly over his pathway. He was following the bed of a -stream, which was nearly dry, as the snows had largely disappeared from -the slopes of the mountains. The sense of his absolute loneliness was -resting more heavily upon him now that he was tired from the long ride. - -Suddenly the pony stopped and trembled violently in every muscle. An -instant later the frightened animal did its utmost to leap forward, and -it was only by using all his strength that Reuben was able to restrain -him. Then it was that he glanced behind him to discover the cause of -the terror of his horse. His own alarm was hardly less when not more -than twenty yards behind him he saw the crouching figure of a mountain -lion. The savage beast evidently was following him, occasionally -seeking the shelter of some huge rock, or climbing among the bushes. It -was unusual, however, for such treacherous animals to come into the -open, as the one behind him now was doing, and for a moment Reuben was -at a loss to account for the tenacity with which the powerful beast had -been clinging to his trail. - -Instantly Reuben raised his rifle to his shoulder and fired. At that -very moment, however, his pony, maddened by terror, suddenly leaped -forward, and the aim of the young hunter was destroyed. It was plain an -instant later that the savage mountain lion was unharmed. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI--A MOUNTAIN LION - - -Reuben was aware that if he permitted his pony to run, the beast would -instantly pursue him. He knew also that it would not be long before the -mountain lion would overtake the fleeing pony. As long as he moved -slowly, he had been frequently informed by his companions, a lion, -though it might creep close upon his trail, would not be likely to -attack him. On the other hand, if he should show his fear by flight the -courage of the lion instantly would be strengthened and it would follow -and attack any man or animal that fled in this way from his presence. - -The snorting and trembling of the pony he was riding were pitiful. The -flanks of the swift little animal already were wet, and its eyes were -rolling and bloodshot with terror. By a supreme effort, however, Reuben -succeeded in bringing the pony to a walk, and though there were moments -when his mount was so terrified that it almost crouched upon the -ground, still he was able to prevent it from running. It was impossible -now for the boy to reload his gun. The actions of the pony prevented -him from holding his rifle sufficiently quiet to enable him to ram home -the bullet. - -Occasionally Reuben glanced behind him, and he was aware that the one -long leap forward which the mountain lion had taken when the pony had -first darted ahead had given place to a more wary and careful approach. -The savage beast was creeping along the ground. For several yards it -would advance in this crouching manner, and then when Reuben looked -behind him it would leap back into the bushes or seek the shelter of -some huge crag. - -Reuben was carrying his rifle in his hands, ready to defend himself if -the beast should leap upon the flanks of his pony. The lion was now not -more than thirty feet behind him, and why it did not attack him the -young trapper was at a loss to understand. - -Reuben glanced anxiously at the sky, and his fears increased when he -discovered that already the afternoon sun was below the rim of the -mountain. Darkness would soon approach and would come, as he was aware, -after the manner of the sunset among the towering mountains. Usually -there was only a brief period of twilight. The day abruptly ceased and -night with equal abruptness swept over the land. Confident that his -perils would be greatly increased with the coming of night, Reuben was -at a loss how he was to prevent the lion from following him, until in -the darkness in some narrow defile it would leap upon its victim. - -Again he glanced behind him at the beast, which now was motionless, -crouched as if it had been a cat ready to spring upon a helpless and -unsuspecting bird. A moment later, however, he saw it leap gracefully -into the bushes and disappear from sight. - -The young trapper was still compelling his horse to walk. His arms were -aching from the strain of the pull upon the bridle, and he was nearly -as wet as the horse he was riding. Several times he glanced back, but -the pursuing mountain lion was not to be seen. Could it be possible -that the beast had abandoned the pursuit? - -The attitude of the animal when last it had been seen was not such as -to convince Reuben that there was any ground for such a hope. Suddenly -he recalled a statement he had heard made by Kit Carson. One time when -the young scout had been relating an experience which he had had with -one of the savage mountain lions, he had told how the beast after -following its victim for a considerable distance, sometimes disappeared -within the forest and later was seen far in advance when the -unsuspecting party it had been following had relaxed his watchfulness, -believing himself to be safe because the pursuit had been abandoned. -The thought was not reassuring, and instantly Reuben gave rein to his -sturdy little pony. - -The terror-stricken horse dashed forward. The ground was uneven, and -several times the little animal nearly fell as it bounded ahead. It was -a wild and a mad flight, and Reuben not only did not hold back the -pony, but continually urged it to a swifter flight. In this way he rode -forward for a half-mile or more until the heaving sides of his horse -gave evidence that its strength was nearly exhausted. - -At the time he was entering a narrow passage in the valley. The light -was becoming dimmer, but he was able to see that still about one -hundred feet of the defile was before him. - -Soon after he had given a brief breathing spell to his pony he was -startled when the horse suddenly emitted a snort of terror and once -more bounded forward. Glancing swiftly behind him, Reuben's fears all -returned when he saw approaching from among the trees on the -mountainside the same mountain lion which had pursued him and whose -savage attack he had hoped had been abandoned. - -Yelling loudly, Reuben once more urged his horse into its swiftest -paces. There was a scream of anger from the pursuing lion, and Reuben's -heart almost ceased to beat when he saw that the animal already was -leaping forward in swift pursuit. - -Abandoning his grasp on the bridle, Reuben seized his gun by the barrel -and turning partly around in his saddle, with his uplifted gun he -awaited the attack. The snarling beast advanced until it was within a -few yards of the terrified boy. The pony, meantime, was running -swiftly, snorting with terror and groaning with every breath it drew. - -Abruptly Reuben turned still farther about in his seat, and yelling in -his loudest tones shouted: "Get out! Clear out! Get away from here!" - -He followed his words with a hissing sound, and to his delight the -beast suddenly stopped, gazed in surprise or alarm at what he had -evidently believed was a terrified victim, and then with long leaps -instantly turned, bounded into the forest, and disappeared from sight. - -Whether or not the pursuit had been abandoned Reuben did not know. He -quickly gave all his attention to the horse he was riding, and as he -passed beyond the border of the defile and was unable to discover any -signs of the presence of his recent pursuer, he decided to continue the -flight and do his utmost to escape from the savage animal. - -For ten minutes the wild flight continued, until the pony no longer was -able to maintain its pace. Again and again Reuben had glanced behind -him, but not once had he seen the mountain lion. What pleased him still -more was the fact that in advance of him he saw the end of the narrow -valley. Once there he would be able to move down upon the plains, and -he did not believe that the hungry brute would dare to follow him -beyond the protection of the mountain. However, he halted and with -trembling hands reloaded his rifle. He had decided that it would be -safe as well as wise for him to take this precaution. If the beast -should appear again he would stop his horse and fire at the animal. -Resuming his flight, not many minutes had elapsed before Reuben found -himself upon the plains. - -The night now was upon him, but the light was still sufficient to -enable him to see, though somewhat indistinctly, the outlines of the -rocks and trees behind him. But the valley was no place of shelter, -although he was aware that the Mission of San Gabriel was not more than -seven or eight miles distant. - -Only a brief time had elapsed before the young trapper was convinced -that the mountain lion had abandoned its pursuit and turning back had -sought the shelter of the defiles of the mountain. - -Satisfied now that he had nothing more to fear, Reuben allowed his -horse to proceed more slowly, though the manner in which the poor beast -was holding its head as it advanced clearly indicated how nearly -exhausted the pony was. - -In this manner he moved steadily forward until he had come near to one -of the farms owned by the mission and cultivated by the Indians. A rude -little house was plainly to be seen in the distance, but as no light -was shining from its windows, the young trapper decided to push forward -and not stop until he had arrived at the destination he was seeking. - -He had left the farmhouse far behind him and was moving forward over -the dusty road when suddenly he saw before him the outlines of an -approaching man. The man, however, was advancing in a strange manner. -He was moving from one side of the road to the other, and yet as Reuben -keenly watched him he was sure that the stranger was not intoxicated. -Why then was he approaching in such a strange manner? He was carrying -no burden upon his back, and both hands were free. - -Still keenly watching the man who was steadily coming nearer, Reuben -suddenly was startled by a motion that seemed to him strangely -familiar. It reminded him of the companion whom he had lost among the -foothills of the Rockies. But not a word had been heard from Jean -Badeau. - -Still believing that it was impossible that anything more than a -resemblance had been discovered in the man, when Reuben came close to -him he halted his horse and peered intently into the face of the -stranger. The face strongly resembled that of the missing French -trapper. And yet it was so unlike his friend's that Reuben was at a -loss to decide whether or not his former companion was indeed now -before him. - -The strangest part of all was that the man appeared to be entirely -unaware of the presence of Reuben. He seldom glanced at him, and even -when he did so Reuben felt a shiver creep along his spine, for there -was something uncanny in the expression of the man's face. Reuben -somehow had a feeling that the man was not so much looking at him as -looking through him. Indeed, his fear increased when he became aware -that the man not only did not reply to his questions, but that he did -not even seem to be aware of his presence. - -"Jean, Jean!" called Reuben in a low voice. "Is that you?" - -As no answer was given to his query, the excited boy in a trembling -voice again said: "What are you doing here? How did you escape from the -Indians?" - -Either ignoring or unaware of the questions which had been asked, the -man continued his zigzag journey and soon passed out of the sight of -the perplexed young trapper. - -Partly convinced that he had mistaken the strange man for Jean Badeau, -and that it was impossible for his former companion to be among the men -assembled at the San Gabriel Mission, Reuben quickly resumed his -journey. His pony now was somewhat rested, and in a brief time, of its -own accord, it broke into the swifter gait it had maintained most of -the way since the camp of the trappers had been left. - -Reuben was still thinking of the two strange adventures which had -befallen him on his ride when at last he drew near the walls that -surrounded the old mission, and in response to his pull upon the -bell-rope the gate was opened and he was admitted. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII--THE COMING OF RAT - - -The man to whom Reuben was to deliver his message was not to be found -at the mission. However, the tired young traveller was warmly welcomed, -and soon after he had eaten his supper he was soundly sleeping. - -The following morning his message was delivered to Captain White, who -was in command of a schooner which had sailed from New York around Cape -Horn. The captain read the letter which Reuben had brought, and then -looking keenly into the face of the lad, he said: "How many skins have -they?" - -"There are a good many," replied Reuben, "but I don't know just how -many." - -"Do you think they have got enough to fill the hold of the _Charming -Nancy_?" - -"I've never seen the _Charming Nancy_!" - -The captain, who was a large, good-natured man, laughed noisily at the -response and then said: "I guess you're a Yankee?" - -"I am not a Yankee," retorted Reuben. "I come from Pain Court." - -"Whew!" whistled the captain. "You're a youngster to be so far away -from home. How old are you?" - -"I'll be sixteen my next birthday." - -"Is that so? You'll be quite an old gentleman soon if you don't look -out. I guess you had better go back and tell your boss that we can -strike up some kind of a deal, if he doesn't want too much for his -furs." - -"Shall I take that message?" - -"Yes." - -"Aren't you going to write a letter?" - -"I hadn't thought anything about it. Can you write?" - -"Yes," answered Reuben. - -"Well, then, you write the letter. I'll tell you what to say." - -Suspecting that the handwriting of the captain was perhaps not of the -best, Reuben obtained a quill pen and some paper and ink and soon had -written a letter at the dictation of the man. Just why he should be -asked to do this he did not understand, inasmuch as it would be as easy -for him to report what was said as it was to write out the direct -message of Captain White. However, he discreetly held his peace, and -the following day, with the letter in his pocket, set forth on his -return to camp. - -In spite of his determination to be brave, Reuben's heart was beating -rapidly when once more he rode into the ravine where the mountain lion -had threatened to attack him. It was speedily manifest also that the -pony had vivid recollections of his experiences in the narrow valley -and was eager to be beyond its confines. - -Without any reluctance Reuben gave the hardy little beast free rein and -at a rapid pace rode through the place of peril without any mishap. He -maintained a keen outlook on both sides of the gorge, but did not -discover any signs of the presence of the enemy which had so nearly -attacked him two days before. Nor was Reuben molested in the remainder -of his journey back to the camp. - -When he arrived he at once delivered his message and explained to Kit -Carson and others the questions which Captain White had asked him. - -"We can fix this all right," said Kit Carson quickly. "I think we have -skins enough to fill the hold of the _Charming Nancy_ so that neither -Captain White nor her owners will have any reason to complain." - -Several days elapsed, however, before the bargain was completed. In -this time the scout himself went to San Gabriel and had two or three -personal interviews with the jovial sea captain. - -When Kit Carson returned, Reuben was particularly interested in the -description he gave of an attack which had been made upon him by the -mountain lion. - -"Where did you find him?" inquired Reuben. - -"Why, it was among the foothills about seven or eight miles this side -of San Gabriel." - -"That's exactly where I met one. Did you kill it?" - -"I think so," replied Kit Carson quietly. "The beast crept up behind me -and I had all I could do to keep my pony from running away with me." - -"That's exactly what happened to me. I don't see how you shot him." - -"I think it must have been pure luck. I got the pony quiet for a minute -and turned around and fired at the beast when it was not more than ten -or twelve feet away. A blind man couldn't have missed it." - -Reuben had his own thoughts as to the truthfulness of the modest -declaration, but he did not give expression to them. In response to the -questions of the scout, he modestly related the incident which had -befallen him in his own journey in the same region. - -"You were a lucky lad," said Kit Carson warmly. "And you couldn't have -acted better if you had been sixty-one instead of sixteen. You never -had seen one before, had you?" - -"No." - -"I don't understand yet why it was that you didn't put your pony into a -run and try to escape. It was lucky for you that you didn't, for if you -had tried it the beast would have got you as sure as fate." - -"I had heard Jean tell about the lions, and all that he had said -flashed into my mind in a minute. And I saw a man at San Gabriel that -looked so much like Jean that I was almost sure that it was he." - -"Are you sure that he wasn't?" - -"No, and that's what puzzles me most of all. You see I left him the -other side of the Rocky Mountains. It can't be possible that he made -his way all alone through the Rockies, and across the plains and over -the Sierras into San Gabriel. Besides, this man looks as if he was -either crazy or a fool. There's something the matter with him anyway. -He stared at me as if I was like air and he could look straight through -me." - -"I never met a man like that," said Kit Carson quietly, smiling as he -spoke. "I guess it will turn out all right, and, besides, you may have -several chances to see him again in the next few days. We're going to -load up our ponies with the furs we have taken, or at least with a part -of them, and send them down to Captain White." - -"What is he going to do with them?" - -"Take them to New York for us. We shan't let him have all that we have -taken, but it will save a long hard ride if we let him have some of -them here, and besides, I think now we shall trap much of the way back -to Taos. By the time we get there we ought to have a load that will -satisfy every man, to say nothing of our horses." - -In the three weeks that followed, all the ponies of the camp were -brought into service. They were heavily loaded with the skins that the -trappers had secured and then began their long journey to the _Charming -Nancy_. A careful record was kept, and a division among the trappers of -the amount received from the sales of furs was to be made later. - -Soon afterward the men returned to their camp and for several days were -busily engaged in other tasks. Indeed, they were unusually successful, -and the piles of beaver skins steadily mounted higher and higher. - -At last when it was decided to break camp the trappers delayed a day in -order to make a _cache_. A long trench was made in an unusually dry -bank of earth not far from a stream on which the men had been trapping. -A deep hole or excavation was made in this bank until a trench several -yards wide and many yards long had been fashioned. All the time the men -maintained guards and also took the utmost pains to hide every trace of -their labours so that none of the prowling Indians would suspect either -the task in which they had been engaged or the place where the skins -had been hidden. - -The turf was cut with great care and placed on one side of the hole. -Much of the top soil then was placed on blankets or buffalo robes. The -rest of the dirt which they dug while they were making the excavation -was carried in pails by the men to the middle of the stream and there -poured into the rushing waters. - -At last when the hole was as large as they desired, twigs and dry -grasses were cut and with these the trappers carefully lined the hole -which they had dug. After all this had been done the furs were tightly -packed and stored in the place. Last of all, grass and loose skins were -placed over the bundles of furs and pounded with the top soil, which -had been saved and had now been brought back from the place in which it -had been stored. Then all the ground was watered and the turf was -replaced with utmost care. After the task had been accomplished, unless -a man had been informed of the work which had been done, it would have -been almost impossible for him to discover any signs about the place -that the trappers had made a storehouse in which they had concealed -their furs. - -A little later, when the September days came, it was decided by the -trappers that they would start homeward. But it was also agreed that -they would trap throughout their journey. They were to escape the -hardest part of the ride across the desert because they now planned to -follow the Colorado River in its course until they came to the Gila. -Then their course again was to be changed and they were to follow that -river on their homeward way. In this manner they were confident that -they would be able to trap as they journeyed and, if fortune should -favour them, they would add many skins to those which they already had -taken. - -The plan was speedily approved, and as the men sat about the camp -talking of the return which they were now eager to make, the -proceedings were interrupted by the approach of a stranger. - -Instantly Reuben recognized him as Rat, the braggart whom he had last -seen when he was among the foothills of the Rockies. - -Confidently, as if the man himself had been a member of the band for a -long time, the stranger approached and said: "I want to stop with you -over night." - -"You're welcome," replied Kit Carson, nevertheless gazing keenly at the -stranger as he spoke. - -"I have taken about fifteen hundred skins," said the visitor, laughing -loudly as he spoke. - -"Where are they?" inquired the scout. - -"They are where I have hidden them so that neither you nor anybody else -ever will find them, if I don't want you to. There isn't a man this -side of Pain Court that can make a _cache_ as good as the one I made." - -"You're fortunate," said Kit Carson quietly. "You're lucky not only to -have the skins, but to be able to hide them so that no one will ever -find them." - -"That's where you're right," laughed the stranger. "What have you done -with all your skins?" he added as he looked about the camp. - -"We have been lucky, too," said Kit Carson quietly. "Captain White of -the _Charming Nancy_ has shipped a lot of our furs as a part of his -cargo." - -"Maybe he'll take mine, too." - -"It's too late. He has sailed before now." - -"That's a pity," said Rat. "I'll have to tote mine clear across the -desert. I think I'll have one or two of your men go with me." - -"That cannot be done." - -"Oh, yes, it can!" roared the man. - -"No," replied Kit Carson, still speaking in low tones. "There isn't any -one of us that wants to go with you." - -"What do you mean by that?" roared Rat, leaping to his feet as he -spoke. "Do you mean to say my company isn't desired?" - -"That isn't what I said." - -"Is that what you mean?" - -"I usually mean what I say." - -"Is that what you mean?" again thundered the angry giant, who acted now -much as if he had been striving to pick a quarrel with some one. - -"I haven't anything more to say. If you want to pick a fight with some -one you had better go on to some other place." - -Rat now was angry and he took no pains to conceal his feelings. As yet -he had not recognized Reuben, and the lad was too keenly excited by -what was occurring in the camp to call the attention of the quarrelsome -man to himself. - -"I don't have to go on. There isn't any American in this camp that I -can't switch." - -A silence followed the speech of the boastful man and it was not broken -until Kit Carson said quietly: "It's plain you're not an American. I -am, and I demand that you take back what you said." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII--A FIGHT - - -Instantly a silence that was tense and could almost be felt fell upon -the entire camp. All the trappers gazed in surprise first at the tall, -awkward boaster and then at Kit Carson, who in comparison with the -other man seemed to be little more than a boy in size. Brawls and -quarrels were not uncommon among the lonely men, but this was the first -time any one had known Kit Carson to join in the petty bickerings of -the camp. - -Reuben, startled at first by the quiet manner in which his friend had -spoken, now looked at him in alarm. It did not seem possible that so -slight and light a man as the guide would be able to defend himself -against the braggart, who was known as the bully of the West. It is -true Rat had no friends among the trappers. Every one had looked upon -him as one who talked much but whose deeds were lacking. It was -commonly reported that he was better able to tell other men how to trap -the beaver than he was to secure the little animals in his own traps. - -To the excited Reuben the huge shoulders of the bully looked broader -than ever he had seen them before. And yet for some strange reason Rat -did not leap forward to attack Kit Carson when the latter in his quiet -manner had demanded that he take back his remark that he could "switch -any American in the camp." - -The silence, however, was soon broken. Rat hesitated a moment and then, -turning abruptly, with long strides walked to his tent. At the actions -of the bully Kit Carson also started for his own tent, and every man -present understood at once what was about to occur. The two men, who -seemed to be so unequally matched, were to fight, and each had gone to -his tent for his weapons. This method of settling quarrels was the one -commonly used on the border. - -With this thought in mind, every member of Kit Carson's band was eager -to see the coming contest. At once they all drew more closely together, -and although many were fearful for the life of their brave little -leader, there was no one that ventured to express his opinion. - -In a few moments the swaggering Rat, holding his rifle in his hand, and -his face fierce in its expression of rage, rushed forward on his -powerful horse. Almost at the same moment Kit Carson, light and -graceful in every movement, approached on horseback from the opposite -side of the camp. He carried no rifle, but from his belt there -protruded the stock of his pistol. - -Kit Carson had always been a lover of good horses. Several times in the -journeys along the streams and in the valleys of the mountains he had -turned aside a part of a day from his regular task of trapping and had -caught the leaders of several bands of wild horses. The horse upon -which he now was mounted was one of these captives. Its black coat was -shining in the sunlight and its expression of intelligence almost -seemed to convey the idea that it understood the peril of its master -and was determined to do its utmost to aid him. Carson rode without any -saddle. No man in all the camp was considered a better rider, or more -able to compel the animal he was riding to obey his every word. At full -gallop the young scout advanced swiftly toward Rat, who, as has been -said, was also mounted upon a powerful horse. - -Suddenly checking his horse as he approached Rat, Kit Carson in a low -voice said: "Am I the man you are looking for?" - -For a moment the two men gazed steadily each into the face of the -other, and then Rat replied, "No." - -As he spoke, however, he lowered his rifle, and although his actions -apparently were without any design, his gun was pointed directly at the -heart of the scout. - -But Kit Carson was not to be taken unaware. He had heard Rat's -declaration that he was not looking for trouble, but the action of the -treacherous boaster when he had lowered his rifle so that it was aimed -directly at his heart did not escape him. He understood fully what the -plan of the treacherous man now was likely to be. - -Like a flash he pulled his own pistol and fired at his enemy. True to -his aim the bullet struck the arm of Rat, even while his fingers were -almost upon the trigger of his rifle. Indeed, as Kit Carson fired, -Rat's rifle also was discharged, but the wound which he had received -caused his arm to turn and the ball which he had intended to send into -the heart of the scout passed harmlessly above his head. Instantly the -men of the camp ran forward and surrounded the two fighters. - -Kit Carson smiled quietly as he saw his friends approach, and then -waving them back, said in a low voice: "I have done just exactly what I -planned to do. I have prevented him from shooting me, and I think I -have given him a lesson that he will remember for some time, and yet I -have not killed him." - -"That's right, Kit! That's right!" spoke up Jack. "We know that you're -not quarrelsome, and this is the first time I ever saw you draw a gun -on a white man." - -Meanwhile the bully, groaning loudly and holding his wounded arm in his -hand, was led from the spot, while two of the trappers, with water from -the spring, washed his wound and bound up his hand after the fashion -employed by the men of the frontier. In the days that followed Reuben -was not able to induce Kit Carson to refer to the fight into which he -had been drawn. - -Not many days elapsed, however, before Rat declared that he would no -longer stay in the camp, and true to his word, he soon afterward -withdrew from the place. Nor was he seen again until several months had -elapsed, and then it was under conditions that caused every member of -the band to remember his coming. - -"It's time for us to be turning back," said Kit Carson early one -morning, not long after the contest which has just been described. - -"Go back where?" inquired Reuben quickly. "To Pain Court?" - -"No. I don't intend to go back there for years." - -"Where are we going?" - -"To Taos." - -"We'll have to come back here again," suggested Reuben. "We have cached -our furs." - -"Oh, we shall come back," replied Carson, smiling as he spoke. "Very -likely we'll be back here the next trapping season." - -In accordance with the word of the leader, it was not long before the -few wagons in which the trappers had brought their provisions, in -addition to the supplies which had been carried on the backs of their -ponies and mules, were loaded with the furs which had been secured -after the cache had been made. Then following the course which already -had been decided upon, the men slowly made their way down the Colorado, -trapping as they went, until they at last arrived at the Gila. Then, -turning once more in their course, they trapped along the banks of the -latter river and finally, well laden with the skins they had taken, set -forth on their journey to Taos. - -After their arrival there and in the days that followed, Reuben Benton -made many visits with his friend Kit Carson among the Indians, until -he, too, had learned much of their language and also had learned enough -Spanish to express his wants in that musical tongue. He shared fully in -the feeling of respect and love which the Indians manifested for the -young scout, who now was becoming famous among the scattered people on -the border. In this manner the days passed until at last the time had -come when once more the trappers were to return to the region from -which they had recently set forth. - -As they advanced, the friendly Indians gave place to those who were -more hostile. The fame of Kit Carson already had preceded their coming, -and many of the redmen, although they hated the whites, nevertheless -were fearful of an encounter with them. Indeed, the trappers were not -molested throughout their long journey, until at last there came a -night which was long remembered by Reuben. - -At that time, when the trappers had gone into camp, they had -established a guard for their horses. This guard was on duty throughout -the hours of the day, being shifted several times so that no one man -would be compelled to serve an undue length of time. When night drew -nigh the horses were hobbled. Frequently, however, the fear of the -prowling Indians caused Kit Carson to direct his men to tie the animals -to stakes which had been driven into the ground. - -All these precautions, however, did not avail. There were times when -prowling Indian bands stealthily crept near the camp, and while the men -were sleeping the redskins cut the ropes by which the horses were -fastened to the stakes and either led them quickly away or tried to -secure a larger number by driving some of their own horses directly -through the camp, the Indians themselves closely following the -frightened animals and yelling in their loudest tones. At such times -there was danger that even the picketed horses would break away and -join the herd that was rushing upon them. - -And this very event occurred on a never-to-be-forgotten night. Before -morning dawned Carson, having discovered the loss, quickly selected a -half-dozen of his followers and upon the backs of the horses that were -still left in the camp hastily followed the fleeing Indians. - -Reuben, who was permitted to follow the men, although his friends -strongly urged him to remain in the camp, was soon aware that the -Indians were well armed and were not inclined to give up the prizes -they had taken without a struggle. - -Many of the Indians now were armed with rifles, and the members of the -thieving band far outnumbered those of the little party that was -pursuing them. Several times among the mountains the Indians stopped -and from behind huge rocks fired upon the approaching white men. - -Reuben was aware soon after the party had set forth that the night was -to be intensely cold. Indeed, his fingers soon were so numb that he was -scarcely able to hold the reins of the pony he was riding. However, he -was determined not to give way to his suffering, and without a word of -complaint steadily maintained his place in the line. - -The men were confident that the Indians were not far before them. -Already they had had two brisk encounters, in which each party had -fired at the other, but whatever the results may have been among the -Indians, no one among the whites as yet had been hit. - -Kit Carson's men were making greater haste than they would had they not -been so eager to recover the horses they had lost. Because of this fact -they had advanced boldly into a long and narrow valley and had not -stopped to make sure that a part of the force they were pursuing had -not been left at the entrance while others had gone in advance to draw -the white men forward. - -When the angry trappers had arrived at the place midway in the valley, -suddenly shots were heard not only in front of them but also from the -rear. In an instant it was plain that an ambuscade had been made and -the whites had been caught between the two lines of their foes. - -As the party still continued on its way, Kit Carson ordered every man -to hold his fire. Suddenly one of the trappers, who was riding on -Reuben's right, uttered a loud cry and, dropping his rifle as he threw -up his arms, almost fell from the back of his horse. - -"Go on, men!" called Kit Carson, instantly, while he himself dropped -back to assist his companion in his peril. - -An instant later, however, a cry went up from all the trappers when it -was seen that Kit Carson himself had been hit by a rifle ball and was -reeling on the back of his pony. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX--TRAPPED - - -The confusion among the trappers instantly was almost overwhelming. The -affection which every member of the party had for the brave little -scout was strong, and all the men were fearful now that with the fall -of Kit Carson the destruction of the band might follow. There was no -one to take his place as leader. - -It was the wounded leader himself, however, who in his quiet tones -reassured his comrades as soon as they had carried him to a place of -safety. "Don't be scared," he urged them, when they had placed him upon -the blankets which they spread upon the ground. - -"Where were you hit?" inquired Reuben, his voice breaking as he spoke. - -"The fellow got me in the shoulder," replied Kit Carson. In a moment -his hunting shirt was torn away by his excited friends. The weather was -intensely cold and the blood from his wound had quickly frozen on his -clothing. - -After one or two attempts had been made to lay bare the wound, the -young scout, who was suffering intensely, said: "It will be better if -only one of you tries to help me." His face was drawn and colourless, -but his courage in the midst of his suffering appealed so strongly to -his friends that his directions were instantly followed. - -"Go down to the brook," suggested Kit Carson to Reuben, "and bring back -your cap full of water." - -At his utmost speed Reuben ran down the slope of the valley to the -noisy brook at its base. In his excitement he dashed into the stream -unmindful of the fact that he might obtain the water he desired without -wetting his own clothing. - -He was still unaware, however, of his condition when he rushed back to -the place where his friend was lying, and in a brief time the trapper -that had been designated for the task was washing the leader's wound. - -Once during the operation the face of the patient became deadly white. -He did not lose consciousness, however, and although he was suffering -intense pain not a murmur escaped his lips. This heroic endurance of -suffering was one of the cardinal requirements of the hardy men of the -frontier. No one was surprised at their leader's power of endurance, -but the fact that he still directed his friends in their efforts to aid -him, sending Reuben several times to the stream for fresh supplies of -water, nevertheless impressed them all. Throughout this time guards had -taken their places to make sure that the horde of Indians did not break -through and attack them again while they were unprepared. In a brief -time it became manifest that the Indians were unaware of the damage -they had wrought, for they did not offer to advance from the rocks -behind which they had been concealed. - -When at last the wound had been bathed and bandaged as best the men -were able, and a hunting shirt from one of the trappers had been tied -about the shoulders of the suffering man, preparations for the return -to camp were speedily made. - -"The best thing to do is to make a litter and take me home on it," said -Kit Carson in a low voice. "Cut some poles and swing two of the -blankets on them. I think that will be the best way to carry me." - -In accordance with these directions a rough hammock-like litter was -soon made and the wounded trapper was tenderly placed upon it. His -friends gently lifted the poles to their shoulders and then, after -advance and rear guards had been established for the little line, they -proceeded on their way back to the camp. Fortunately they were not -molested on their way. Once in the camp, the men no longer were afraid, -and quickly a bed was made for their leader upon which he soon was -placed. - -The clean life and the strong constitution of the young trapper now -came to his assistance. In spite of the fact that the wound was painful -the precautions which his friends had taken had prevented the -development of serious trouble and not many days had elapsed before Kit -Carson declared that he was as well as ever. Indeed, only a few weeks -had passed before Kit Carson's activities in visiting his traps were as -great as they had been before his unfortunate adventure with the -Indians. It was upon one of his daily rounds, in which Reuben -accompanied him, that the lad gained a fresh insight into the character -of the man of whom now he was intensely fond. - -Meat was needed in the camp, and Kit Carson, whose skill as a hunter -was acknowledged by all, promised to provide fresh game. His traps -already had been visited and much of the day's work had been done when -he turned to Reuben and said: "Lad, would you like to go with me?" - -"Where are you going?" inquired Reuben. - -"I want to get some game." - -"Yes, I'll have my rifle in a minute." - -Hastening into the tent he occupied, Reuben soon returned with his -rifle, powder-horn, and bullet-pouch. Together the two men started on -their hunt among the mountains. They had not gone far before they -discovered that they would be able to obtain as many rabbits as they -might desire. - -"I want bigger game than that," said Kit Carson dryly. "If you want to -turn back you may go, Reuben, but I'm going on a little farther. I have -seen some signs that make me think there are some elk not far away." - -"Have you seen their tracks?" - -"Yes, there are some now," replied the scout, pointing, as he spoke, to -some spots in the ground before him. - -Reuben was unable to discover any resemblance to the track of an elk, -even after he had carefully inspected the places indicated, but his -confidence in his companion was supreme and he quickly said, "I'll go -on with you." - -He was rejoiced when not long after the advance was resumed they saw -near a clump of trees in the distance a small herd of the animals they -were seeking. - -"The thing for us to do," whispered Kit Carson, "is to try to get -closer to those trees. If we once get under cover there I think we can -bag two or three." - -Cautiously and slowly the two eager hunters worked their way toward the -trees in the distance. Both were aware how keenly alert the elk were -and how difficult it would be for the hunters to obtain the shelter -they were seeking. Frequently the animals lifted their heads and gazed -in their direction. Less than a half-hour had elapsed before Kit Carson -said abruptly in a low voice: "They have seen us! The only thing to do -now is to try to bring down one of them. Be quick, Reuben!" - -Both men knelt and aimed at the animals, which already had turned to -flee from the place where they were feeding. Together the reports of -the two guns rang out and a moment later one of the running elk fell to -the ground. - -"I missed him," said Reuben dolefully. - -"You don't know whether you did or not," laughed Kit Carson. "Only one -was hit, that's plain, but whether it was by your gun or mine no one -can say. Come on, we'll get this one anyway." - -Advancing rapidly, the two hunters ran toward the place where the body -of the elk was lying. They had approached within a few yards of the -body when both young hunters were startled by the sound of branches -snapping in the bushes nearby. As they looked up they saw two immense -grizzly bears advancing upon them. It was instantly clear that the -bears were as hungry as the men and that they, too, had been doing -their utmost to obtain fresh meat. Perhaps also the huge bears were -angry that unexpected rivals had appeared in the hunt. At all events, -the only safety for the two young hunters was to seek flight instantly. - -Neither had stopped to reload his rifle, so eager had both been to make -sure that the elk which had fallen was killed. - -Without a word to his companion Kit Carson instantly ran for a nearby -tree, leaving Reuben to use his own devices. And Reuben was not slow in -following the example of his friend. In spite of his fear he recalled -the conversation which he had had with the scout not long before this -time. Kit Carson at that time had declared that it was much better when -a man was hunting for him to go alone. In response to the protests of -Reuben he had said: "If two go together and something comes up that -makes it absolutely necessary for quick action, if there are two -hunters they will stop and talk before they decide what to do. The -result will be not only that much valuable time will be lost, but the -plan they will follow will probably be neither that of one nor of the -other, but a sort of compromise. The only way is for a man not to stop -to discuss things when he must make up his mind in a hurry. If he's -alone, there won't be any trouble, and he will not only do what he -wants to, but probably will do what was the best thing for him to do -under the circumstances." - -Recollections of this conversation were in Reuben's mind as he ran at -his utmost speed toward a sapling he saw not far before him. -Fortunately the boy was able to gain the shelter up which he was -confident the bears would not attempt to climb. It is true they were -able to climb almost any tree which a man could use, but the one in -which Reuben had sought shelter was so small that he did not believe -the lumbering bears would attempt to climb it. He was satisfied, when -at last he rested in a crotch of the tree, that he was twelve feet from -the ground and beyond the swing of the paws of the angry beasts. - -Assured of his safety, Reuben excitedly turned to see what had befallen -his companion. His own gun he had dropped at the base of the tree when -he had made his ascent. He was therefore without any means of defense -or of aiding his comrade. - -Not far away he saw the scout just as he arrived at the base of a tree. -Without hesitating a moment Kit Carson nimbly seized a branch and swung -himself up into the tree, while the two bears--for both had started in -the pursuit of the fleeing scout--were several yards behind him. - -Excitedly Reuben watched the grizzlies as they bounded forward. The -steady swing from side to side which marked their course while they -were running had disappeared. Reuben's heart almost stopped beating -while he gazed at the awkward and yet swift animals. Would they be able -to reach the tree before the scout could climb higher among the -branches? Reuben speedily was aware that the bears had by no means -abandoned the chase. As soon as they arrived at the base of the tree -one of them quickly began its ascent. - -The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew his knife after -he had ascended as far up the tree as evidently he had planned to go. -Quickly a sturdy branch was cut and trimmed. The grizzly was steadily -mounting, but the victim that he was seeking now held a stout club in -his hands and was preparing to defend himself. - -"And yet," thought Reuben, "what can Kit Carson do with only a club to -protect himself against the savage brutes?" - -The bear which had remained on the ground several times threatened to -climb the tree after its companion. Apparently, however, it was -satisfied to leave to the other bear the task of securing their dinner, -or else it was fearful that the tree would not bear the weight of both. - -At that moment the climbing bear had approached close to the crotch in -which Kit Carson was standing. With one arm around the branch the -hunter leaned forward in such a way that he was able to lift his club -and look directly down into the face of the savage animal. Suddenly -drawing back with all his force Kit Carson brought his club down -directly upon the nose of the grizzly. - -[Illustration: "The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew -his knife"] - -The hunter was aware of the fact that there is no part of the body of -the grizzly bear quite as tender as its nose. Reuben laughed excitedly -when a roar of pain came from the animal as soon as the blow had been -struck, and he saw the brute slowly make its way backward down the -tree, shaking its head and occasionally roaring with pain in the -descent. - -When the bear at last had regained the ground, as if by a mutual -understanding, the second bear at once began to climb the tree. Kit -Carson meanwhile had obtained shelter in a crotch somewhat lower than -the one in which he had first stood. In the place he now occupied he -was able to obtain a greater sweep for his club, while his foothold was -equally safe. - -Rapidly the climbing bear came to the place where the hunter was -waiting. Again Kit Carson drew back his club and with the fuller sweep -which now he was able to obtain he dealt a still more savage blow -directly upon the nose of the approaching bear. - -Again there was a roar of mingled pain and rage, and the grizzly, like -its companion, quickly decided to retreat. As soon as the lumbering -animal, still roaring with pain and shaking its head, regained the -ground at the base of the tree, its companion, having somewhat -recovered from the results of its former attempt, once more began to -climb. - -But Kit Carson, now more confident, met the ascending bear with a -second resounding blow upon its nose. Evidently the spot was somewhat -tender, for the grizzly emitted a loud roar of pain and with still -greater haste started to the ground. - -Once more the second bear attempted the ascent, but the result which -had followed its former efforts speedily compelled the attack to be -abandoned. Both bears now were steadily shaking their heads, growling -and in pain, and yet neither apparently was inclined to withdraw from -the spot where they had trapped the scout. - - - - -CHAPTER XX--WILD HORSES - - -Apparently the two grizzlies were confident that they would be able to -wait as long as the man whom they had compelled to seek refuge in the -tree. The slow minutes passed, and even Reuben, who was watching from -the distance and as yet had not been discovered by the bears, was -becoming cramped and impatient. He was not willing to call to his -friend, for he dared not do anything to attract the attention of his -enemies. He was well assured that he would not be able to drive them -away as successfully as had Kit Carson by wielding a club. - -At last when what Reuben was convinced was at least two hours had -passed, apparently the two bears decided to abandon their vigil. -Apparently, too, they did this not because they were discouraged, but -because their feeling of hunger drew them in another direction. With -the strange lope or rolling motion with which bears run, both grizzlies -advanced to the place where the elk which Kit Carson had shot was -lying. This was not far distant from the trees in which the young -trappers were hiding, and in a brief time the sounds of the repast were -distinctly heard. Snarls and occasional growls were frequent. Once one -of the bears rose to a sitting posture and viciously struck his -companion on the head with his paw. The action apparently did not -arouse the anger of the second bear, who was thoroughly busy in his -task of devouring the body of the slain elk. - -Would the animals never eat their fill? Reuben, cramped and with every -nerve tingling, had watched the savage beasts, hoping that they soon -would be satisfied and then would depart from the region. - -At last, when the grizzlies had devoured most of the body, apparently -satisfied with their repast, they both turned and for a moment -threatened to come back to the place where they had tried to climb the -tree in which the young scout had found refuge. - -Apparently, however, recollections of their experiences at the hands of -the fearless young hunter were still vivid. Abruptly they turned away, -and, swinging and swaying, made their way toward the mountains and soon -disappeared from sight. - -With the departure of the bears Reuben was confident that he and his -friend might safely leave their places of refuge. As Reuben started to -descend the tree he was startled by a call from his comrade. - -"Don't do that, lad!" - -"But they have gone," protested Reuben. - -"You can't trust them. No one knows how far away they are. They may -simply be waiting for us." - -"But I'm all cramped, I have been here so long. It doesn't seem to me I -can stay much longer." - -"Oh, yes, you can," called Kit Carson encouragingly. "We can stay here -all night, if we have to." - -It was late in the afternoon when at last a low call from Kit Carson -caused Reuben to descend the tree. His muscles were so stiff from -remaining such a long time in his cramped position that it was with -difficulty that he was able to walk. His friend stopped for a moment as -soon as he drew near and showed Reuben how he stretched his own weary -muscles and exercised his arms which were almost numb. - -"Do you think the bears have gone for good and all?" inquired Reuben. - -"I think so. You had better load your rifle, though I don't know that -it would do you very much good. I have known a grizzly to be shot in -the head, and, as far as one could see, pay about as much attention to -the bullet as he would to a pebble. They must have heads that are -mighty strong and thick. However," he continued, "see that your rifle -is all ready and we'll start." - -Cautiously the two trappers made their way from the place where both -had been so nearly caught, and after a quarter of an hour had elapsed -Kit Carson declared that the bears must have gone in the opposite -direction from the one which they were following and were no longer to -be feared. Somewhat assured by his companion's confidence, Reuben -nevertheless kept a careful watch as with his friend he advanced -through the valley. - -The young hunter was greatly surprised when they came near to the end -of the valley to discover a small Indian village before them. He had -been unaware of the presence of the redmen and now that he saw this -camp his fears returned. - -"Come on, lad. Don't be afraid," said Kit Carson quietly. "I have been -here a great many times." - -"You have?" exclaimed Reuben. "I didn't know there was an Indian camp -within ten miles of ours." - -"Well, you see there is," replied the scout dryly. - -"How long has it been here?" - -"A year or more." - -"How do you know?" - -"I told you I have been over here a good many times and I know all -about it. I have talked with some of the braves and they think I'm -almost fit to be received into the tribe." Kit Carson spoke quietly, -and yet there was a tone in his voice that caused Reuben to glance -sharply at him. There was no change, however, in the expression of the -face of the scout, and as apparently he did not wish to continue the -conversation the subject was dropped. - -Not long afterward, however, both trappers were welcomed into the -Indian village. The suspicion which possessed Reuben he was not able -entirely to conceal. Even the dogs that came sniffing about his feet -seemed to be treacherous. Few words were spoken to him, although his -companion was cordially received and the statement which he had -recently made to Reuben was manifestly confirmed. The Indians all -looked upon him as a friend, and in the spirit of friendship bade him -and his companion welcome. - -Reuben, who was eager to be back in camp, found it difficult to -understand why Kit Carson insisted upon remaining longer in the -village. Indeed, an hour elapsed before he gave the word and the -journey was resumed. - -"I'm going to marry the daughter of the chief," said Kit Carson, -speaking almost as if he were referring to some ordinary occurrence. - -"What!" exclaimed Reuben, as he spoke gazing in amazement at his -companion. - -"That's just what I'm going to do," said Kit Carson, smiling slightly -at the astonishment of his friend. - -"But I don't see----" began Reuben. - -"No, you don't see, but I do, and that's enough." - -"Well, you're the one to be pleased," said Reuben. "I wish you much -joy." - -"Thank you," replied the scout, laughing quietly. "I reckon some of my -friends back at Pain Court would think I was out of my head to marry an -Indian squaw. From the expression on your face, Reuben, I can see that -you, too, have something of the same idea in your mind." - -Reuben did not respond, and for a time the two men continued in -silence. - -"I have known that little Indian girl," explained Kit Carson, after a -long silence, "more than a year. She is as pretty as a picture and as -good as she is pretty. It was a long time before the old chief would -give her to me, but to-night he told me that he had decided that if I -wanted her for my wife and would promise that she might stay in the -village while I was trapping he would not oppose me any longer. And he -doesn't like the white men, either," he added with a laugh. - -"How is it that he is willing for you to have her, then, if he doesn't -like the whites?" - -"Oh, he has a notion," replied Kit Carson simply, "that he can trust -me. He says if I say I will do a thing I don't try to lie out of it." - -"He's right about that," said Reuben warmly. "That's just the way -everybody that knows you feels." - -"Thank you." There was a tender expression in the eyes of the young -scout that prevented Reuben from making any further protest against the -action of his friend. - -"I am going to take you with me to-morrow into the village and let you -see how they treat me. Just now, however, Reuben, I would rather you -would not say anything about what I have just told you." - -Abruptly both men stopped, and in a low voice Reuben said: "What is -that? It sounds like thunder." - -"It is a drove of wild horses," answered Kit Carson quickly. "Come with -me and we'll see what they are." - -The sun was now about a half-hour above the horizon. In the soft light -of the closing day the sound of the approaching body was almost weird. -The band of wild horses was steadily drawing nearer the place where the -two scouts had concealed themselves. The wind was blowing toward them, -or otherwise the horses would not have approached the spot. They were -almost as keen in their ability to detect by their sense of smell the -presence of an enemy as were the prowling beasts. - -In a brief time the drove came within sight. At the head was the -leader, a powerful and beautiful creature, running easily, his head -carried high and his pride showing in his every movement. - -"Did you ever see such a tail on a horse?" exclaimed Kit Carson in a -low voice. "Look at it--it sweeps the ground! Do you know, I believe -I'll get that fellow. If there is anything I am fond of it's a good -horse." - -The scout's fondness for fleet-footed ponies was well known by his -friends. Not a man in the camp was his equal as a rider. He seldom used -a saddle, and whatever the motion of the animal he was riding might be, -Kit Carson bestrode it almost as if they were parts of the same being. - -Reuben, whose heart was beating wildly as he saw the drove approach, -said in a whisper: "How will you get him?" - -"We'll fix that up to-morrow. We'll see to-night where they go." - -The approaching horses soon swept past the hiding-place of the two -trappers, and turning abruptly disappeared from sight at the entrance -to one of the valleys. - -"They will stay there all night," said Kit Carson quickly. "Come on -now, lad, we'll go back to camp." - -"What makes you think they will stay all night? They may leave before -morning." - -Kit Carson smiled and shook his head, but made no further response, and -in a brief time, delaying only until they had secured a few rabbits and -a deer which they chanced to see, soon rejoined their companions. - -For some reason Kit Carson was silent concerning their visit at the -Indian village, and Reuben himself naturally did not refer to it. The -leader, however, made much of the drove of wild horses, and it was -plain that the young scout's enthusiasm increased as he described the -strength and beauty of the black pony at its head. - -"I must have him," he said. - -"That's easy to say," suggested one of the men. "I have heard others -talk the same way, but when you run down a pony like that you'll have -your work cut out for you." - -"But I'm going to get him," said Kit confidently. "And I'll tell you -how." - -In a low voice he explained to his companions the plan which he had -formed for catching the black leader. Every man in the camp was -interested, but when at last they sought their tents it had been -decided that only Reuben and two others were to share in the attempt. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI--THE CHASE OF THE LEADER - - -Long before daylight the following morning Kit Carson and his three -companions mounted their horses and departed from the camp. - -The plan which had been agreed upon was for Kit Carson himself to go -into the valley into which the drove of wild horses had disappeared and -await their return to the plains. It was confidently believed that the -horses would leave their place of shelter about sunrise or a little -before. The three companions of the scout had been stationed at -intervals of two or three miles among the foothills in places where -they would be concealed from the sight of any passerby. It also was -planned that the scout, if it was possible, was to separate the leader -from the other horses in the drove and to chase him at his highest -speed. If it was in his power to do so, the scout expected to turn the -black leader toward the south, where Reuben and Jack were to be ready -to take up the pursuit as soon as Kit Carson drew near their -hiding-place. In this manner it was believed that however swift the -paces of the leader might be he would be soon worn out by the swiftness -of the pursuit of the three horses, every one of which was fresh at the -beginning of his part of the chase. - -Never before had Reuben seen Kit Carson so eager to secure one of the -wild ponies. Frequently the men in the camp had caught and broken -horses, which they had taken on the plains. Indeed, almost every horse -in their possession now was one that had been captured and broken and -trained to service by the trappers. Several times men had secured these -horses by firing at them, stunning the animals without injuring them. -However, only the most expert shots were able to do this, and even with -them the danger of killing or harming the horses they were chasing was -so great that the plan was seldom tried. - -In the present case long ropes of a lariat or noose were hanging from -the horn of Kit Carson's saddle. It was not often that the fearless -scout deigned to use a saddle, as we know, but in this case, as he -needed his rope and at the same time was aware that occasions for the -use of his gun might arise, he consented to use a light saddle. - -"Now, then, every man look sharp!" he said in a low voice, as he parted -from his companions. "One of you go to the north and the other two to -the south. Be sure to hide in places where you can take up the chase -without having to climb very much. The most important thing, however, -is to find some rock or hill behind which you will not be seen, for -this leader, unless I am much mistaken, will be off like a shot the -minute he sights you, and you'll need to be fresh to keep close to him -in the chase." - -The directions of the scout were carefully followed, and Reuben secured -a place behind a rocky barrier near the border of the foothills. His -companion proceeded two or three miles farther before he, too, -concealed himself. By the time each of the trappers had found his -hiding-place, Kit Carson had disappeared from sight. Cautiously the -scout made his way up the narrow valley or gorge in which the wild -horses had sought refuge for the night. - -The sun had not yet risen above the eastern horizon, but the light of -the coming day was already beginning to appear. This hour was selected -because, as has been stated, it was believed by the trappers that the -horses would leave their shelter among the hills at the approach of -day. - -Reuben, who had dismounted and thrown the bridle over the head of his -horse, an act which as effectually prevented his horse from leaving as -if he had been tied to a post, impatiently awaited the coming of the -day. - -He now was almost as eager as his friend to secure the wonderful leader -of the drove of wild horses. The shining coat and the proud air of the -black horse had marked the animal as one not only of unusual beauty, -but of marked speed and power as well. In his mind Reuben again saw the -arched neck, the long sweeping tail, the high step, and the pride of -the animal as in response to his call the twenty-five or more horses -followed his lead. Surely he was worthy of all that the effort to catch -him might cost. - -The horses which the trappers had selected for the chase were all -fleet, but as Reuben glanced at his own beast he smiled as he thought -of the possibility of the black leader being overtaken by such an -animal. To divide the pursuit into relays was the only feasible plan. -And his own part, provided the wild leader turned southward, would not -be slight. There was, however, the possibility that instead of turning -either northward or to the south the black leader might move directly -toward the east. In that event pursuit would be well-nigh hopeless. -There were no horses in the possession of the trappers that would be -able to overtake the fleet-footed leader in a straight chase across the -plains. - -A half-hour slowly passed and still no signs of Kit Carson or of the -wild horses had been seen. A second half-hour passed and still the -silence was unbroken. The sun was now well above the horizon and the -peaks of the mountains were capped with light. Indeed, the glory of the -coming day was already reflected from the snowclad mountain peaks, from -the occasional little lakes on the mountainside, and from the crags and -rocks that were to be seen in whichever direction Reuben looked. The -air, too, was marvellous, and Reuben said to himself that, as he -breathed it, it almost seemed to him as if he could bite it, it was so -strong and bracing. - -The young trapper was becoming impatient. He was almost convinced that -Kit Carson had failed to discover the hiding-place of the wild horses. -If that were true, it was strange that the scout did not return. Reuben -smiled, however, as he recalled the fact that when Kit Carson had -decided to follow any line of action it was almost impossible to divert -him from his purpose. Quiet the scout always was, but it was the quiet -of confidence and strength. - -Suddenly Reuben darted forward and seized the bridle rein of his -waiting horse. At the same time he was peering eagerly toward the -outlet of the valley into which Kit Carson had entered not long before. -A moment later the young trapper was convinced that his surmise was -correct. Forth from among the rocks suddenly the black leader appeared, -running swiftly and yet lightly. Indeed, it almost seemed to Reuben as -if the feet of the animal scarcely touched the ground, so lightly did -he step. What pride and confidence, too, were in his very air. -Occasionally he glanced behind, snorting with anger, but his swift pace -was unbroken. Behind him came the other horses of the drove, the colts -running in the centre, protected by the others. The presence of the -colts prevented the leader from increasing the speed at which they were -moving. - -Not long after the appearance of the wild horses Reuben discovered Kit -Carson. The scout was riding at the pace which the leader had first -taken, and it was quickly plain that he could increase his speed at any -moment. Several times the black leader halted and turned as if he -almost had decided to stop and give battle. Each time, however, -apparently he thought better of the project and returned to his place -at the head of the drove. - -For a mile or more the flight and the pursuit continued, Kit Carson not -gaining, or even apparently attempting to gain, upon the horse he was -so eager to secure. The scout, however, had outflanked the wild ponies -and had succeeded after a time in turning their flight southward. - -Assured now that the chase would lead directly to the place where he -was waiting, and that he was almost certain to have a share in the -exciting pursuit, Reuben drew his horse a little closer to the rock and -in such a manner that he would be able to peer around its edge and -watch the events that were occurring not far away. - -Try as he might Kit Carson had been unable entirely to separate the -black leader from his companions. Several times the wild horse had -circled the body without permitting them to lessen the speed at which -they were running. In this manner apparently he had satisfied himself -that the pace he had set was not too swift for the colts. - -On every such occasion the leader had stopped behind the running drove, -watching the man approaching on horseback. Evidently he was suspicious -of the danger that was threatening him, as indeed he well might be. Had -he ever before been chased by the white men? The question was in -Reuben's mind, as he watched the actions of the departing animal, and -the young trapper was convinced that the horse never had been in -captivity. His spirits were not broken and his confidence in his own -ability apparently was supreme. - -When the chase had led two or three miles beyond the entrance to the -valley, Kit Carson succeeded in turning the flight of the horses he was -pursuing. Shouting and brandishing his gun, he rode directly toward the -band, and in a moment the leader had changed the course and swung -southward. - -Kit Carson still remained upon the outer flank and once he discharged -his rifle, an act which, as Reuben believed, was intended only to -frighten the horses. If that had been the hunter's purpose it was -easily achieved, for the speed at which the drove was running quickly -increased. At the same time it was equally clear to the leader that he -had been unable to shake off the enemy that was pursuing him. - -Shouting still more loudly and persistently increasing the swiftness of -his pursuit, Kit Carson succeeded in steadily pressing the horses to -his right and at the same time compelling them to move much more -rapidly. - -Reuben's excitement increased as the band steadily drew nearer the -place where he was awaiting their approach. As yet Kit Carson had not -succeeded in separating the black horse from his companions. It was not -until the hunter drew near the place where Reuben was hiding that he -suddenly, with a renewed shout and a second discharge of his gun, -dashed swiftly in between the leader and the drove. Again shouting in -his loudest tones, he forced the startled animal southward and at the -same time glanced all about him, evidently expecting Reuben to appear. - -Only a few moments elapsed before Reuben decided that the time had come -for him to join in the chase. He dashed forth from behind the -sheltering rock and, urging his horse into its swiftest paces, took up -the chase as Kit Carson dropped behind. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII--A WHITE MAN IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE - - -As Reuben dashed forward he speedily discovered that swift as was the -pony he was riding it was unable to overtake the wild leader he was -following. Indeed, in a brief time it became plain to the young trapper -that his own horse was steadily dropping behind. - -Aware, however, of the plan which was in the mind of Kit Carson for -chasing the horse they were all so desirous of securing, he sturdily -continued his efforts, all the time urging his horse to still greater -endeavours. It seemed to Reuben that never before had he ridden so -swiftly. The air appeared to strike him in the face, the hoofs of his -flying animal barely touching the sand. And yet every time he glanced -ahead he saw the black horse running easily, his neck arched and his -head held high, the long tail sweeping the ground at every leap. - -What a magnificent animal the leader of the drove was! And how easily -he maintained his lead! Frequently the horse stopped and seemed almost -to be tempted to turn and dash past its pursuer and rejoin his -companions that had started toward a valley several miles distant. - -And the hopeless part of his task was, as Reuben soon discovered, that -the animal he was following did not seem to be tiring. It still ran -easily when two miles or more had been covered by the pony which Reuben -was riding. Jack could not be far away now, Reuben thought, and he -began to peer anxiously ahead of him for the coming of his ally. - -For some strange reason the black leader did not turn toward the -plains. He was running nearer the hills than was Reuben's mount, -holding to his course, doubtless from the very fact that his pursuer -was coming from the same direction. - -On and still on fled the pursuer and the pursued. In spite of all his -efforts, Reuben steadily dropped behind until, as he estimated the -distance, there was at least one hundred yards between him and the pony -he was so desirous of capturing. - -Again Reuben rose in his stirrups and shouting into the ears of his -horse urged it to still greater efforts; and the pony responded nobly. -Its sides were heaving now and a sound very like a groan came with -every breath. He could see by an occasional glance that the nostrils of -his pony were red and dilated. There was no time for mercy, however, -and with every forward leap now Reuben shouted into the ears of his -horse. - -He was wondering why Jack did not appear. He was confident that he had -passed more than the number of miles that had been assigned to him in -the race, but his friend still was nowhere within sight. - -In a brief time, however, riding forth from behind one of the -foothills, Jack suddenly appeared. And it was high time for his aid to -be given. The poor beast upon which Reuben was mounted was now -trembling in every muscle and its strength was so nearly gone that when -Reuben halted it was barely able to stand. - -Hastily dismounting, as soon as the young trapper was aware that the -chase was to be taken up by his friend, Reuben patted the neck of his -pony and in low tones spoke soothingly to it. The poor animal was -standing with lowered head and with an air of such complete dejection -as Reuben thought he never before had seen displayed by any living -animal. - -His meditations, however, were interrupted by the report of a gun in -the distance and the faint sound of a shout that came across the sands. -Glancing hastily in the direction from which the hail had come, Reuben -saw that soon after his friend had appeared to join in the chase the -black horse had swerved in his course and instead of continuing on his -way had turned backward and now was directly approaching the place -where Reuben was standing. - -And still the horse was running easily and apparently without fatigue. -To overtake him seemed almost a hopeless undertaking. Again Reuben -assured himself that never before had he seen such strength combined -with swiftness and grace. - -Aware, however, that he must do something now to help, Reuben leaped -upon the back of his tired horse and urged it once more to join in the -pursuit. A challenging neigh now came from the swiftly running black -horse, and almost as if he ignored the puny efforts of his foes to -overtake him, the course he was following again was changed and with a -sudden burst of speed the animal, like a thunder-bolt, dashed past the -place where Reuben was standing. - -The young trapper now joined in the shouts and he, too, discharged his -gun as a warning to Kit Carson, who was doubtless waiting at the place -where he had abandoned the chase. The efforts, however, were useless, -as in a brief time once more, swiftly swerving to his left, the black -horse dashed into what at first seemed to Reuben to be an unbroken mass -of rocks. In an instant the animal had disappeared from sight. - -As rapidly as his horse was able to bear him, Reuben rode to the place -where the leader had so strangely disappeared. As he came near he -discovered a narrow opening or gorge apparently caused by some great -crack in the formations centuries before. As Reuben entered the narrow -place he saw eight or ten feet below him a stretch of more level land, -though it was dotted here and there with stones and boulders. - -It seemed impossible to the young scout that a horse could have leaped -to the ground below. However, at that moment he heard the sound of a -defiant neigh and in a brief time was able to discern the outline of -the form of the black horse speeding along a narrow trail which was at -least twenty-five feet above the plain on which he was riding. - -It was plain that the horse was familiar with every foot of the region. -Along this narrow ledge the black horse now was running with confidence -unbroken, although the pathway was not more than a yard wide. Indeed in -several places it seemed to the astonished Reuben that the width was -still less. - -Every moment he expected to see the black pony lose his foothold and -fall to the rock-covered ground below him. His expectations, however, -were not fulfilled, for the sure-footed animal, scarcely pausing in his -flight, steadily continued on his way. At one place Reuben saw him leap -across a narrow ravine and without any slip regain his footing on the -opposite side. Although the young trapper's admiration of the horse -increased, he was now well-nigh hopeless that the animal ever could be -taken. - -Indeed it was not long before the horse disappeared from sight, and -Reuben was unable to determine which of the numerous gorges he had -entered, as several converged at the point where the black leader was -lost to sight. - -It was impossible for Reuben's horse to attempt to follow. Not only was -the leap from the rock one which few animals would be able to make with -safety, but also the nearly exhausted condition of his mount made such -an attempt worse than reckless. There was nothing to be done except to -return and join his companions. - -"Did you get him, Reuben?" inquired Kit Carson dryly, as the young -trapper, discovering his friend, rode slowly to meet him. - -"No, I didn't," said Reuben glumly. - -"I'm surprised. Still, when we have him broken, I think you'll enjoy a -spin on that black demon as much as any of us." - -"If you ever take him," suggested Reuben dryly. - -"Why," said Kit Carson in apparent surprise, "you haven't any question -about that, have you? Of course we're going to take him." - -"Not to-day," suggested Reuben. - -"No, not to-day," acknowledged the scout; "but there are other days to -come." - -"Do you believe that that black leader, after to-day's chase, will stay -around this part of the country any longer? He will take his followers -and start for some other part of the mountains." - -"Perhaps he will," acknowledged Kit Carson, "but before that time comes -we'll have another chance at him." - -"You never can take him," asserted Reuben. "I never in my life saw -anything run the way that pony did. And it doesn't make any difference -whether he's running on the plains or along a ledge of the rocks. Why, -he followed a narrow little ledge for three hundred yards. I expected -every minute to see him tumble into the bed of the stream that was -twenty-five or thirty feet below him. As far as I could see he didn't -slip once." - -"Oh, yes, he's a wonderful animal," said Kit Carson quietly, "and we -shall appreciate him all the more after we have had a chance to break -him in." - -"You won't break him in very soon," said Reuben, shaking his head. "You -stand just about as much chance of getting that black horse as you do -of grabbing a streak of lightning by its tail." - -Kit Carson smiled and made no response to the assertion of his young -companion, and then at his suggestion they all started on their way -back to camp. - -In silence the men advanced, and when two hours had elapsed, Kit Carson -suggested: "I think I'll go over to the Indian village. Do you want to -come, Reuben?" - -The lad hesitated a moment and then said, "I'm hungry." - -"Come along with me and the squaws will feed you. And Jack, too, if he -wants to come," added the scout amiably. Jack, however, insisted upon -returning to his companions and rode away alone as Kit Carson and -Reuben started toward the Indian village. - -It was not long before they found themselves in the little settlement, -where the words of the scout were confirmed, for food was soon provided -for the hungry hunters, and, as Kit Carson had said, the squaws seemed -to vie with one another in their efforts to please their white -visitors. - -Soon after Reuben had finished his repast he was startled by the sight -of an approaching white man. To all appearances the man belonged to the -village. He was, however, neither dressed as were the Indians nor did -his appearance suggest that he was a newcomer or a stranger in the -midst of the redmen. Reuben's surprise, however, was caused by his -conviction that the man before him was the same one he had seen at San -Gabriel, and if he was not the missing Jean, at least he so strongly -resembled him that a stranger might take one for the other. - -"Look at that man," said Reuben in a low voice as he turned to Kit -Carson. "Do you know who he is? He looks to me like Jean Badeau." - -In response to the suggestion of his young friend Kit Carson glanced -hastily at the man to whom Reuben had referred and then said, "Are you -sure?" As he spoke the scout glanced at the young trapper, but he -quickly was aware that Reuben had not heard his question. He was -staring blankly at the white man. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII--BAFFLED - - -In his excitement Reuben, almost unmindful of his companion, started at -once toward the place where the man whom he believed to be Jean Badeau -was standing. As he approached he was speedily aware that if the man -before him was his lost friend there was no evidence of recognition of -that fact in the expression of his face. Indeed the man scarcely seemed -to be aware of the coming of the young trapper. - -Puzzled and slightly alarmed by the strange appearance of the man, -Reuben stopped a moment and then said: "Who are you? What is your -name?" - -To the lad's amazement the man to whom he had spoken gazed into his -face and smiled in a manner that was like that of a little child. He -did not speak, however, and for a brief time the two men stood and -looked, each into the face of the other. - -"What is your name?" again demanded Reuben. - -Once more the bland expression appeared on the face of the stranger, -but no reply was given to the query. - -"Are you Jean Badeau?" demanded Reuben sharply. - -Again the smile was seen, but still there was no answer. - -Reuben was almost persuaded that the man before him was indeed his lost -companion, but the expression in his eyes and the childlike smile on -his face certainly were not characteristics of the missing French -trapper. He was a man strong and of slow speech, even when he spoke, as -he did only on rare occasions. Unlike most of his race in the North, -apparently he did not show any signs of the impulsive temperament which -many of the early French possessed. Now the lad felt that his flesh was -creeping. There was something in the uncanny bearing and expression of -the man, who, if he was not the trapper, Jean Badeau, at least strongly -resembled Reuben's former comrade. - -"Lad, don't you know?" - -Reuben turned quickly at the unexpected question and saw that Kit -Carson was beside him. "Don't you know," repeated the leader, "that -this man is crazy?" - -"No, I didn't know anything about him. He looks so much like Jean -Badeau that I was sure at first that it was my friend." - -"It may be and it may not be." - -"What do you mean?" - -"What I mean is this: this man is the same one we found at San Gabriel. -Somehow he made his way to the North and the Indians have taken him -into their village." - -"Why did they do that?" inquired Reuben. - -"The Indians are always good to crazy people. They think they are under -the special guidance and protection of the Great Spirit. Perhaps they -are. I don't know," said Kit Carson, thoughtfully. "Certainly they act -as if there was something in their life different from what we see -among the trappers." - -"That's so," said Reuben in a low voice, as he again looked keenly at -the subject of their conversation, who, apparently unmindful of the -attention he had aroused, had now turned away. In a low voice he was -speaking to himself and apparently was unmindful of the presence of any -one near. - -"That may be Jean Badeau," again suggested Kit Carson. "If it is he has -a long and strange story to tell." - -"What do you suppose happened to him?" - -"I haven't the remotest idea. Of course, I am not even sure that he is -your friend, nor are you positive that he is, but I am willing to take -your word for it. No one in the tribe here knows where he came from nor -what made him crazy." - -"What do you think did?" - -"As I told you, I have no idea, and I am not even sure that it is your -friend. All I am saying is that he may be and that something may have -happened after you left him that brought this trouble upon him." Reuben -was silent throughout the remainder of their stay in the village and -indeed seldom spoke when they rode back to the camp of the trappers. - -Early the following morning Kit Carson appeared and at his suggestion -Reuben accompanied him in the round of his traps. An unusually good -catch was made, and the spirits of both trappers were high when soon -after noon they returned to the camp. - -Directly after dinner had been served Kit Carson suggested to his young -friend: "I think it is time for us to see if the wild horses have not -come back. I don't want that black leader to get away from us." - -Reuben laughed as he said: "Do you still believe that you're going to -catch him?" - -"I know I am," said Kit Carson. "It's only a question of time." - -"He certainly is able to make good time," retorted Reuben. "He ran away -from us day before yesterday almost as if he didn't know we were on -earth. My horse was almost winded and that fellow trotted along almost -as if he were laughing at us. Do you think a horse _can_ laugh?" - -"I have heard of a 'horse laugh,'" replied the scout, smiling dryly. - -"I have not only heard of one, but heard one." - -"Well, if you heard one you haven't forgotten it. Tell Jack, and we'll -start right soon." - -A half-hour later the three trappers, after they had carefully looked -to their mounts, departed from the camp and again saw the valley where -the black leader and his drove had first been discovered. A careful -search was made, but no signs of the presence of the wild horses were -discovered. - -"We'll wait until night," suggested Kit Carson. "It was after sunset -when they put into this gorge before." - -The men waited in accordance with the suggestion of their leader, but -when darkness fell the horses had not been seen. - -"There's no use," said Kit Carson. "They aren't coming here to-night." - -"How do you know?" inquired Reuben. - -"Why, you can see for yourself. The wild ponies, as a rule, do not -travel much after dark. It is almost dark now, and if they were coming -here they would have shown up before this time." - -"Where do you think they are?" - -"I don't know where they are. I thought they were here. If I knew just -where they were I would go there, wouldn't I? I think they will come -back here, though, and the only thing for us to do is to keep watch and -be sure to be on hand when they do come." - -On two successive days the eager trappers returned to the valley, but -the wild horses were not seen. Alone Kit Carson made excursions for -many miles in the immediate vicinity, but his efforts were unrewarded -and not a sight of the handsome black leader was had. Still the scout -did not abandon his efforts. A few days later, at his suggestion, -Reuben and Jack once more accompanied him, departing from the camp soon -after dinner. - -Quietly they rode among the foothills, keeping careful watch on every -side. They had almost returned to the place where first the wild horses -had been seen when Kit Carson abruptly stopped and, pointing to a place -in advance of them, said in a low voice: "There are ponies yonder. Do -you see them?" - -"I can see something moving," replied Reuben, after a long silence. - -"Well, that's a drove of ponies. The only thing for us to do is to put -out for it and find out whether or not the horse we are after is still -there. It may be some other drove. You know they are likely to break up -into smaller bands when they get too many together." Swiftly the -trappers rode forward, and their disappointment was keen when they -discovered that the horses before them were not those for which they -were seeking. - -Apparently still as confident as before that he would capture the -animal he was so eager to have, Kit Carson either alone or in the -company of Reuben daily returned to the valley until more than a week -had elapsed. Their efforts were rewarded at last when late one -afternoon they discovered the horses making for the same valley in -which they had sought shelter when first they had been seen. There was -no elation displayed in the manner of the scout, but the determination -expressed in his face was so plain that Reuben was deeply impressed. - -"Give up? Give up?" said Kit Carson in response to a suggestion of his -friend. "I never learned to do that and you can't teach an old dog new -tricks. I simply am going to have that black rascal. It's too bad that -Jack isn't here, for we'll need him, but we'll go ahead without him and -do the best we can." - -Together the two horsemen rode swiftly forward, doing their utmost to -gain a point nearer the valley than the one where the horses were first -seen grazing. Apparently they had succeeded, when the startled leader -lifted his head, neighed sharply, and instantly warned his family of -the danger that was near. - -"Come on, Reuben! Come on!" shouted Kit Carson, as putting his horse -into its swiftest paces he advanced far into the entrance of the -valley. - -The efforts, however, of the trappers were doomed to failure. With a -disregard of their attempt to head him off that was almost ludicrous, -the swift horse led his followers almost directly into the entrance and -in a brief time all, including the colts, had disappeared from sight -among the boulders of the ravine. - -"No use, Reuben. No use trying to do any more to-night. We have got to -think up some other way of trapping that black rascal. Did you ever see -such a handsome animal in your life?" - -"I never did." - -"Nor I. And every time I see him I simply am more determined than ever -to get him. I am going to catch him just as sure as the sun rises!" - -Several days later it seemed as if the words of the scout were about to -be fulfilled. Accompanied by Reuben and Jack and two others of the -campers, Kit Carson succeeded in locating the drove and immediately -attempted the plan which he had already formed for capturing the daring -leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV--A FRESH ATTEMPT - - -So eager was Kit Carson to secure the wonderful leader of the drove -that he had spent much time in thinking out various plans by which the -black pony might be captured. There had been times when he acknowledged -that it seemed a pity to try to take such a noble-looking animal from -its state of freedom and compel it to become a servant. And yet, -although the trapper's feelings were tender and he seldom permitted his -men even to shoot game without some necessary purpose in view, -nevertheless the eagerness of the leader to obtain possession of the -beautiful animal increased with every passing day. - -When at last he explained his plans to his friends he said: "I have -discovered a pocket about ten miles below that gorge into which the -black rascal led his followers. I think it will be possible for us to -run him into that. There will be no use in trying it until we have -tired him out, but I think we shall be able to do that." - -"How?" inquired Reuben. - -"I have found that the wild horses come about two nights a week into -that valley where we drove them. They seem to have regular rounds. The -old fellow that leads them is smart, and if any bears or wolves have -thought they could lie in wait for him they have been mistaken, for he -never is two successive nights in the same place." - -"But how do you think you are going to drive him into that pocket?" - -"I'm telling you, lad, to-night the wild ponies will be in the place -where we drove them the last day we chased them. We mustn't let them -get inside. Probably the leader will do just what he did before--send -his family and his friends off in one direction and he will start for -another. Then the thing for us to do is to chase him back and forth -over the ten miles." - -"But you'll need an army of men to do it," suggested Reuben. - -"I have already sent ahead four men. They are as full of the game as we -are. They haven't seen that black horse, but what I have told them -about him makes them all hungry to join in the chase. I'm going to put -you and Jack down below that pocket. You two must turn back the fellow -if he tries to get past you. I don't think he will, for he won't want -to leave his charges quite so far away. I have got some pieces of tin -and I want you both to pound on them and yell like good fellows. Turn -him back anyway. Chase him. Make him go as far as the place where I am -going to have two other men waiting. Then I'll have two more up near -the valley." - -"Where will you be?" inquired Reuben, who was becoming deeply -interested in the project. - -"I'm going to be where I'm needed most, for my horse is the swiftest in -the camp. I want to be in at the finish, too, for I'm going to lasso -the rascal. And this time we're going to succeed." - -In spite of the failures of the preceding attempts somehow Reuben was -convinced that a greater measure of success was likely to crown their -efforts in the present chase. Obedient to the word of their leader the -lad and his companion rode in the direction indicated and in a brief -time had arrived at the position they desired. - -Upon their arrival they were speedily convinced that the description -which Kit Carson had given of the spot was more than fulfilled. A -narrow space not more than forty feet wide seemed almost to provide an -end for the long valley. Beyond it was another valley, the passage -between being like an isthmus joining two larger spaces. - -Every rider carried his gun, and in addition to these weapons Reuben -and Jack had tied to the pommels of their saddles some large pieces of -tin which had served as the bottoms of certain pans that had been used -in the camp. - -As soon as they had taken their positions, they threw their bridles -over the heads of their horses and climbing to the shelter of the -overhanging rocks seated themselves to await the signal that might be -given for the approach of the horse they were so eager to capture. -Between the places occupied by Reuben and his friend two other men were -stationed, but they were hidden from the sight of their companions. - -Slowly the afternoon waned, but patience was a lesson which Reuben had -learned from the scout. Never yet had he heard an impatient word or a -word of complaint escape the lips of Kit Carson. For one whose natural -temperament was so fiery, who was so quick in his movements, and so -thoroughly alive to every form of physical activity, his powers of -repression and self-control were marvellous. In part it was due to his -natural disposition, but still more it was the result of his training. -The school in which he had studied was hard and the lessons were not -taught by a schoolmaster. In order to succeed as a hunter or trapper -infinite patience was required. The very success which had attended the -efforts of the young scout had been a part of his duties, and Kit -Carson had been a diligent pupil. In all his experiences with him the -only time Reuben had ever seen him respond to the words of his -comrades, which easily aroused the anger of one another, had been the -time when Rat had declared that he would thrash any man in the camp who -declared himself to be an American. - -Even now the recollection of the boaster caused Reuben to smile, and -turning to his friend he said: "Do you know what has become of Rat?" - -Jack laughed as he said: "I reckon he evaporated. He hasn't been seen -near here nor in these parts for a long time." - -"Do you suppose he will ever try to get even with Kit Carson?" - -"I don't think he will even try any such thing. What he will try -hardest to do will be to put all the space he can between him and the -scout." - -Reuben laughed as he said: "I wouldn't have believed that a little -fellow like Kit Carson would have dared to fight such a great hulk as -Rat." - -"You don't know him. He's afraid of nothing on earth, and yet, like -other men who are good fighters, he doesn't fight often. There is a big -difference between a man who is always picking a quarrel and one who -can put up a good fight." - -"I reckon Rat knows that now." - -"He surely does, and I don't think he will want to take the lesson over -again either. He won't have to stay after school to learn the rules of -that game." - -"The only thing I have heard Kit Carson talk much about of all the -things he has done was what he did in his fight with the two -grizzlies." - -"That's right," replied Jack, laughing loudly as he spoke. "I have -heard him tell that story a good many times. He almost makes me see -that big grizzly swinging and snorting and swaying his head when Kit -struck him on the nose with his club. The nose is about as tender a -spot for a grizzly as his shins are for a darky." - -"It was mighty funny," laughed Reuben. "I saw both of them. When the -first one came down the tree the other one acted just as if he was -giving his opinion of a fellow who would back out like that. He would -show him how to do it; so up he goes, and Kit Carson gets a good swing -on his club and lands it right plumb on the snout of that grizzly. The -way that bear snorted and shook his head almost made me laugh." - -"I should think it would have made you laugh." - -"The only reason I didn't was because I was afraid the bear would see -me, and turn around and come for the tree where I was. I hadn't any -desire to have him know any more about me than he did right then." - -"'Ignorance is bliss,' they say." - -"It was with me when I thought of that bear. Can you see anything of -Kit Carson and the horses?" Reuben added as he peered intently in the -direction from which the expected approach of the black leader was to -be seen. - -Jack was silent a moment before he said: "I see something moving up -yonder." - -Instantly Reuben leaped to his feet and gazed long and earnestly in the -direction indicated by his companion. Not many minutes had elapsed -before both men were convinced that some large animals were -approaching. Both were hopeful that the cloud of dust which was now -steadily increasing as it drew nearer concealed the black horse and his -pursuers. The cloud approached rapidly, but it was long before Reuben -was able to discover the outlines of a horse running swiftly and -pursued by two riders. - -"There they come! There they come!" exclaimed the boy excitedly. "The -old fellow is making straight for this place where we are." - -"We had better hide so that he won't turn off," suggested Jack. "Then -when he comes a little nearer we'll take the tin pans and sticks and -serenade him." - -"We'll have to be quick about it," suggested Reuben as he saw the black -leader now swiftly approaching. Apparently he had been chased far and -long, for his body was flecked with foam and his breathing was -laboured. In spite of his appearance of distress, however, the steed -was such a noble-looking animal that Reuben's admiration was keener -than when he first had seen him. There was a wildness in his manner -now, however, that had not been seen on the former occasions. The poor -beast, fighting for his liberty, and perhaps believing that he was -struggling for his life, was now thoroughly alarmed. His speed had -diminished, and, pursued by fresh horses, he was no longer able to -outdistance them easily. - -The horse now was within fifty feet of the place where Reuben was -standing. Quickly he and his companion began to pound upon their tins -and at the same time they shouted in their loudest tones. - -The startled horse swerved in his course, and, snorting with anger or -fear, started for the familiar entrance. Evidently he was fearful that -a trap of some kind had been laid, for, turning sharply about within -the narrow valley, he started swiftly back over the way by which he had -come. - -"Chase him! Chase him!" called one of the pursuers. "You and Jack take -your ponies now and give him a good run. We'll go into the other end of -the pocket so that he won't go through there, and when he runs in the -next time, why, we'll let Kit Carson take him." - -In response to the suggestion Reuben and Jack speedily were mounted and -in swift pursuit of the running horse. Their own mounts were somewhat -fresh now, and as neither was slow, the speed at which they advanced -was marked. It was plain, too, that the leader was distressed. -Occasionally when he glanced backward his nostrils seemed like coals of -fire and an expression of fear as well as of anger flashed from his -eyes. - -"Keep it up! Keep it up!" called Jack. "Spread out a little! Drive him -back so that Kit Carson can start after him! This time I think he will -get him for sure." - -It was fortunate for Reuben and his companion that their own horses -were not compelled to cover all the distance between the pocket and the -valley. Both ponies were soon labouring hard and with difficulty -maintaining the pace into which their riders had urged them. Hard, -however, as they soon were working, their distress was markedly less -than that of the animal they were following. - -Spreading out when they came nearer the place where they expected to -find some of their comrades, the boys were not surprised when suddenly -Kit Carson and four of his companions, yelling in their loudest tones -and brandishing rifles, several of which were discharged, dashed after -the startled wild horse. Again he retraced his way, but his distress -was increasing so rapidly that it was a question whether or not he -would be able to gain the pocket before he would be taken. - -Kit Carson was carrying his lasso, and it was plain to Reuben that at -almost any moment now he was prepared to dash ahead and try to cast the -rope over the neck of the suffering steed. For some reason, which -Reuben did not understand, the action was delayed. Kit Carson, however, -was riding in advance of his followers, and, his pony being -comparatively fresh, he was able to make swifter time than the horse he -was following. All now were near the entrance to the pocket, and a -shout arose when the black horse dashed through the narrow opening. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV--THE CAPTIVE LEADER - - -Instantly Kit Carson and Reuben, together with the men who were still -on the open plain, dashed toward the entrance. Reuben was able to see -the tired horse when he dashed through the little valley and fled to -the exit on the opposite side. - -In a moment, however, the two men who were waiting there, shouting in -their loudest tones and vigorously beating upon their tins, advanced -upon the startled animal, which immediately turned back in his tracks -and again started toward the opening by which he had entered. Again the -terrified beast turned back when he found the passageway blocked by -several of his pursuers. - -The noble animal stopped and gazed partly in fear and partly in anger -at the men, and then with repeated snorts of defiance began to circle -the little enclosure. Several times he stopped, and to Reuben it seemed -as if he had decided to turn and attempt to fight his way through. - -Kit Carson and his friends, however, gave the pony no rest. Whenever he -stopped some of the men bore down upon him with shouts mingled with an -occasional discharge of a gun and loud beatings upon the tins. In this -manner they compelled the horse to keep running and prevented him from -obtaining any rest. - -Around and around the enclosure the poor beast ran until it seemed to -Reuben as if the weary animal must drop from sheer exhaustion. Not once -was he permitted to stop for rest. The men were shouting, discharging -their rifles, beating upon their tins, and continually doing their -utmost to prevent the leader of the drove from passing them or pausing -in his flight. - -To Reuben the pitiful aspect of the noble animal soon became doubly -strong. The expression in his eyes as well as his manner showed that he -was nearly exhausted. His breathing was very laboured and his heaving -flanks showed how difficult his flight had become. - -For an hour the maddening chase continued. By that time the black horse -had stumbled and almost fallen several times. Indeed, it seemed to -Reuben as if the poor beast each time would be unable to regain his -footing and continue his mad flight. Once more there welled up in -Reuben's heart a feeling of pity for the animal which had made such a -desperate struggle for freedom. - -In the midst of all these things, however, Kit Carson was unmoved. The -expression on his face did not change. He simply was determined to -carry through to its completion the plan which he had formed for the -capture of the leader of the ponies that had so strongly appealed to -his admiration. - -Suddenly the scout wheeled and shouted: "Now is the time! Look out for -the openings! All I want is for you to keep him from breaking through." - -At that moment Carson started swiftly forward on the animal he was -riding. Trembling, weak, and streaked with froth and sweat, the black -horse stared at the unexpected advance for a moment, and then with a -desperate effort tried to renew his flight. - -There was no display of anger now. The fierceness of the black beast -was gone. His head was drooping and his weakness was apparent in every -forward step that he took. No longer was there the flash of fire to be -seen in his eyes. There was in them now an expression of agony mingled -with fear. - -Kit Carson, however, advancing slowly until he was within ten yards of -the animal he was determined to secure, swung his lasso several times -above his head and then cast it toward the black horse. - -Silence had followed the action of the scout, and almost breathless in -their excitement every one watched the curling, twisting leather strip -as it slowly made its way toward its mark. A sigh of relief escaped -Reuben's lips when the noose, almost as if it were conscious of what it -was doing, dropped over the head of the black horse and settled about -his neck. - -The pony which Kit Carson was riding was familiar with his task. It was -not the first time the scout had captured wild horses, although never -before had he attempted to take one so beautiful and fleet and strong. -The pony braced its feet and stood back in its tracks to throw its -strength against the pull that would be made upon it. - -The black horse, now conscious of the tightening noose, leaped forward -in one final despairing effort to escape from his pursuers. How vain it -all was. As the powerful animal dashed ahead, the noose tightened, the -line became taut, and he was thrown, almost turning a somersault as he -came to the ground. - -Quickly the scout rushed forward, and a moment later, before the -captive was able to rise, his forefeet were hobbled, and the beautiful -wild pony, which only recently had been the proud leader of a drove, -was helpless in the hands of his captors. - -For a moment sounds of mingled rage and terror were emitted by the -trembling animal as he lay helpless upon the ground. His eyes, however, -had now taken on an expression of intense hatred, and suddenly by a -supreme effort he arose to his feet and remained standing. His ears -were flattened against his head, and for a moment even Kit Carson -hesitated before he approached the angry and trembling beast. - -Turning to his companions the scout said quietly: "I want every one of -you now to go back to camp." - -"But we don't want to leave you here with that black demon," suggested -Jack. - -"I'm going to stay here alone," said Kit Carson quietly. "You need not -have any fears that I shall be hurt, and it will not be long before I -shall come to the camp myself." - -Reuben glanced appealingly at the scout, seeking permission to remain -without voicing his wish. Kit Carson, however, smiled and shook his -head. Reuben was to go back with the other trappers. Reluctantly the -half-dozen men rode slowly out of the opening in the enclosure and -started toward the camp. - -"I don't like to leave him there," said Jack, slowly shaking his head -as he spoke. "That horse is as dangerous as a grizzly and twice as -powerful." - -"That may be so," admitted one of the men, "but I don't care how strong -it is Kit Carson has a way of taking all that out of it." - -"I knew a man once who had his head bitten off by a horse," suggested -one of the trappers. - -"I reckon his head must have been about the size of a walnut," laughed -the trapper. - -"Never you mind," said the first speaker; "a horse has a powerful big -mouth and its teeth are strong. Did you ever see two horses fight?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, there's no sight like it in the world. They make you think of -two demons. A good many times they'll fight until one or the other is -killed, and sometimes neither one comes out of the fight alive." - -"Well, I would rather have them fight one another than to fight me," -said the first trapper. "I don't envy Kit his job back yonder." - -Reuben had been silent throughout the conversation, and his fears for -his friend were greatly increased in consequence of it. He was becoming -alarmed for the safety of the lithe little scout, but there was nothing -to be done except to carry out his desires, and in silence he proceeded -on his way to the camp. - -When the men arrived they found their companions eager listeners to the -story they had to tell of the capture of the black horse. Others of the -men also were concerned now for the safety of the scout, but against -the suggestion that they should go to his relief the strong protests -made by the men who had accompanied Carson in the chase at last -prevailed, and no one departed from the camp. - -Meanwhile, although it was seldom that reference was made to the fear -in the heart of every one, the anxiety among the trappers increased as -the slow moments passed. When an hour had elapsed the suggestion was -renewed by Reuben that the men should go to the aid of their leader. -But the suggestion was again refused. Another hour passed, and still -there were no signs of the coming of the missing trapper. - -A half-hour later, however, Kit Carson was seen approaching the camp, -riding his own pony and leading his captive. The black horse was -following meekly, his dejected bearing clearly showing the sufferings -he had undergone. The scout made no comment when he rode into the camp. -He at once quietly dismounted and threw the bridle rein over the head -of the pony he had been riding and then turned to his captive. - -At first it seemed as if the spirit of the black horse was broken. In a -moment, however, when Kit Carson tried to lead forward the nearly -exhausted animal, the wild pony reared and with a scream of anger -attempted to strike the scout with his forefeet. Carson, however, was -too quick, and the attempt of his prisoner to injure him proved futile. - -Again the scout pulled upon the halter, although as Reuben watched him -he was puzzled to understand how the daring man had succeeded in -placing a halter on the head of the powerful animal. The pony this time -responded, and although he was apparently unaware of what he was doing, -he followed his captor as he led him to a stake which had been securely -driven into the ground on the border of the camp. There the captured -horse was tied. Once more, however, Kit Carson barely escaped the -onrush of the beast as he dashed upon him with wide-open jaws. It was -impossible for any one in the camp now to hobble the animal, and for a -time he was left to his vain efforts to escape. Desperately the poor -beast pulled upon the thongs that held him, but without avail. After a -struggle of a few minutes the attempt was abandoned, and for a time it -seemed as if the black horse, his spirits drooping and his whole -bearing dejected, had at last decided to yield to his fate. - -Kit Carson declared that the horse should not be fed or watered -throughout the night. When morning came, with some oats in his hat -which he was holding in his outstretched hand, the scout again -approached the captive. Hunger and thirst by this time had deprived the -beast of still more of his fiery energy. He was weak now as well as -suffering. Stretching forth his head, he ate a few oats, and then, -apparently overcome by his recollection of his humiliation, with a -scream of anger he arose upon his hind feet and again endeavoured to -crush the scout. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI--THE RETURN OF RAT - - -"Come on, shoot the brute!" shouted Jack, greatly excited as he saw the -peril of the scout. - -In response to his appeal several men ran for their rifles, but Kit -Carson himself, quickly turning to his followers, said quietly: "None -of that, boys. This fellow isn't to blame for what he's doing. Leave -him to me." - -In surprise the trappers drew back and watched the scout, as quickly -avoiding the rush of the black horse he soon quieted the excited -animal, which was more nervous than savage. Indeed, in the days that -followed, the methods which Kit Carson employed to "break" the -high-spirited animal were different from those which any of his friends -had ever seen or employed. In most cases horses were broken by the most -brutal of means. Cruelty was so common that it was looked upon as -commonplace. The new method which the scout used was so different as to -cause surprise among his followers. Indeed, many of them expressed -their open belief that he would never succeed and his plan would only -result in damage to the one who employed it. - -Kit Carson, strong and quiet, a man who did not hesitate to use the -very utmost of his strength and the greatest of his resources when he -was fighting, in most ways was quiet and gentle as a woman. Following -his plan persistently, not many days had elapsed before the black horse -was following the scout almost as a dog follows his master. Indeed he -seemed to develop a feeling of strong affection for his captor, and it -was plain to all the campers that they never before had seen their -leader become so fond of any animal. - -In the days that passed, the horse, which was named Black Jack, became -the pet of the entire camp. There was one strange trait, however, which -the horse developed, and that was that he was unwilling for any of the -trappers to mount him save Kit Carson and, on rare occasions, Reuben. -Several times Reuben had been permitted to ride the swift-footed steed, -but it was plain to the beholders as well as to the rider that there -was no enthusiasm in carrying the boy. The excitement attending the -capture of the wild horse passed in a brief time, although Black Jack -still remained a great pet of the trappers. - -There were busy days that followed. The season was proving to be -unusually successful, and the number of skins taken by the men rapidly -increased with every passing day. The daily round of visiting the -traps, the labour of skinning the animals that had been caught, and the -work of drying and curing the catch occupied most of their time. - -Indeed it was soon decided that the furs must be cached after the plan -which had been followed once before. This time it was Reuben who -assisted in selecting the spot where the hole should be dug in the -ground, and it was he who looked after the preparations of the place to -receive the valuable skins which represented so much toil and time. - -Still the labour of trapping was steadily continued. One day while -Reuben was alone, engaged in the task to which he had been assigned, he -was startled when he saw before him near one of the traps the stooping -figure of a man. The stranger was bending over a trap, and for a moment -the lad was angered by the sight before him. He was suspicious that the -visitor was striving to steal the catch of the night. And there was no -crime considered more heinous among the trappers, unless it was that of -horse stealing. - -Hastily Reuben looked to the priming of his rifle and then advancing, -quickly shouted: "Who is there? Who are you? What do you want?" - -To the amazement of the startled lad the huge form of Rat arose from -the opposite bank of the stream and quickly turned to face the one who -had hailed him. - -"Huh!" exclaimed Rat. "It's only you, is it?" as he discovered who the -party was that had hailed him. - -"That's all," said Reuben dryly, "and I see you're just Rat. Tell me -what you're doing here." - -"I'm 'tending to my own business, and that's more than some people are -doing." - -"You don't look as if you were," retorted Reuben, still more angered by -the manner of the man. - -"What do I look as if I was doing?" - -"You know as well as I do," said Reuben quickly, "and you know what -sometimes happens to men for doing that very thing." - -"You little cub!" roared Rat. "I've a great mind to treat you as----" - -"As you were treated by Kit Carson?" laughed Reuben. - -For a moment the expression of anger on the face of the huge man caused -Reuben to regret the hasty words he had spoken. He felt safe, however, -as the brook was wide and deep, and he had little fear that Rat would -venture into the cold waters of the mountain torrent. Water had ever -been one of the pet aversions of the huge Rat, and he had never -listened kindly to suggestions of his camp mates as to its use. For a -moment the angry face of the man glared upon Reuben, and then as if by -a supreme effort, Rat, striving to look more pleasant, said: "And what -luck have you had this winter?" - -"Good. How has yours been?" - -"My luck is against me," replied Rat, shaking his head as he spoke. -"Everything is against me." - -"Including Rat," suggested Reuben. - -"What do you mean?" thundered the trapper, his face once more -expressive of his anger. - -"Nothing, except that you stand in your own way. That's what everybody -about the camp says. They would like to be friends with you, but you -won't let them." - -"Why won't I let them? I would like to be on good terms with -everybody." - -"With Kit Carson?" inquired Reuben. - -"Yes, even with Kit Carson." As Rat spoke, Reuben was conscious for an -instant of a deep scowl that appeared on the face of the trapper, but -it disappeared so quickly that he was not even positive that it had -been there at all. "What would Kit Carson say if I came back to camp?" -inquired Rat at last. - -"That would depend very much upon what you yourself said, I reckon. If -I remember right, that's the way it was before, wasn't it? If you had -kept quiet Kit Carson would have been quiet, too." - -"I hear he has married a squaw," suggested Rat. - -"You can hear all sorts of things." - -"Did he?" - -"Yes. He's not ashamed of it." - -"Perhaps she'll be when he runs off and leaves her." - -"I advise you not to suggest that thing to Kit Carson the next time you -see him. You'll have more than a lame wrist to show for it if you do." - -"He took me off my guard," protested Rat. "I wasn't ready for him." - -"That wasn't any fault of yours. He caught you before you could get -ready. You were doing your best to get the drop on him." - -"That's a lie!" shouted Rat. "I wasn't doing anything of the kind! But -then," he added a moment later, his voice becoming lower, though it was -plain that he had regained his self-control only by a great effort, -"but then I have no desire to quarrel with Kit Carson nor any one in -the camp. I would like to be friends with all, if they'd let me." - -"Do you mean you want to come back to camp?" inquired Reuben. - -"Yes." - -The lad whistled and made no response until Rat said: "Don't you think -they would let me come?" - -"If you will promise to be on your good behaviour, they'll be glad to -have you come. They wouldn't have you there a minute, though, if you -tried the trick you did before." - -"I haven't any trick to try. I'm hungry and I'm tired. If they'll give -me some supper and let me spend the night in camp, that's all I want. -I'll leave to-morrow morning if they want me to. If they will let me, -though, I'll stay and do my share, and be glad to do it." - -"I can't say what they'll do. The only thing for you to do is to try -it." - -"Maybe you'll go ahead and find out for me?" suggested Rat, his voice -becoming almost a whine in his eagerness. - -"No, come along. Go back up the stream about a mile and you'll find a -place where you can jump across. If you want to you can come over on -this bank now." - -"I don't want to," said Rat quickly, glancing at the rushing torrent, -as if it was threatening him. "I'll walk back up the bank and wait for -you. How long will you be?" - -"I don't know," said Reuben. "I wasn't coming back this way anyway. I'm -going to visit the traps and set them. I have brought bait with me and -I'll fix every trap before I leave." - -"Would you like to have me help you?" inquired Rat, striving to speak -pleasantly. - -Reuben hesitated a moment and then said: "Yes. You had better come -across here, though, and not wait to go back up the stream." - -In response to the suggestion the huge man, with many groans and -protestations, finally entered the stream, and as the depth of the -water increased he held high above his head the two pistols with which -he was armed. The sight was ludicrous and Reuben laughed heartily. As -the man came nearer the bank on which he was standing Reuben's heart -almost misgave him for the invitation he had given. Nor was it long -before Reuben had greater cause for regret that he had been willing for -the huge Rat to join him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII--THE THEFT - - -The dripping body of the huge trapper when he stepped at last upon the -shore made Reuben once more aware of the immense size and strength of -the man. As he recalled the contest between Kit Carson and the giant -before him, and was reminded of the slight, almost delicate form of the -scout, he was amazed at the courage of the latter in accepting the -challenge of the braggart. - -At present, however, there did not appear to be anything to fear from -Rat, and it was manifest that his thoughts were mostly concerned with -his own condition. The cold water perhaps had cooled any heated -tendencies he may have had. At all events, he was subdued in his manner -and even tried to laugh at the sight he declared he must present. - -"I'll help you, lad," said Rat, at the same time stooping and assuming -a part of the burden. "You're going back to camp now, aren't you?" - -"Yes." - -"I'll go along with you." - -Reuben glanced in fresh surprise at the man, for the camp of the -trappers, and especially Kit Carson, he was positive Rat had no real -desire to see. Indeed, he wondered at the temerity of the man in daring -to return, knowing as he did the feeling against him when he had fled -from the place. - -"I suppose you've got the same trappers as ever, haven't you, Reuben?" -inquired Rat. - -"Yes," replied Reuben in a low voice. - -"Kit Carson still at the head?" - -"Yes." - -"He's a great little Kit. He was too quick for me," said Rat, striving -to laugh as he spoke. - -"He always is," suggested Reuben. - -"That don't mean that he always will be, does it?" - -"I think it does." - -"He certainly has a good friend in you, Reuben. He makes every one bow -down to him." - -"If they do, it's not because he makes them, but because they want to." - -"It's all the same, it's all the same." - -Silence followed, and steadily Reuben led the way back to the place -where he had left his comrades. Occasionally he glanced keenly at his -companion, but he was unable to discover any signs of fear or even of -shame. Apparently Rat was returning to the trappers as a matter of -course and expecting that he would be received in the same spirit with -which he came. And yet in spite of his manner Reuben was keenly -suspicious of the huge boaster. The very fact that he had suffered at -the hands of the boyish scout doubtless had aroused a feeling of -resentment which could not be quieted until Rat had obtained -satisfaction. - -To the surprise of Reuben, however, when they entered the camp Rat was -greeted without any protest, though it could not be said that there was -manifest any feeling of special pleasure at his return. Apparently -accepting the condition as one which he had expected, Rat soon made -himself at home in response to the quiet invitation of Kit Carson. It -was plain, however, within a few days that the prejudices of the -trappers were still keen. Indeed there was not one who was not -suspicious of him, though there was none as yet who had shown any -unfriendly attitude. - -Why had the man come back to camp? What had he expected? If he had -returned to take vengeance upon Kit Carson, why did he postpone his -attack? These questions and others like them were frequently in the -mind of Reuben, but when several days had elapsed and no answer had -been found, he concluded that the boaster had been taught a much-needed -lesson and that now he was cured of his overbearing ways. - -On the fourth day after his arrival Rat suggested to Reuben that they -should visit their traps together. Unwilling though he was, Reuben -nevertheless quietly assented, and not long afterward the two men set -forth on their rounds. - -The season had been wonderfully successful. Never in their experience -had so many skins been secured as the trappers had taken within the -preceding few weeks. The noisy Rat was loud in his declaration that Kit -Carson knew better than any one the streams where the beaver lived. -Whether his statement was true or not, beaver, otter, mink, and other -animals were caught in great numbers, and many of the skins, as has -been said, had been cached. - -It was when Reuben and his companion had halted in the middle of the -day for luncheon that Rat quietly said to the lad: "Where have you made -your caches this time?" - -Reuben laughed as he replied: "There's one within ten feet of you now." - -"What!" exclaimed Rat, glancing keenly about him as he spoke. - -"That's right," replied Reuben, "there's one within ten feet of you. I -don't know what Kit Carson would say, but I'm so sure you can't find it -that I would almost be willing to say you can have half the skins there -if you dig out the place." - -"That's all very well," replied Rat; "of course I can't find it." At -the same time he glanced all about him, and if Reuben had been more -experienced he would have discovered that the trapper was protesting -too much. Again and again he begged of Reuben to show him the place -where the skins were concealed, declaring that he was unable to -discover any trace that had been left. Reuben, however, refused to -disclose the location of the cache, and when at last they proceeded on -their rounds he was convinced that Rat had no suspicion as to its exact -location. - -"I'm wondering," suggested Rat as they moved down the stream, "if Kit -Carson would have any objection to letting me bring some of my furs and -putting them in the cache along with his." - -"You'll have to ask him." - -"I will just as soon as I go back to the camp," declared Rat. - -True to his word, that very evening the huge boaster, approaching the -scout, said: "Kit, have you any objection to letting me cache some of -my furs along with yours?" - -For a moment the scout glanced keenly at the face of the inquirer -before he spoke: "How many furs have you got?" he inquired at last. - -"Not very many just yet. I expect to have more, for I've never seen the -catch as good as it is now." - -"You come and talk to me when you get more and we'll see what can be -done," said Kit Carson quietly at last. - -Slight attention was paid to the conversation, and even Reuben had -almost forgotten it, as well as his own talk the preceding day with Rat -concerning the location of the cache near the stream on the bank of -which they were trapping. These things were brought strongly back to -his recollection, however, when on the following morning it was -discovered that the black horse was gone and that two other horses also -had disappeared. Nor was this all that the camp had lost, for Rat also -was missing. When the men assembled for breakfast, the discovery of the -loss of the black horse and the report also that two other animals were -gone caused them to declare that Rat had not fled from the place -without taking more than the horses. Just what he wanted of three -horses was not plain to the trappers. - -Suddenly, however, Reuben called Kit Carson to one side and said to -him: "Did Rat ask you to let him cache some of his furs?" - -"Yes," replied the scout, looking keenly into the face of his friend as -he spoke. - -"Well, he wanted me the other day, when we were trapping together, to -show him where our cache was. I told him there was one within ten feet -of the place where he was standing and that if he could find it he -might have half the skins. You don't suppose that he's found the place -and taken those horses to carry off some of the skins, do you?" - -For a moment Kit Carson was silent. Although he was aware that Reuben -was keenly mortified by the confession he had made, he did not speak -any word of reproach. Not many minutes had elapsed, however, before Kit -Carson, selecting two of the swiftest ponies in the camp, said to -Reuben: "Do you want to go with me?" - -"Yes. Where are you going?" - -"I'm glad you put your answers in that way," replied Kit Carson with a -smile. "I'm glad you're going, and you'll soon find out where I'm -going. First of all, take me to the place where you told Rat there was -one of our caches." - -Both trappers carried their rifles and mounting the swiftest ponies, -they speedily departed from the camp. Reuben easily led the way toward -the place where he and Rat had stopped for their noontime meal and -where also he had foolishly told the braggart that one of the caches -was not far away. - -Reuben was not surprised when an hour later, after they had arrived at -the place they were seeking, he discovered that the hiding-place had -been opened and that many furs had been removed. It was plain, too, -from the marks left by the feet of the horses nearby, as to what -disposition had been made of the stolen furs. The anger of Reuben was -intense, but to his noisy protests no response was made by Kit Carson, -whose quiet manner was still unchanged. - -"There's nothing for us to do, lad," suggested the scout, "except to go -after the rascal and get our skins." - -Already convinced that this was the purpose of the scout in coming, -Reuben made no response except to quicken the speed at which his horse -was moving and do his utmost to follow the scout when they set forth on -their journey. - -They already had taken the precaution of providing supplies sufficient -for two days, although Kit Carson was depending upon game to provide -much of their food. - -Occasionally the scout paused to examine the ground and try to discover -the imprints left by the feet of Rat's horses. Frequently the trail was -almost lost, but Kit Carson, after circling the spot and carefully -examining the ground, every time succeeded in discovering the signs for -which he was searching, and then with increased speed the pursuit was -renewed. - -Reuben was thinking of what would occur if the scout should overtake -the burly boaster. The quiet determination expressed in Kit's face -plainly indicated what was in his mind. And the thief would be -overtaken soon, Reuben was convinced, because when Rat had fled, -although he had taken Black Jack, swiftest of all the ponies in the -camp, the speed at which he was fleeing could not be greater than the -pace of the horses which were following him and carrying the stolen -furs on their backs. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII--THE RETURN - - -In spite of the efforts of the scout, two days elapsed before any signs -of the immediate presence of the thief were discovered. And even then -he was not positive that the huge Rat was near at hand. - -"I think he's gone," suggested Reuben. - -"Did you have any question about that?" laughed Kit Carson quietly. -"That he had 'gone' was the reason why we started after him." - -"Yes, but I think he's gone where we can't find him." - -Carson smiled as he shook his head, but made no response to the -discouraged lad. - -An Indian village was located in the valley not far ahead of them. The -signs which had aroused the interest of Kit Carson had been the -discovery of the bones and part of the hide of a horse which had been -left on the sands by its border. "That's one of our horses," said the -scout quietly to Reuben. - -"Is it?" inquired the younger scout as he quickly jumped from his horse -and began to investigate the remains of the unfortunate animal. "I -could not say," he said at last when he arose and resumed his seat in -the saddle. - -"I am sure it is," said Kit Carson in a low voice, "and we shall find -that the Indians either are having a feast on horseflesh, or that they -have just finished one. The best plan, Reuben, will be for you to stay -here while I go alone into the village." - -Reuben glanced nervously about him, for his confidence in his own -ability to protect himself in case he should be attacked was not -strong. However, he made no reference to his own feelings and watched -his companion as he slowly rode toward the wigwams, the tops of which -could be seen in the distance. - -Two hours passed before Kit Carson returned to his companion. At first -the scout was not inclined to relate what had befallen him in his -visit. In a brief time, however, he said: "I found the Indians all -friendly." - -"Did you?" inquired Reuben. "Were they having a feast?" - -"Yes." - -"Didn't they object to your interrupting them?" - -"No. I found them all friendly, as I said. Indeed, the chief of the -village is a cousin of my wife. What horse do you suppose they have -been eating?" - -"Not Black Jack?" demanded Reuben, startled by the suggested question. - -Kit Carson nodded his head to indicate that the beautiful animal had -indeed been the one which had provided the feast for the Indians. - -"Why did they do that? How did it happen?" - -"It seems that when Rat came into the village the black horse had -broken a leg. It was just able to drag itself along." - -"Was Rat there?" - -"He was, but he isn't now." - -"What has happened to him?" - -Kit Carson smiled slightly as he looked keenly into the face of his -angry friend, and then he said: "I advised him to leave." - -"And he left?" - -"He did." - -"Did you do anything to him?" - -"Nothing except to advise him to depart. I am glad to say that to all -appearances he seemed to be willing to follow my advice. He decided, -however, to leave our furs behind him." - -"Where are they now?" - -"They are in the village and I can get them any time I want them." - -"What did Rat have to say for himself?" - -"Nothing much. He tried at first to explain that it was all a mistake, -that he didn't know the skins belonged to us, and when he found them he -thought it was a great find and he would make away with them himself." - -"What did he have to say about Black Jack?" - -"He claimed that Black Jack was outside the camp and that he didn't -intend to run away with him. He was going to bring him back just as -soon as he disposed of the furs. I have just come back to tell you, -Reuben, that I'm not going back to camp just now. Do you think you can -find your way alone?" - -"Yes. Why don't you want me to stay with you?" - -Kit Carson shook his head as he said in a low voice: "It will be -better, Reuben, for you to go back to camp. Tell the men that I shall -be there some time to-morrow." - -Reuben looked suspiciously into the face of the scout, but there was -nothing in his expression to betray what his intentions were. Convinced -that there was nothing more to be said, Reuben reluctantly spoke to his -horse and started on his journey back to the camp. Occasionally he -glanced behind him, but after a few minutes had elapsed he was unable -to discover the scout anywhere on the plains. Doubtless he had returned -to the village, though just what his purpose in doing so Reuben was -unable to conjecture. - -Steadily Reuben continued on his way, and the return, inasmuch as he -was able to proceed directly and was not compelled to stop in order to -study the signs in the sand as to the course which Rat had followed, -did not require as much time as had been consumed in the journey in -pursuit of the thief. - -Near noon of the day following that on which he had left his companion -Reuben entered the camp. In response to the eager questions of his -friends he related what had befallen him and Kit Carson in their -efforts to overtake Rat. There were exclamations of anger over the fate -which had befallen Black Jack and many expressions of wonder as to why -Kit had permitted the braggart to depart from the Indian village before -severe punishment had been inflicted upon him. Nor did Kit Carson offer -any explanation when he returned two days later. - -The steady routine of the camp life continued during the weeks that -followed, and when at last the entire party once more made its way back -to Taos every one was well satisfied with the success which had -attended their combined labours. - -With Kit Carson now went the young Indian girl who was his wife. The -long journey at last was completed and preparations were made for the -quiet weeks that must ensue at the little Spanish settlement. The weeks -ran into months, and a baby girl that had been born to Kit Carson and -his wife had grown into a laughing, though quiet, dark-eyed little -beauty. She was the pet of every one in the settlement, and the pride -of Kit Carson in the little maid was apparent to all his friends. -Indeed the unusual demonstration of affection which the scout displayed -as he played with the little girl was the cause of much comment among -his friends. - -One day, however, there came a sadness upon all who knew the scout. His -young Indian wife had been taken ill, and despite all the efforts of -the people in the little settlement to help her, their work proved -unavailing. In a brief time the dark-eyed wife of Kit Carson was dead. -Not long after her death the scout came to Reuben and said: "I'm going -to start for Pain Court. Do you want to go with me?" - -For a moment Reuben was silent. He recalled the circumstances under -which he had departed from the place years ago. His mother was dead and -his father, either made unfeeling by the death of his wife or hardened -by the conditions of his life, had become indifferent to Reuben. He had -insisted that he would no longer be responsible for the care of the -lad, and it was partly because of the hardships which in this manner -were thrust upon him that Reuben had started with Jean Badeau across -the long plains. - -Not a word in all the months that had intervened had been heard from -his father. Whether or not he was living now he had no means of -knowing. And as for Jean, he had strangely disappeared, as we know, and -whether or not the harmless insane man whom Reuben had seen at San -Gabriel and in the Indian village, where Kit Carson had found his wife, -really was the lost trapper he had no means of fully knowing. - -These thoughts passed quickly through Reuben's mind, but he was -accustomed to quick decisions, and in a moment he said: "Yes, I will -go." - -"I am going to take my baby with me," said the scout. - -"What?" - -"I am going to take the baby with me. I don't dare leave her here to be -brought up by the squaws. I am going to take her back among my own -people and have her looked after as the daughter of her father ought to -be, for I am a man of means now," added Kit Carson quietly, smiling as -he spoke. "A few more skins and I shall have enough to make me rich, or -at least some time ago I would have thought I was rich if I had had any -such amount of money." - -"She'll die on the way," protested Reuben. - -"Well, she will have to die some time. It's no worse to die on the -plains than it is in a town. I think she would die here at Taos if I -left her, and I'm going to take my chances and see if I cannot take her -back with me." - -"But she'll starve. You cannot get any milk for her." - -Kit Carson smiled, but said no more, and Reuben was surprised when two -days later, after arrangements had been completed for the departure, he -discovered that an Indian brave and his wife whose baby had died two -days before were to accompany them. - -Of the long journey that followed Reuben retained many vivid -recollections. There were nights when their camp was surrounded by the -howling coyotes; there were times when they were unable to see far -before them because of clouds of dust which passing herds of buffaloes -had raised. Several times, too, they were visited by Indians from the -various tribes. Twice there were delays of two or three days each -because Kit Carson was fearful that his little girl was becoming weaker -under the stress of the long journey. - -At last the scout insisted on turning aside from the immigrant road for -a visit to the old settlement on the borders of Missouri where he had -been born. His visit, however, was not prolonged. He found that the old -cabin in which his family had lived was now a deserted ruin. As he -recalled the place it had been filled to overflowing with the large -family which had made it its home. Now, not one member of his family -was to be found in the region. Whither they all had gone or what had -become of them he was unable to discover. - -Disappointed by the results of his visit, the scout renewed his journey -to Pain Court, and at last the travellers found themselves within the -limits of the place they were seeking. - -But what a change had come over all things there. The little -trading-post had become a large town. Streets had been laid out which -to the trappers seemed to be crowded with people passing to and fro. In -amazement the strangers looked all about them as they entered, unable -to recognize any familiar faces. - -It was not long, however, before Reuben decided that he would leave his -companions for a time and do his utmost to discover whether or not his -father was still living. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX--THE GREAT SCOUT AND THE GREAT EXPLORER - - -Several days elapsed before the young trapper obtained any definite -clue concerning his father. At that time, however, he was informed by -the woman with whom he was boarding that she also had been making -inquiries for him, as she had become greatly interested in her young -boarder. She had been informed by a woman who occasionally visited her -place with vegetables for sale that she had heard of a man named Benton -who was in the poorhouse in a nearby town. - -Faint as the clue was, Reuben decided to follow it. When at last he was -admitted into the room in which the man who bore the same name as he -was found, he said quickly: "That's not the man. He isn't my father." - -"Better look again," suggested the keeper of the place. "You say it has -been a good many years since you saw him." - -"Yes, it has been a long time," replied Reuben slowly, as again he -looked keenly at the old and decrepit man before him. The man's hair -was long, his clothing unkempt, but what appealed most strongly to -Reuben was the fact that the man was totally blind. - -At the sound of his voice there had been a strange and sudden movement -on the part of the blind man. He turned his sightless face in the -direction from which Reuben's voice had been heard and a change in his -expression quickly came over his countenance. There was a change, too, -in Reuben at the same moment, for in the face upon which he was looking -there now were certain features that somehow dimly reminded him of the -father he had known in the years long gone. - -"Your voice sounds like the voice of a boy of mine," suggested the old -man in trembling tones. - -"What was his name?" inquired Reuben. - -"Reuben Benton." - -"And what is your name?" - -"My name is William Benton." - -"How long have you been here?" inquired the young trapper. - -"I don't know. It seems like many years." - -"Do you like it here?" - -"Do I like it? I wish I was dead." - -Reuben's face was glowing with a more tender expression than had been -seen upon it in many a day. "We'll try to arrange it so that you won't -have to stay here much longer," he said. - -"What do you mean?" demanded his father so eagerly that Reuben's heart -smote him again. - -"I mean that I am your son and that I have come here to make -arrangements to take you out of this place." - -Abruptly, and to Reuben's intense surprise, his father suddenly buried -his face in his hands and cried and sobbed as a little child might have -done. It was long before Reuben could comfort him, but when at last the -sightless old man was convinced that Reuben had in reality returned and -that he was able to provide for his wants in his declining years, the -countenance of William Benton was lighter than it had been for many -days. - -Nor was Reuben disappointed. In a brief time he was able to obtain the -release of his father and also to purchase a little house in which they -both might live. Reuben's share in the furs which had been secured, as -we know, had brought him no small amount of money, and through the -influence of Kit Carson he had been able to save most of that which he -had received. Because of this he was now able to provide for his -father, and there was no hesitation on the part of the young trapper in -deciding to remain at Pain Court, or St. Louis, as the place now was -commonly called. - -With Kit Carson, however, the case was radically different. He had not -found any trace of his own family, and when a few days had elapsed his -stay in St. Louis was ended. The strange sights of the life in the city -and the activities of the busy city people were all interesting, but as -Kit explained to Reuben, he wanted to be where there weren't so many -others, where there wasn't so much noise, where he could have all the -air he wanted to breathe and all the sky there was to be seen. -Accordingly on the first steamboat that departed westward on the -Missouri River, Kit Carson was a passenger. - -Among those who were also on board was a man to whom Kit Carson felt -drawn almost instinctively when first he discovered him. It was not -long before he learned that the name of the stranger was Lieutenant -John C. Fremont, who at that time was conducting a band of men to -explore and survey certain regions of the great West. - -When at last young Lieutenant Fremont found himself talking to the -famous scout he explained that the guide whom he had expected to meet -him had not appeared and that it was now necessary for him to find -another. Kit Carson, in his quiet manner and smiling as he spoke, -explained that he himself had had considerable experience in the -western country and that he would be willing to accompany the party as -its guide. Somewhat suspicious at first, Lieutenant Fremont's fears -soon were allayed, and Kit Carson became the guide of the expedition. - -As they proceeded on their way more and more the daring young -lieutenant became interested in the modest story which Kit Carson had -to tell of his experiences in the great West; more and more convinced -was Fremont that he had secured a man who was certain to be very -valuable in the perilous expedition in which he was engaged. At last -the party left the boat when it arrived at the mouth of the Kansas -River, and at once the explorers set forth on their pathless journey. - -To the men it seemed as if the necessities of life which they were -taking with them had been reduced to the smallest possible number, but -the scout looked on their equipment with amazement. It had never been -his privilege to sleep under canvas tents or cross streams in rubber -boots. We may be sure, however, that simple as were the tastes of Kit -Carson, he found the conveniences which his new friends were carrying a -source of comfort before many days had elapsed. - -Steadily the party pushed forward on its journey westward. All day long -the great stretches of level plains extended in every direction. The -herds of buffalo were so many that only the choice bits of those that -were shot were eaten. Indeed, some of the men saved for cooking only -the marrow-bones and the tongues of the buffalo. - -Then came the first sight which many of the explorers had ever had of -the wonderful Rocky Mountains. And what a sight they were and are. Some -of them stood with their summits hidden above the clouds and with great -chasms cut into their sides. Some had heavy borders of trees as far up -their sloping sides as the timberline, and others had rushing, noisy, -clattering streams dashing down their sides from the fields of melting -snow near the summits. - -And now Kit Carson's experience became of steadily increasing value to -the young lieutenant. More and more the friendship between the two men -became close. Kit Carson, who knew all about the buffalo and the other -animals of the plains, who was modest in his manner and yet wonderfully -well informed concerning most of the points about which Fremont wished -to learn, his skill as a hunter and his knowledge and friendship of the -Indians, daily became of greater help to the explorers. - -Indeed, it was not long after this time, when Kit Carson was carrying a -message to Santa Fe, that the great scout showed his fearlessness even -among the most hostile Indians. At that time all the tribes in the -vicinity were on the warpath, and Kit Carson was compelled to go alone -on his long ride to Santa F, because most of the white men were afraid -of the painted savages. The scout, however, selecting a different route -from that which he had followed before, confidently continued on his -way. Suddenly a band of braves were seen not far before him. Slipping -to one side of his horse and clinging by one arm and one leg to the -animal, which was running at its swiftest paces, he passed directly in -front of the band of warriors without exciting any suspicion that they -beheld anything more than a stray pony, which was fleeing in terror at -the sight of the red-skinned warriors. - -When Kit Carson returned from his long journey, his friendship with the -daring explorer had become very strong. Fremont had come to value not -merely the immense fund of information which the scout possessed, but -also the traits of character which had endeared him to almost all his -acquaintances. - -When the scout was returning, accompanied only by a young Mexican, they -met a party of four Indians. Although Kit Carson was suspicious of the -men, for he was aware of the discontent among the tribes, he -nevertheless disguised his feelings, and when one of the Indians -advanced toward him with outstretched hand Kit Carson approached him in -the same manner. When the brave was about to grasp his hand as a token -of friendship he suddenly changed his tactics and tried to seize and -obtain the gun which the scout was carrying. - -Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a blow between his -eyes with his fist. The Indian fell to the ground, but he instantly -leaped to his feet and ran back to his friends as swiftly as he was -able. Immediately all four Indians turned and fled from the place. They -were not accustomed to that method of fighting. - -When at last Carson and his young companion arrived at the place they -were seeking, it was to learn that Fremont already had gone on his -westward journey. - -Determined to overtake him, the scout quickly set forth from the fort. -It was not difficult for him to rejoin the party which was moving in -advance of him, and plans were quickly made by which he was once more -to become the guide of the explorers. He explained, however, to Fremont -that he wished to return to Fort Bent to secure mules which would be -necessary to carry their burdens when they were journeying over the -mountains. - -It was not long before Kit Carson had secured the animals for which he -had left his companions, and in a brief time he rejoined the men on -their march. After they had failed to find a better route for the -wagons through South Pass they decided to go to Salt Lake, of which -they all had heard but which none had seen. - -[Illustration: "Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a -blow between his eyes with his fist"] - -On that difficult journey across the plains it is impossible to -describe all the sufferings through which the men passed and the -hardships they were compelled to endure. Throughout them all, however, -it was Kit Carson who proved to the lieutenant that he was equal to -every emergency. When the men were near starvation it was his prowess -as a hunter that secured meat for them. When their horses nearly -dropped upon the sands through exhaustion and hunger again it was the -scout who discovered the place where grass was to be found. When the -leader one day fell into the depths of a rushing torrent it was Kit -Carson who saved him from drowning. When they were threatened by the -Indians, again the scout was the one upon whom all depended to obtain -their friendship and secure permission to pass through the country -without molestation. - -Again Fremont decided to explore the region of the Oregon or the -Columbia River. When their work was ended the explorer decided to go -southward to California. This was a difficult journey and compelled the -band to cross the lofty range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snows -that were so deep that a man might be buried in them had to be crossed. -Paths for the mules and horses had to be made. Sometimes it was -necessary for the men to set fire to the fallen trees so that the snow -nearby would be melted and they might obtain places where their -blankets might be spread for the night. - -The determination of the leaders was shared by their followers, and at -last they arrived at Fort Sutter, where, with an abundance of food and -other fresh supplies, they soon regained their strength and spirits. - -While they were returning from this expedition Kit Carson, who had been -the life and inspiration of all the men, chanced to meet a Mexican and -his little boy, who apparently were in great sorrow. As Kit Carson -spoke Spanish fluently he entered into conversation with the man and -soon learned that the Indians had stolen his horses and carried away -his friends. Without stopping to consult Lieutenant Fremont, Kit Carson -succeeded in inducing one of the explorers to accompany him, and -together the two men set forth in their endeavour to regain the lost -horses for the Mexican. - -There was swift riding that night for the two men. Nor did they stop -until the sun peered above the eastern horizon, and then they stopped -only because they had discovered not far before them the camp of the -Indians which they were seeking. Instantly Kit Carson and his companion -urged their tired horses forward, and yelling as loudly as their lungs -permitted, the riders dashed into the camp. - -At that time the Indians were busy in their preparations for their -breakfast. Before they were fully aware of what was occurring the -Indian chief fell before the sure aim of Kit Carson. Without -retreating, although they were two against thirty or more, the two -hardy men seized their pistols and continued the attack. - -The astonished redmen turned and fled from the place. Doubtless if they -had known how many were in the attacking party that would have been the -last we ever should have heard of Kit Carson and his deeds. As it was, -however, the redmen, without waiting to discover the numbers of their -enemies, fled from the spot, leaving behind them the horses which they -had stolen. These were secured by the scout, and with them he returned -to the camp and gave back to the heart-broken Mexican the ponies which -he had lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX--CONCLUSION - - -Meanwhile Reuben Benton was highly prosperous in St. Louis. With the -money which he had saved from the sale of his skins he had been able in -a modest way to go into the business of buying furs when they were -brought to the trading-post by the trappers. In this way he had been -able to maintain a home of his own, in which his father remained a -member as long as he lived. - -Whenever Kit Carson returned to St. Louis, although there were -occasions when he was highly honoured by people of the highest -standing, he did not forget the man who had been with him as a boy on -his trapping expeditions in the Far West. The friendship between the -two deepened with the years, and among those who were loudest in their -praises of the scout when he had become most famous was Reuben Benton -of St. Louis. - -There came a time in the life of Kit Carson, after he had left -Lieutenant Fremont, when he thought he would be able to settle down and -become a farmer. Not long before this time he had married a Spanish -girl, whose beauty was famous all along the border. On the great ranch -which he purchased he erected a house in which his wife was to make her -home, and there he was busily engaged in building barns that would be -adequate for the stock he expected to raise. - -Abruptly, however, there came a message from Fremont urging Carson to -rejoin him at once; and the scout was unable to decline. Perhaps he did -not wish to. At all events, he sold his farm, provided for his wife -during his absence, and then set forth with one companion to join -Fremont's expedition. - -The Indians had told many stories of the region known as the Great -Basin, a desert so bleak and perilous that no human being might expect -to cross it safely. This was the region now to be explored by Fremont -and his followers. Fortunately they discovered that the reports had -exaggerated the difficulties as well as the desert nature of the -region. - -All this, however, was not known until after the work of the explorers -had been completed. So fearful were the men that the reports they had -heard were well founded that they were extremely cautious in all their -movements. - -Kit Carson, with a few men as hardy as he, kept well in advance of the -main party. Whenever they discovered a place where water was to be had -and there was grass for the horses, there they built fires, the smoke -of which served as an invitation to the other members of the party -behind them to advance. - -At last they made their way into northern California and there -encountered their first serious difficulty with the Indians. The little -band was attacked by one thousand of the savages, but fortunately the -redmen were ignorant of the use of rifles, and as soon as the guns were -discharged they fled in wild confusion. - -About this time the object of the expedition speedily changed. There -was war declared upon Mexico and immediately Fremont and his followers -enrolled themselves as soldiers of their country. Other men joined them -and soon there were sufficient soldiers to form a regiment. Lieutenant -Fremont was extremely eager that the President should be informed -concerning his plans and work. The only way by which word could be sent -him was by messenger, and there was no messenger like Kit Carson. -Accordingly in response to the fresh appeal of Fremont, Carson set -forth as a messenger to carry the dispatches to the capital of the -nation. His letters, however, were very brief, for Fremont relied upon -Kit Carson's own ability to explain conditions as they existed on the -Pacific Coast. - -Before the scout had completed his journey he met a body of soldiers on -their way to California. General Kearny was in command of them, and as -soon as he was informed of the purpose of Kit Carson he at once urged -him to permit some one else to carry the dispatches to the President -while the scout himself should return with the men. Kit Carson, -however, was a man who did not consider any task completed until he -himself had personally done all that had been assigned to him. When, at -last, General Kearny ordered him to do as he had suggested there was no -other course but to obey, and accordingly the scout returned with the -men. It was not the last time, however, that he was sent over the -perilous way with messages for the men at Washington. - -On his arrival he was amazed to find that the people of the capital -already knew of his life in the West. To the modest scout this was a -great surprise. He did not understand how any one could have heard of -his work among the fur-bearing animals and the Indians of the West. -Perhaps he was more surprised than any of his friends to find himself -so much in demand. When one of the United States Senators said: "To me -Kit Carson and truth mean the same," we may be sure the modest scout -was almost overwhelmed by the words of praise. - -When his last journey to Washington was ended the scout was glad to -return to his family at Taos. There he had a house built of adobe, in -which there was always a welcome for his friends. Even the Indians came -and went with more freedom than they visited any of the homes of the -white men. Affectionately the redmen called him "Father Kit," and the -confidence of the good Indian was as strong as was the fear of the -Indian who had done wrong. About forty miles distant from Taos Kit -Carson had his ranch. There his family spent much of their time and -there, too, there was always a welcome not only for his old friends, -but for visitors as well. - -Lieutenant Fremont had now become a colonel and his name was famous -throughout the United States. He, too, visited the scout of whom he had -been so fond, and in his letters, which are still in existence, he -relates what a good time he had at the home of Kit Carson, the famous -scout, trapper, guide, and messenger. - -Kit Carson looked well to his farm, but his love of hunting was still -strong. Indeed, it is said that his table was kept well supplied by the -aid of his own rifle with game throughout most of the year. - -If Kit Carson believed that his roving days were ended now, he was soon -to learn of his mistake. Of all his expeditions, however, only two can -be mentioned here. On one of these, with some other men, mostly -Mexicans, he drove nearly seven thousand sheep from Taos to California. -Across the desert, through the lofty mountain ranges, the strange -procession led by Kit Carson slowly made its way. At last, when the -drovers arrived at their destination, they were able to sell their -sheep for such high prices that every man received an ample reward for -his labours. It was at this time that Kit Carson insisted upon going -down the Sacramento to San Francisco. It had been many years since he -had seen the settlement, and meanwhile the gold fever had drawn men of -all kinds to the little place until it had increased very rapidly in -its population. - -The scout, after his arrival, looked about him in amazement. -Thirty-five thousand people were living in the place, which he had -known only as a little hamlet. Even here his fame had preceded him and -there were many of the reckless men who tried to induce the famous -scout to join them in their wild dissipations. With the same quiet -strength which he had shown in his early life, Kit Carson steadfastly -refused the invitations, and when he departed, his record was as clean -as when he had first come. - -Another time Carson with a large band of the men who once had trapped -with him returned to the scenes of their early experiences. Again the -men were trapping the beaver, and their success amazed even themselves. -Many of the trappers had become so possessed with the desire to find -gold that they had neglected or forgotten the wealth to be won by -trapping. As a consequence the success of Kit Carson's band was -marvellous, and when they returned they felt more than repaid for their -labours. - -It was on this expedition that Kit Carson lassoed a huge grizzly bear. -The lasso, however, was not sufficiently strong to tame the savage -beast, and at last the men, for the sake of their own safety, killed -the grizzly. The following day, which was the Fourth of July, there was -a great feast in which bear-steak was one of the chief articles of -food. - -It was not long before the war between the States broke out. And again -Kit Carson found that it was impossible for him to remain quietly in -his home on the ranch near Taos. In response to the call of the men who -knew and loved him he consented to serve as the colonel of a regiment -which was raised in New Mexico. - -In the campaign which followed there is a quaint statement that perhaps -the most striking service rendered by the brave colonel was when his -regiment one time was ordered to attack the Navajo Indians, who had -thought the time was fitting for them to rebel against the white men. -It is related that with a few of his chosen men Colonel Kit departed -from his camp early one morning and attacked and scattered the warring -Indians and then returned to the camp before the soldiers who had been -left there under the command of the lieutenant-colonel were aware that -there was any fighting to be done. - -There are some who believe that the best work Kit Carson ever did was -later, when he became an Indian agent. His knowledge of the Indians and -his understanding of their character enabled him to deal with them as -few white men could have done. There were times when alone he entered -the councils of the tribes when they were planning war and by his quiet -and earnest appeals he induced them to abandon their warlike plans. But -even his efforts were unavailing at times and with certain of the more -blood-thirsty Indians. His activity and knowledge, however, were felt -most when there were uprisings that sometimes were terrible in their -effects upon the scattered settlers. - -Even to the last of his life he insisted upon occasional vacations. At -such times he would return with some of his chosen friends to his old -occupations and the places which had known him when he was only a boy -scout. - -It is reported that when at last Kit Carson became ill with the -sickness that ended his life, the doctor who was attending his case, -and who was one of his warmest friends, spent much time reading to the -old scout the story of his life which had recently been published. -There is no doubt that Carson keenly enjoyed the narrative, although in -his modesty he declared that he did not see why any one should ever -have considered it worth while to write in a book an account of his -experiences and adventures. - -It was May 23, 1868 when Kit Carson breathed his last. To-day, however, -if you visit the region in which his scouting was done you will find -many men who claim that they knew the famous scout, and if you are -willing to listen they will tell you many marvellous tales of his -bravery and his adventures. It is also quite likely that some of these -stories are true. - -THE END - - - - -NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - -BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - -THE FIFTH AVENUE BUILDING, 200 FIFTH AVENUE - -TELEPHONE GRAMERCY 545 - -NEW YORK CITY - -OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL - -Honorary President, THE HON. WOODROW WILSON -Honorary Vice-President, HON. WILLIAM H. TAFT -Honorary Vice-President, COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT -President, COLIN H. LIVINGSTONE, Washington, D. C. -Vice-President, B. L. DULANEY, Bristol, Tenn. -Vice-President, MILTON A. McRAE, Detroit, Mich. -Vice-President, DAVID STARR JORDAN, Stanford University, Cal. -Vice-President, F. L. SEELY, Asheville, N. C. -Vice-President, A. STAMFORD WHITE, Chicago, Ill. -Chief Scout, ERNEST THOMPSON SETON, Greenwich, Connecticut -National Scout Commissioner, DANIEL CARTER BEARD, Flushing, N. Y. - -FINANCE COMMITTEE - -John Sherman Hoyt, Chairman -August Belmont -George D. Pratt -Mortimer L. Schiff -H. Rogers Winthrop - -GEORGE D. PRATT, Treasurer - -JAMES E. WEST, Chief Scout Executive - -ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD - -Ernest P. Bicknell -Robert Garrett -Lee F. Hanmer -John Sherman Hoyt -Charles C. Jackson -Prof. Jeremiah W. Jenke -William D. Murray -Dr. Charles P. Neill -George D. Porter -Frank Presbrey -Edgar M. Robinson -Mortimer L. Schiff -Lorillard Spencer -Seth Sprague Terry - - July 31st, 1913. - -TO THE PUBLIC:-- - -In the execution of its purpose to give educational value and moral -worth to the recreational activities of the boyhood of America, the -leaders of the Boy Scout Movement quickly learned that to effectively -carry out its program, the boy must be influenced not only in his -out-of-door life but also in the diversions of his other leisure -moments. It is at such times that the boy is captured by the tales of -daring enterprises and adventurous good times. What now is needful is -not that his taste should be thwarted but trained. There should -constantly be presented to him the books the boy likes best, yet always -the books that will be best for the boy. As a matter of fact, however, -the boy's taste is being constantly vitiated and exploited by the great -mass of cheap Juvenile literature. - -To help anxiously concerned parents and educators to meet this grave -peril, the Library Commission of the Boy Scouts of America has been -organized. EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY is the result of their labors. All the -books chosen have been approved by them. The Commission is composed of -the following members: George F. Bowerman, Librarian, Public Library of -the District of Columbia, Washington, D. C.; Harrison T. Graver, -Librarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Claude G. Leland, -Superintendent, Bureau of Libraries, Board of Education, New York City; -Edward P. Stevens, Librarian, Pratt Institute Free Library, Brooklyn, -New York; together with the Editorial Board of our Movement, William D. -Murray, George D. Pratt and Frank Presbrey, with Franklin K. Mathiews, -Chief Scout Librarian, as Secretary. - -In selecting the books, the Commission has chosen only such as are of -interest to boys, the first twenty-five being either works of fiction -or stirring stories of adventurous experiences. In later lists, books -of a more serious sort will be included. It is hoped that as many as -twenty-five may be added to the Library each year. - -Thanks are due the several publishers who have helped to inaugurate -this new department of our work. Without their co-operation in making -available for popular priced editions some of the best books ever -published for boys, the promotion of EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY would have -been impossible. - -We wish, too, to express our heartiest gratitude to the Library -Commission, who, without compensation, have placed their vast -experience and immense resources at the service of our Movement. - -The Commission invites suggestions as to future books to be included in -the Library. Librarians, teachers, parents, and all others interested -in welfare work for boys, can render a unique service by forwarding to -National Headquarters lists of such books as in their judgment would be -suitable for EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY. - - Signed - James E. West - Chief Scout Executive. - -"DO A GOOD TURN DAILY." - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Scouting with Kit Carson, by Everett T. 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Tomlinson'/> <meta name='date' content='1916'/> @@ -27,45 +27,7 @@ </style> </head> <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Scouting with Kit Carson, by Everett T. Tomlinson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Scouting with Kit Carson - -Author: Everett T. Tomlinson - -Illustrator: John Frost - -Release Date: October 3, 2012 [EBook #40927] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40927 ***</div> <div class='figure'> <a id='illus-fpc'></a> @@ -7275,379 +7237,6 @@ judgment would be suitable for EVERY BOY’S LIBRARY.</p> <p style='text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0.5em;text-align:center;'>“DO A GOOD TURN DAILY.”</p> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Scouting with Kit Carson, by Everett T. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Scouting with Kit Carson - -Author: Everett T. Tomlinson - -Illustrator: John Frost - -Release Date: October 3, 2012 [EBook #40927] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -[Illustration: "'Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!'"] - - - - -Every Boy's Library--Boy Scout Edition - -SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON - -BY - -EVERETT T. TOMLINSON - -AUTHOR OF - -SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE, Etc. - -ILLUSTRATED BY - -JOHN FROST - -NEW YORK - -GROSSET & DUNLAP - -PUBLISHERS - - - - -Copyright, 1916, by - -Doubleday, Page & Company - -All rights reserved, including that of -translation into foreign languages, -including the Scandinavian - - - - -PREFACE - -Perhaps it is unnecessary to explain that the purpose of the author -primarily has been to write a story, not a biography. And yet behind -the story stands the romantic character of the great trapper, scout, -guide, messenger, and soldier--Kit Carson. In every way the aim has been -to portray him in a manner that should be true to his unique -personality and his adventurous life. There is a basis of truth for the -incidents incorporated in the tale. Although exact chronology has been -impossible, still an attempt has been made in a general way, to present -in order, various phases of Kit Carson's stirring life. The courage and -truthfulness of the famous scout, his modesty and determination, as -well as his fidelity and his friendliness are qualities of life never -more in demand than to-day. Where can our boys and girls learn of their -value better than in becoming familiar with a life which, whatever its -limitations may have been, surely possessed these valuable qualities. -Is it not high time, too, for young Americans to be taught that in the -romance and adventure of the early days of our own country there are -heroes as deserving of recognition as the semi-fabulous characters in -the early life of nations across the sea? Whatever may be taught of the -latter, surely American boys and girls ought not to be ignorant of the -early heroes of their own land. - - Everett T. Tomlinson. - Elizabeth, New Jersey. - - - - -CONTENTS - CHAPTER I--THE CAMP ON THE PLAINS - CHAPTER II--IN PURSUIT OF A HERD - CHAPTER III--THREE CHEYENNES - CHAPTER IV--RAT TRUE - CHAPTER V--THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER - CHAPTER VI--ALONE - CHAPTER VII--MOUNTAIN TROUT - CHAPTER VIII--AN UNEXPECTED MEETING - CHAPTER IX--WOLF'S CLOTHING - CHAPTER X--ATTACKED - CHAPTER XI--A TRYING EXPERIENCE - CHAPTER XII--A PUZZLING MESSENGER - CHAPTER XIII--PURSUIT - CHAPTER XIV--CAPTURED - CHAPTER XV--A LONELY RIDE - CHAPTER XVI--A MOUNTAIN LION - CHAPTER XVII--THE COMING OF RAT - CHAPTER XVIII--A FIGHT - CHAPTER XIX--TRAPPED - CHAPTER XX--WILD HORSES - CHAPTER XXI--THE CHASE OF THE LEADER - CHAPTER XXII--A WHITE MAN IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE - CHAPTER XXIII--BAFFLED - CHAPTER XXIV--A FRESH ATTEMPT - CHAPTER XXV--THE CAPTIVE LEADER - CHAPTER XXVI--THE RETURN OF RAT - CHAPTER XXVII--THE THEFT - CHAPTER XXVIII--THE RETURN - CHAPTER XXIX--THE GREAT SCOUT AND THE GREAT EXPLORER - CHAPTER XXX--CONCLUSION - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - -"'Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!'" - -"Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of the cave" - -"The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew his knife" - -"Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a blow between his -eyes with his fist" - - - - -SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON - - - - -CHAPTER I--THE CAMP ON THE PLAINS - - -"I am glad we are going to stop here." - -"It ees so. The boy ees mooch tired?" - -"Yes, I am tired," responded Reuben Benton. "I have been in the saddle -since before sun-up. Sometimes it seems to me as if I had been riding -forever and a day." - -The conversation ceased, and both men, leaping from the backs of their -tired horses, first stretched themselves and then danced about in a -manner not in the least suggestive of weariness. The action, however, -was not so much to express their pleasure as to give relief to the -cramped muscles of their backs and legs that now were almost numb. - -The ponies manifestly, too, were glad of the respite. It was a long -trail from St. Louis, or Pain Court, as the trading post frequently was -called ninety years before this story was written, to the foothills of -the Rocky Mountains. For many days the two weary travellers had -steadily ridden across the arid plains. In certain places they had -forded rivers or had crossed on boats or rafts, that now were left far -behind them. Here and there along the uncertain trail they had camped -near the springs that occasionally were to be found. It was a spring -which now had caused the two men to halt and to prepare their camp for -the night. - -For a brief moment both men turned and looked sharply all about them. -Not far away, although they were much farther than they appeared to be, -the towering Rocky Mountains lifted their summits high in the air. Some -of the peaks still were covered with snow, although nearly all of them -at this time in the summer were bare and bleak. Gorges and canyons were -plainly visible, and the keen look which each of the riders gave them -indicated that they were aware that these great defiles among the giant -hills might be the hiding-places of savage beasts or of no less savage -Indians. Indeed, the latter were much more to be feared, for recently -there had been an increasing hatred of the whites manifested by all the -tribes of the prairies and the mountains beyond. Not that many white -men as yet had ventured into the wilderness, but the few that had done -so had aroused feelings of fear and anger lest the pale-faced men might -be merely scouts for a larger body that was following them. Rumours of -battles fought farther east between the Indians and the settlers had -made their way somehow even across the plains. Many of the actions, as -well as the activities, of certain of the trappers and hunters, in -their occasional visits among the tribes, also had not tended to soothe -the fears or allay the feelings of the suspicious redmen. - -Although thoughts of such perils were in the minds of the two men who -had halted for the night, neither referred to them, nor was there any -unusual anxiety betrayed by either. The horses now were hobbled, -blankets were spread on the sandy soil, and a few cooking utensils were -taken from the backs of the pack-horses, and all things were made ready -speedily for the night that was fast approaching. - -The horse of Jean Badeau, the elder of the two men, would have been -noticed even by a passing stranger. Even after the long ride of the day -was ended, there still was a flash in the eyes of Proveau, as Jean -called his horse, and splotches of foam were still flying from his -mouth when he proudly tossed his head. - -The horse of Reuben Benton, though its coat was not quite as sleek and -its eyes betokened a greater weariness than those of his companion's -mount, still was manifestly fleet and strong. Four other ponies also -were in the little caravan, and it was not long before the burdens they -carried were removed from their backs and placed together on the -ground. - -As soon as the contents of the packs were seen it was evident that the -men were engaged in what was a not infrequent occupation in these early -days: both men were trappers. Indeed, numerous traps tied together were -seen among the burdens carried by the patient animals. Powder and lead, -two or three blankets, a few cooking utensils, and a scanty store of -provisions comprised most of the outfit of the little train. - -Of the two trappers, Jean Badeau was a man of medium height, with dark -hair, and eyes piercing and black as midnight. His swarthy skin as well -as his manner of shrugging his shoulders indicated that he was French. -Whether he had come from St. Louis or Montreal, or even from France -itself, he had not explained to his companion. It was in St. Louis, -however, that Reuben first had met him, and there he had agreed to -accompany Jean on his long journey to the Rockies, where they were to -trap until late in the fall or early winter. - -Their first plan had been to go to the upper waters of the Missouri -River. When, however, they learned that several large trapping parties -were also planning to go to the same country, Jean decided that their -opportunities would be better and their chances of success much more if -they should leave their companions, and set their traps among the hills -or mountains farther south, where some of the smaller streams had their -rise. - -Jean was about thirty-eight or forty years of age. The muscles of his -neck and shoulders indicated his great physical strength. His heavy -chest and long arms were silent witnesses to the power of the -Frenchman. - -Nor was Reuben Benton a weakling. Slightly taller than his companion, -he, too, had dark hair and black eyes, but the tint of his skin -indicated that it was due more to the sun and winds he had encountered -on his long journey from St. Louis than to its original colouring. His -eyes were expressive of the kindness of his heart, and it was clear -that Reuben was not one that easily lost his temper or self-possession. -Perhaps it was for this reason that Jean, whose success as a hunter and -trapper was well known, had urged the lad to accompany him. He himself -was the possessor of neither of these two virtues. Indeed, Reuben had -told him that "he was not so much a man who had a temper as he was a -man whose temper had him." - -The difficulties confronting the two men were many. The food they had -brought was not sufficient to provide for their wants more than a few -days, and for the greater part they must depend for supplies upon their -own skill with their rifles. However, as game was plentiful in the -region, neither was anxious concerning the outlook for their immediate -future. They were much more fearful of the red-skinned Indians among -the defiles of the mountains and of possible rivals whom they might -encounter in their visits to their traps. - -Of all the trappers that had gone forth that year they were the only -ones who had ventured to start with only two in the party. Whether or -not they were wise in their undertaking will be better understood as -the story of their adventures is unfolded. - -In a brief time after they had arrived at the spring their camp had -been made, brush had been gathered for a fire, the horses had been -hobbled, and Jean had taken his flint and tinder and after two quick -attempts had started a fire in the dry brush. The sun was still well -above the tops of the mountains, but darkness, when it fell, would come -suddenly. - -"I'm telling you," said Jean, "that we start on Friday. That is ver' -mooch onlucky." - -"Why is it unlucky?" laughed Reuben, who was not greatly moved by the -superstitious fears of his companion. "Do you think we shall have -trouble or that we shan't get any skins?" - -"I fear ver' mooch the both things." - -While Jean had been talking he had been preparing their simple supper. -So engrossed was he in his occupation, as well as in the steady stream -of talk he maintained, whether Reuben heeded his words or not, that he -was unaware of what was occurring in the vicinity of the camp. It was -plain that he had entrusted to his younger companion the guardianship -of the camp, while he himself prepared their simple evening meal. - -"Look out! Look out!" suddenly shouted Reuben. - -At the words of his companion Jean leaped to his feet, grasped his -rifle, which he had left upon the sand nearby, and hastily turned in -the direction indicated by Reuben. In a brief time the sight which had -aroused the younger trapper also stirred the older man. - -Not far away a buffalo calf was running directly toward the camp, -evidently exerting itself to the utmost of its strength. Behind it in -swift pursuit were following two long, gaunt wolves. - -"It is so scared," Reuben suggested, "that it probably has taken us for -a herd of buffaloes." - -The calf by this time had in all likelihood discovered its mistake, but -with undiminished speed it was continuing on its way directly through -the camp. - -The wolves, however, swiftly moved in a circuit outside the camp, so -that the fugitive secured a slight gain on its enemies, and in a moment -was straining every nerve to reach a large herd which now could be seen -at the foot of the hills not more than two miles away. - -"Why didn't you shoot, Jean?" inquired Reuben. - -The trapper shook his head as he replied, "No waste powder." - -"It isn't wasting powder to shoot one of those wolves!" replied Reuben. -"It's one of the best pieces of work you can do! Look yonder! It almost -seems as if they had come up out of the ground. There's one, two, -three, four, five more now that have joined the two already there." - -In silence the two trappers watched the pursuit, and in a brief time -they saw that the number of wolves had increased to twenty or more. -Indeed, the helpless victim was overtaken long before it could find a -refuge among its fellows. The little animal fell an easy prey to its -savage pursuers and was half devoured even before it was dead. - -"I wish I had shot heem," muttered Jean. - -"If one of our horses had been saddled I would have helped out the -little beggar. I wonder why it is that one always feels that he wants -the weaker side to win?" inquired Reuben. - -Jean shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply, and once more resumed -his task over the fire. Silence rested over the region, for Reuben was -caring for the horses while his friend was busy with his labours. - -"I no think they fight mooch," said Jean in a low voice. - -Reuben hastily glanced up at the words of his friend, as for a moment -the flight of the buffalo calf had been forgotten. Looking in the -direction indicated by Jean, he saw that four or five buffaloes had -advanced from the herd, keeping well together, and were moving toward -the pack of wolves that still were busy over what remained of the -unfortunate calf. - -"Perhaps they won't," responded Reuben, "but they are going to do -something which is almost as bad." - -Both men stood silent as they watched the herd. Although the animals -were two miles distant, as has been said, in the clear air they seemed -to be much nearer, and the entire herd was advancing in a body. Out -from the ravine was coming a steadily increasing number of buffaloes. -Soon the great herd, forming as if some one had been giving directions -which they understood, began to move in such a manner that for a moment -it appeared as if the prowling wolves would be surrounded. In a brief -time, however, the savage animals were aware of the threatening danger, -and with incredible speed fled from the region. The advancing -buffaloes, however, did not halt when they saw their enemies disperse. -Their speed steadily increased. The earth rumbled beneath the heavy -tread of the myriad feet, producing a sound not unlike that of distant -thunder. - -An exclamation of dismay or fear from Jean caused Reuben to glance -hastily at his companion; and it was plain that Jean was anxious or -alarmed. Not many minutes elapsed, however, before Reuben understood -the source of his friend's excitement and was sharing in his feeling of -fear. - -The great herd, moving now as if it was controlled by one motive, with -steadily increasing speed was directly approaching the very place which -the trappers had selected for their camping-place. - - - - -CHAPTER II--IN PURSUIT OF A HERD - - -"Queek! Queek!" called Jean. "At once! Immediately!" - -Whether or not it was the call of his excited companion that influenced -Reuben, his pony was quickly bridled, and almost at the same time both -men leaped upon the backs of their horses. In spite of the weariness of -both men and beasts, in a brief time all were alike highly excited. The -great rumbling mass was steadily approaching and the horses also were -aware of the peril that threatened. - -In Reuben's heart there was a thought that if he and his companion -should fire at the buffaloes the course of the mighty herd might be -diverted. Perhaps even the direction in which they were moving would be -turned and they would then avoid the camp. The young trapper had heard -many stories of men and horses that had been trampled beneath the feet -of a frantic herd of buffaloes. - -As the huge animals came nearer and a mighty bull was seen acting as an -advance guard, Reuben glanced quickly at Jean to see whether or not he -shared in his alarm. Nothing apparently would be able to stand in the -way of the rush of the oncoming horde. It was a sight unlike any that -Reuben ever had seen. - -On, and still on, dashed the animals, moving almost as if the swaying -mass was one huge creature. Neither Reuben nor Jean had as yet advanced -from the camp, but both were waiting with loaded rifles, unable to -discover just what the exact course of the fleeing herd was to be. - -"How many are there?" inquired Reuben in a low voice. - -"About seven hundred." - -Reuben whistled, but made no further response. Two minutes elapsed -without any change in the direction in which the buffaloes were going. -Then Jean said quickly, "I shall go to one side. It ees good for you to -wait. When you shoot you must hit a cow, that ees the only meat that -one can eat. Il trouverait a tondre sur un oeuf." - -Whenever Jean fell into the use of his native language Reuben was aware -that his excitement was almost beyond control. What the words meant he -had no conception, but an instant later he saw Jean dashing directly -toward the approaching herd. His horse now apparently was as excited as -its rider. The weariness of the long journey of the day was forgotten -or ignored. - -Without any definite plan, Reuben departed from the camp, moving in -accordance with Jean's advice toward the rear of the animals. The great -mass was now less than a half-mile distant, and as the two hunters -separated and approached the herd, Reuben saw that they had come within -three hundred yards before the presence of the two riders was -discovered. Then there was a sudden agitation in the huge body. The -band apparently wavered for a moment, and some of the bulls galloped to -and fro along the borders of the herd, betraying the fact that the -presence of enemies had been discovered. - -The progress of the trappers, however, was not stayed. Riding steadily -forward, they drew nearer the buffaloes. To Reuben the interest of the -chase had now become so intense that all other things were ignored. - -Suddenly the movements of the dense mass were changed. The body swerved -in a semicircle and apparently was in swift flight for the foothills. -Within a few seconds the entire herd had joined in the flight, a guard -of bulls as usual bringing up the rear. Frequently some of them -stopped, and faced about as if they intended to test the strength or -learn the purpose of the men on horseback. In every case, however, the -huge animals speedily turned and once more dashed after the band, only -to stop again and gaze at the horsemen. Indeed, as the minutes passed, -Reuben was persuaded that the animals were minded to stand and fight. - -Whatever may have been the impulse, however, as the hunters increased -the pace at which they were riding the confusion in the herd became -more manifest. The buffaloes were moving over the ground now with -increasing swiftness, while the rumbling and roaring became steadily -louder as the speed increased. - -Reuben, who had followed directions and was making for the rear of the -herd, now lost sight of his companion. He had a momentary glimpse of -Jean when he was about thirty yards from the border of the herd, -dashing into its midst. He heard the loud shout of the Frenchman, "A -beau jeu beau retour!" but as he did not understand any of the words he -was ignorant of Jean's purpose. He saw the mass give way, and a -half-dozen or more of the bulls, that were less fleet than the cows, -turned to face the approaching hunter. Several of them, however, were -thrown to the earth by the mass of maddened animals and rolled over and -over upon the ground, hardly to be distinguished from the clouds of -dust that now were settling all about them. - -Aware that Jean's plan was, if possible, to separate one animal and -pursue it until he had approached its side and then aim directly at its -heart, Reuben became so interested that for a brief time he almost -forgot the task which had been assigned him. - -Recalled in a few moments, however, and aware that Jean no longer was -to be seen, he shouted to his horse to increase its speed and soon was -swiftly moving toward the rear. He saw one cow slightly separated from -the mass, and in a moment he was pursuing her as swiftly as the wolves -had followed the buffalo calf a little while before. - -Steadily the young trapper gained upon his victim until at last his -horse was alongside the animal he was seeking. Partly rising in his -stirrups Reuben, when only a yard separated him from the buffalo, -fired. The animal fell headlong at the discharge of the rifle, and then -Reuben checked his horse and looked about him for his companion. Not -far away he discovered Jean tying his horse to the head of a cow, which -he was preparing to cut up. - -Filled with the spirit of the chase, Reuben decided that he would try -to secure another cow. As he swiftly advanced he heard a shout from -Jean, "Le cout en ote le gout!" Still he did not understand what was -said, and in his determination to secure another victim he did not heed -the call, and soon was engaged in the mad pursuit of the flying herd. - -Whether or not it was due to the weariness of the horse he was riding, -or to the increased speed of the buffaloes, Reuben never knew, but at -all events he was compelled to continue the pursuit for a long -distance. Unaware of the passing time and unmindful of the fact that -the sun now was disappearing below the western horizon, intent solely -upon securing another buffalo, Reuben still followed in the chase. A -thick cloud of dust filled his mouth and eyes and at times nearly -smothered him. There were moments, too, when the herd was not to be -seen, so concealed was it by the cloud which the hundreds of feet had -stirred up in the desert. - -He was aware also that the buffaloes were crowding more closely -together, and the body was so compact that he was beginning to question -whether or not he would be able to force an entrance and cut off any of -the animals from the others. The dull and confused murmuring at times -was as distinctly heard as was the noise of the many feet. Many times -before Reuben had seen herds of buffaloes in the distance, but this had -been the first time he had joined in a chase. - -Jean had told him often of his own experiences in buffalo hunting, and -in his own peculiar way had declared that "Indians and the buffalo -provide the poetry and life of the prairie." - -Whenever a discovery of a herd had been made Jean had insisted upon -hunting alone. Even now Reuben could picture the excited Frenchman -shouting to his horse, "Avance donc!" and cracking his whip to urge the -fleet animal into its best paces. Often Reuben had shared in the feast -that had followed, enjoying the tongues and steaks which his companion -insisted were the only choice bits of meat that the buffalo provided. -While these pieces were being roasted on sticks held over the fire, -Reuben in a measure had been content because of the feast that was -promised. Now, he himself was a buffalo hunter and already had secured -one victim. - -Unaware how far he was leaving his companion behind him, and ignorant -of the direction in which he was moving as he followed the herd, Reuben -still maintained the pursuit. He was unaware also of another change in -the course of the animals. He had ridden near to the border of the -terrified mass, but for some reason had been unable to penetrate it, or -to separate one from the others. - -As the herd swung to the right, Reuben found that he was being crowded -by the animals, that apparently either were unaware of his presence or -ignored their peril. He was ignorant of the fact that the herd was -passing over dangerous ground. Many times in his long rides across the -plains Reuben had passed through a prairie-dog village. The sight of -the little creatures sitting erect upon their haunches, watching the -approaching stranger on horseback, had become so common that he had -given slight heed to the little animals. Nor had he once thought of -them as a source of danger. - -Still the flight and the pursuit were maintained. Several times the -horse which Reuben was riding stumbled and nearly fell, but every time -the pony was able to regain its foothold and dashed forward with -undiminished speed. - -Reuben was now aware that the animal he was riding was breathing -heavily and doubtless was feeling the effect of its swift pace after -the long ride of the day. As soon as he had secured the cow he -desired--for now the young trapper had selected the animal which he -intended to shoot--he decided that he would give his horse a long rest -before he returned to the camp. - -Suddenly one of the forefeet of his horse sank into a hole which the -prairie-dogs had made. Glancing about him, Reuben saw that he was in -the midst of a village of the little animals. With an effort he -maintained his seat in the saddle, for he was an expert horseman, and -an ordinary fall had little peril for him. This time, however, his -horse was unable to regain its foothold. It stumbled and staggered -several steps, and then with a groan sank to the ground. - -As it fell, Reuben slipped from its back and leaped lightly to the -ground. Advancing to the head of his horse, he seized the bridle and -attempted to lift the animal to its feet. It was unable to rise, and a -brief examination convinced the young trapper that the fall had broken -its leg. - -The thunder of the flying herd now sounded farther away. In the dim -light Reuben saw that the buffaloes were still running swiftly and were -headed for a valley or defile among the hills not far distant. Once -there, doubtless they would be secure from attack. - -His own predicament, however, was too appalling to enable Reuben long -to think of the fleeing herd. He was miles distant from his companion, -his horse had fallen with a broken leg, and night was upon him, while -his perils doubtless would be greatly increased before morning came. -For a moment the heart of the young hunter was heavy. A groan of his -faithful pony recalled him to the necessity of action. There was no -hope of restoring the suffering brute, and, advancing to its head, -without hesitating a moment, Reuben fired at the heart of the panting, -suffering animal. With scarcely a quiver the horse became still. - -His own problem, however, was still unsolved, as Reuben now was fully -aware. The cloud of dust in part had disappeared in the dim light. He -looked all about him, but not a trace of Jean or the camp was he able -to discover. He was alone on the trackless plains and by no means -certain of the direction in which he had come or of the way in which he -should go. - - - - -CHAPTER III--THREE CHEYENNES - - -Reuben was aware that he was not far from the base of one of the -highest mountains. As once more he looked up and peered intently in -every direction, he was aware also that no one was within sight. The -poor beast on which he had ridden was dead and there was no means by -which the young trapper might return to the camp where he had left his -friend. In the distance the herd of buffaloes still could be seen, a -tiny mass moving across the plains in the dim light. Even while he was -gazing at them they disappeared and were lost to sight among the -foothills. - -Reuben was aware that he had shot one cow, but where the animal had -fallen or how far it was from the place where he now was standing he -had no means of knowing. He looked behind him, but was unable to -discover even his own trail in the sand. All traces had been destroyed -by the hoof-prints of the mighty herd of fleeing animals. - -In what direction had he come? Reuben was aware that in a general way -he had followed the line of foothills, but it was plain to him now that -the herd which he had pursued had not moved in a straight course. In -and out over the uneven ground, the animals, frantic with fear, had -fled for safety. - -The young trapper was aware also that he was hungry, and yet he had no -food. If he could secure the carcass of the buffalo cow he had shot his -wants would be supplied. The light, however, was too dim to enable him -to see far away, and even in clear daylight he was doubtful if he could -see the body in the distance. - -Again he tried to discover the fire or smoke of the camp which he and -Jean had made. Not a trace of it, however, was to be seen. It was quite -likely that the very fire itself had been scattered by the herd when -they had dashed across the plains. The pack-horses, too, doubtless had -fled, and Reuben shuddered as he thought what was likely to be their -fate before the morning appeared. The pursuit of the buffalo calf by -the gaunt, hungry wolves was only an indication of what might occur -when the ponies, wearied by their efforts throughout the day, would be -in no condition to escape from the attack of the savage animals. - -For several minutes Reuben remained standing, slowly turning in his -position until he had looked about the entire region. He listened -intently, hoping that he might hear the sound of Jean's rifle. The -oppressive silence of the great desert, however, was unbroken. -Twinkling stars had appeared in the sky, the air was motionless, the -solitude was almost appalling, and within a few minutes Reuben decided -that he must take his rifle and saddle and proceed in the direction in -which he thought the camp was located. - -The boy, however, was now feeling the full force of the reaction after -his strenuous day. Every muscle in his body seemed to be sore. He -advanced with difficulty, and the saddle somehow appeared to be much -heavier than when he had thrown it on the back of his pony. - -It was impossible for him to think of remaining where he was. He was -hungry as well as tired, and the fear of an attack by a pack of hungry -wolves was more than a vague impression. - -Suddenly Reuben saw the outline of three dim forms approaching on -horseback. Startled by the unexpected sight, the boy remained -motionless and waited for the strangers to come near him. The sight was -not one to soothe the fears of the troubled young trapper, but he was -convinced that his safest course was to await their coming. - -Accustomed now to the dim light, not many minutes elapsed before the -young man was able to see that the advancing party was composed, of -three Indians. One of them was much smaller than his two companions and -perhaps was a lad. Who they were or why they should be coming at that -time he was unable to conjecture. - -It was plain, however, that his presence had been discovered, for a -slight divergence in the course the Indians were following showed that -they were now approaching. In a brief time they drew near and one of -them spoke. "How? How?" inquired the leader. At the same time he -indicated, by extending his open hands, that no hostile action was -intended. - -Following their example, Reuben also held forth his hands in a way to -indicate his peaceful intentions. - -"Where go?" inquired the Indian that before had spoken. - -"I want to find my camp," answered Reuben. He was relieved by his -discovery that the three Indians were poorly mounted, the beasts which -they were riding apparently being well-nigh exhausted. The smallest -member of the party he now discovered was an Indian boy, perhaps -fifteen years of age. It was manifest, too, that the spokesman was the -only one able to speak English. - -"Where go? Where go?" repeated the Indian. - -"I want to find my camp," again answered Reuben. "I left my partner -back yonder somewhere, while I went out to shoot buffaloes. My horse -stumbled and fell in a prairie-dog village over here. The poor brute -broke his leg and I had to shoot him. I thought I was not very far from -camp, but I reckon now I am a good deal farther than I thought I was. -Where are you going? Who are you?" - -"Cheyenne," answered the Indian promptly. "We go home." - -"How far do you go?" inquired Reuben. - -The Indian held up three fingers of his right hand to indicate the -distance which must be covered before they rejoined their tribe. - -"Three miles!" said Reuben, startled by the suggestion. - -The Indian laughed and, shaking his head, again held up his three -fingers. - -"Three hundred miles, you mean?" said Reuben. - -The Indian nodded his head several times to indicate that the young -white had spoken correctly. Plainly the words "hundred" and "miles" -were not in his vocabulary. - -Patting himself upon the chest, the Indian said: "Me Breaker of Arrows. -Come to Pawnee country. Try to get Pawnee ponies." - -"You mean you came out here to steal their horses?" inquired Reuben. - -"No steal; _take_ horses." - -"How many did you get? It doesn't look as if you had had very great -success. These ponies you are riding look as if they had been turned -loose by the Pawnees. They aren't worth feeding." - -"Pawnee heap coward!" said the Indian grimly. "Pawnee shut up horses in -lodges at night." - -"Did they find you?" inquired Reuben. - -"No find. Breaker of Arrows, Cheyenne. Dark Night, no find," added the -warrior, pointing to the boy as he spoke. - -The third member of the party apparently was ignored. - -"Where did you get these ponies?" - -"Ponies wild. Get horses on plains." - -"They look as if they were wild," said Reuben. "Have you had anything -to eat?" - -"No eat," replied the warrior; at least the man was posing as a -warrior, although the only weapons the three Cheyennes carried were -bows and arrows and one long spear, which was in the hands of the -spokesman. - -"I shot a buffalo cow." - -"Where buffalo?" demanded the Cheyenne quickly. - -"I wish I knew," replied Reuben lightly. "I am hungry and tired. I -ought to have stopped when I shot one, for one was enough, but I kept -on, thinking I would get another, and so I passed the place where the -cow fell. If you can find it you will have something for supper, for I -will be glad to share with you." - -The Cheyenne turned and spoke in his own tongue to his companions. -After a hasty conversation the spokesman once more turned to Reuben and -by the aid of signs and a few words intimated his desire for the young -trapper to remain where he then was while the Indians searched for the -body of the fallen buffalo. - -Somewhat suspicious that if the strangers should succeed in finding the -dead animal they might not return, Reuben nevertheless agreed to the -suggestion, at the same time striving to conceal his own fears. - -At once the Indians departed after they had secured from Reuben his -impressions of the direction in which they should go. The boy watched -them until the outlines of their forms no longer could be seen in the -dim light. It was plain to him that they were moving in parallel lines -at a considerable distance from one another. - -Casting his saddle upon the ground, Reuben stretched himself on the -sand, using the saddle as a pillow. His rifle was loaded and placed -beside him, and in a brief time the young trapper was sleeping soundly. - -How long he had slept he was unable to decide when he was suddenly -aroused from his slumber by the sound of approaching footsteps. Lifting -his head but still retaining his position, Reuben peered in every -direction to discover the approaching party. At first he was unable to -see what had awakened him, but in a brief time he saw a man approaching -on horseback. In a little while he was convinced that the man was an -Indian, and if so doubtless was one of the party which he recently had -seen. His impression was confirmed when in a low voice the approaching -Indian spoke: "Find um buffalo." - -"Where is it?" inquired Reuben. - -The Indian did not reply, but alighted from his pony, for by this time -he had drawn near the place where Reuben was standing, and bade him -follow. - -"Where are you going?" inquired Reuben. - -Still the Indian did not explain, and after a brief hesitation Reuben -decided to obey the suggestion. - -Slowly the Cheyenne, who still was on the back of his pony, led the way -toward the foothills that now seemed to be nearer than before. In a -brief time the desired point was gained and there Reuben discovered the -Indian boy who had been with him a little while before. The third -Indian, however, was no longer to be seen, and no explanations were -given for his absence, although Reuben asked several times where the -other member of the party was. - -Sheltered by a huge rocky boulder, the Indians soon kindled a fire and -parts of the buffalo tongue and steaks which they had cut from the -carcass were roasting on sticks held over the flames. - -Conversation ceased until the repast was prepared and eaten. Then -Reuben inquired: "Did you see anything of my friend?" - -"No see. What do now?" - -"Do you mean what I am going to do?" inquired Reuben. "Well, I wish -some one would answer that question for me." - -"Breaker of Arrows go home. Black Night come, too. White boy want to go -with us?" - -"No," answered Reuben, "I must stay here. I must find my friend." - -Apparently his explanation satisfied his companions, for in a brief -time they mounted their ponies and prepared to leave Reuben alone in -the little valley or defile where the buffalo meat had been roasted. - -It was impossible for Reuben to resume his search for Jean. In the -place where he then was he was protected from sudden attacks and he -decided to remain there and await the coming of the morning. - -The night passed without any adventures, but when morning came the -light revealed to Reuben a sight even more startling than that of the -preceding evening, when the three Cheyennes had discovered him alone on -the plains. - - - - -CHAPTER IV--RAT TRUE - - -In the light of the early morning Reuben saw a man on horseback -approaching the place where he was standing. Behind him were two -pack-horses, each heavily laden. - -Convinced that the man was a stranger and that as yet he had not -discovered the presence of any one besides himself in the defile, the -first impulse that seized upon the young trapper was to seek some place -of safety. - -He waited, however, excitedly watching the stranger as he led the -little procession up the narrow natural pathway. It soon was evident -that the stranger was a white man, and, once convinced of that fact, -Reuben's fears in a measure departed. What a man could be doing among -the foothills of the Rockies, so far from companions and civilization, -was something he was unable to conjecture. The bundles on the backs of -the horses indicated that it might be possible that he had come with a -purpose not unlike that which had drawn him and Jean to the region. At -all events, he decided that he would not flee immediately. Hastily -examining his rifle to make sure that it was ready for immediate use if -occasion required, he awaited the coming of the man. - -There was a slight bend in the valley, which for a moment hid the -approaching stranger from sight. As soon as the man turned the bend, -however, he discovered Reuben before him, and instantly stopped, -grasped his rifle, and gazed intently at the unexpected sight. - -"Who are you?" demanded the stranger. - -"I was just going to ask you that question myself," replied Reuben, -laughing in a manner that served to allay much of the suspicions of the -newcomer. - -"My name is Rat True. Now that I have told you that much," said the -stranger, "tell me who you are." - -"My name is Reuben Benton," acknowledged the young trapper. - -"Good name," said the other man, laughing boisterously. Now that he had -discovered that apparently there was only one man approaching, Reuben's -confidence in his own ability to protect himself returned in full -measure. - -"What are you doing here?" demanded Rat. - -"Trying to get out." - -"Where did you come from?" - -"Last night I came from the plains. I was chasing a buffalo herd and my -horse fell in a prairie-dog village and broke his leg. I had to shoot -him." - -"You weren't alone, were you?" - -"No." - -"Who was with you?" - -"Three Cheyennes came to join me for a little while, but then they went -on, so I was left alone." - -"Yes, but who was with you before the redskins?" - -"Jean Badeau." - -"Who's he?" - -"A trapper." - -"He's a trapper, is he? Well, has he ever tried it before?" - -"Yes." - -"Where did he sell his skins?" - -"Sometimes he took them to the trading-post and sometimes he took them -to Pain Court." - -"Are you and he the only men here?" - -"Yes," answered Reuben with a laugh. "And he isn't here now. At least I -can't find him." - -"Where did you leave him?" - -"I can't even find the place where I left him. You see, as I told you, -I started out last night to shoot one or two buffaloes. I got one and -then I chased along after another, but I think I must have gone farther -than I knew, for I couldn't find my way back before dark." - -"Do you think that you can find it now that it is light?" - -"I don't know," replied Reuben dubiously. As he spoke he glanced in the -direction in which it seemed to him the place where he had left Jean -must lie. - -"I don't mind telling you," began the stranger, "that I'm a trapper -myself." - -"Have you ever been here before?" - -The man, who was at least six feet three inches tall, and large in -every way, threw back his head and emitted a laugh that was -proportionate to the size of his body. - -"'Have I been here before?'" repeated the stranger. "Well, just a -little. Last year I took in over one thousand beaver skins. I shot more -than two hundred buffaloes. I hugged a grizzly bear until he yelled for -mercy. I killed two Utes with one bullet." - -Reuben was looking intently at the stranger as he spoke and was -inclined to believe that he was telling the truth. It was plain that -the newcomer was a man of great physical strength, and his exploits, -which he described in a loud voice, were not altogether improbable. At -all events, the boy decided that the man was in nowise bashful, -whatever his other faults might be. - -"Yes, sir," continued Rat. "I guess if you were to ask the redskins -about me there aren't many of them that can't tell you who I am. I've -fought them single-handed and alone, and then, again, I've fought them -when there were hundreds of them together. I thought at first I would -go up along the Oregon this trip, but I soon decided that too many -others would be there, too. I don't like company. That's the reason I -wasn't very much pleased when I first saw you here." - -"Do you own this country out here?" inquired Reuben soberly. - -"I can't just say as how I _own_ it," laughed the giant, "but there -aren't many who will dispute what I claim. Where did you say your -friend is?" - -"I didn't say. That's just what I want to know." - -"Well, what are you planning to do?" - -"The first thing I have got to do is to find Jean. Then I suppose we'll -start pretty soon for the place where we are going to begin our -trapping." - -"I hope you don't trespass on any of my territory." - -Reuben did not respond to the suggestion, and a moment later the -newcomer said: "Have you had your breakfast yet?" - -"Not yet," replied Reuben. "I was just going to have it." - -"What have you got to eat?" - -"Buffalo tongue and some strips of steak." - -"Good! That's mighty good! I'll help you get ready," said the giant. -"I'll do you a good turn even if I shan't let you trap along the -streams what I preempt for myself." - -Acting upon his suggestion the trapper dismounted and removed the -saddle from the horse he was riding. The pack-laden animals, however, -he did not relieve in the same way. - -"I'm thinkin' I'll stay here and help you with your breakfast," he -repeated. - -Reuben, who at once had begun to make preparations for the morning -meal, was unable to see for a time, at least, where the "help" of his -uninvited visitor was shown. As soon, however, as the pieces of buffalo -meat had been cooked and the repast was ready, Reuben discovered how -capable the giant was to "help" in disposing of the food which he had -provided. Indeed, Rat was increasingly free with his advice and -directions as to what Reuben should do, and for several reasons the boy -did not refuse to obey, or even to follow, any of the proffered -suggestions. - -When at last the food had disappeared, the giant remarked: "Then you -think you will look up your camp, do you?" - -"I want to look up Jean." - -"Well, isn't that the same thing? I'll tell you what I'll do. You have -been good to me and given me a bite, now I'll take the pack off of one -o' the ponies and let you saddle it, and then we'll go out and look for -your friend. I hope he really is somewhere," added Rat, suspiciously. - -"He was, the last I knew," laughed Reuben. - -In a brief time the suggestion of Rat had been followed, and after -Reuben had carefully adjusted his saddle to the pony of his companion -they decided to leave the remaining pony in the defile while they set -forth on their search for the missing Jean. - -Still Rat was loquacious. Apparently it made little difference whether -or not Reuben replied or even listened to what he was saying. "You -asked me a spell ago did I own these streams out here where I'm -trapping. I told you I didn't know as I did, but I likewise remarked -that no one else had been putting in no claim for them. I don't think -many of them are likely to, not while I'm 'round." - -"There aren't likely to be any here, are there?" remarked Reuben. - -"You're here, aren't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, isn't the other fellow that was with you? Isn't he here?" - -"That's what I'm trying to find out," laughed Reuben. - -"So am I," roared the giant. "If you're here, it may be somebody else -will be here, too. Now, let me tell you that there isn't anybody in -creation what is going to set traps along the same streams where I set -mine." - -"How will you stop it?" inquired Reuben. - -"Do you see that?" inquired the giant as he held up for Reuben's -inspection an immense fist. "With that bunch of bones I have knocked -down an ox. If anything happens to that fist, then I have got something -else to fall back upon," and with a loud laugh the giant held up his -rifle. "And if worst comes to worst," he continued, "I have got -something in my belt here that will help take care of me." - -As he spoke he drew from his belt a long, slim, sharply pointed piece -of steel, which he explained had once been a bayonet, but by repeated -filings had been reduced to its present shape and size. That it was a -dangerous weapon Reuben instantly understood. - -"That time I was hugging that grizzly," resumed Rat, "or, rather, that -time when he was hugging me, do you know I just tickled his ribs with -that instrument?" - -"Did he like it?" inquired Reuben. - -"He didn't live long enough to say. There was a grin on his face though -when he doubled over, so I guess he didn't feel so bad as he made out, -though he was pretty dead when I left him." - -"What do you mean by 'pretty dead?'" - -"Dead as a door-nail." - -"But when one is dead he can't be any deader, can he?" persisted -Reuben. - -"I don't know about that. That bear didn't look as if he was dead, but -he was. Now, suppose I had blown him all to pieces, and couldn't find -as much as a nail or a tooth left, I guess he would be deader then than -he was when he just had my knife in between his ribs. Where did you say -this fellow came from?" - -"What fellow?" - -"Why this man that you were with--this fellow Jean." - -"Pain Court." - -"Is that where you belong?" - -"Yes." - -"Ever heard o' Kit Carson?" - -"I have that!" said Reuben eagerly. "I know him. I have seen him." - -"How long ago?" - -"He was there early in the summer not long before we left. Indeed, he -wanted us to go with him." - -"Why didn't you?" remarked Rat. His eyes, which were unnaturally small, -contracted as he spoke, until the expression startled the young -trapper. - -"Because Jean thought we would do better not to go with a crowd, but to -go off by ourselves." - -"That Jean of yours is a fool." - -"But I thought that is what you yourself said," suggested Reuben, "and -that you wanted to trap alone and not with a good many others." - -"There's a mighty sight o' difference when I say it and when this -friend o' yours says it." - -"What's the difference?" - -"Look here, my friend," said Rat, turning sharply upon his companion. -"There are better men than you got into trouble from asking too many -questions." - -"But you asked a good many questions of me." - -"Did I get into any trouble by askin' 'em?" demanded Rat, as he laughed -loudly. - -"Not yet." - -"What do you mean by 'not yet?'" - -"Oh, nothing." - -By this time the two men had proceeded far from the place from which -they had started, and still Reuben was unable to recognize any signs of -the locality where he and Jean had prepared to make their camp the -preceding night. - -Suddenly, however, he abruptly halted and, pointing toward a spot not -far away, he excitedly demanded: "What's that? What do you make of -that?" - - - - -CHAPTER V--THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER - - -In response to Reuben's startling questions both men halted and looked -keenly in the direction in which he was pointing. - -"Is that where your camp was?" inquired Rat. - -"It looks like it," replied Reuben quietly as he hastened toward the -spot he had discovered on the plains. Both were silent until they -arrived at the place they were seeking. Then, after a hasty inspection, -Reuben said quickly: "This is where Jean and I camped last night." - -"Are you sure?" - -"I know it is," said Reuben positively after further investigation. - -"Where is your friend now?" - -"That's what I should like to know, myself," responded Reuben, as he -peered intently about him in all directions. - -"What are you going to do about it?" inquired Rat after a brief -silence. - -"It's strange where Jean could have gone," said Reuben slowly, almost -as if he was unconscious of the presence of his companion. "He isn't a -man likely to be drawn into trouble. I have been wondering if the -redskins got him." - -"If they did they carried him off." - -"But there are no signs of any scuffle," protested Reuben, as once more -he examined the ground around where the fire had been. - -"He may not have put up any fight." - -"You don't know Jean," said Reuben positively. "It's strange. The -ponies are gone. There isn't a sign of the packs, and Jean isn't to be -seen anywhere." - -"What are you goin' to do about it?" repeated Rat. "You know I can't -stay here forever. I've got to look after my own job. I usually find -that if I ever have anything or get anything done it is because Rat -True looks after it. Ever noticed that, boy?" - -"I wonder where Jean can be," repeated Reuben, almost as if he had not -heard the inquiry of the giant. - -"Maybe if you stay here long enough he will show up. That's what my -father used to tell me about the cows. He told me if I would take my -milkin' pail and go out and sit down in the middle of the pasture, -pretty soon the cows would all come up and ask me to milk them. So I'm -thinkin' it may be a good thing for you to sit down here, and perhaps -your friend, if there is such a friend, will come back." - -"What do you mean?" demanded Reuben quickly, as he turned and faced his -companion. "Don't you think Jean was here?" - -"That's what you say; I have your word for it." - -Reuben's cheeks slowly flushed, but he wisely controlled his anger and -did not respond to the implied unbelief of the huge Rat. - -"I told you I couldn't stay here all day," continued Rat. "Now will you -go back with me to the place where we started, or do you want to go on -alone? I shan't let you have that pony if you don't go back with me, -and if you do go I want you to understand right now that we part -company when we get back to the gorge." - -Still Reuben did not respond to the rough declaration, for he was yet -uncertain what his best course would be. - -"Come, make up your mind," called Rat, as he turned his horse about so -that he faced the direction from which they had come. - -"I'm going back with you," said Reuben quietly. - -"All right, then, come along." - -Together the two men departed from the camp, but they had not gone far -before Rat insisted upon drawing his young companion into conversation. - -"You was tellin' about Kit Carson a spell ago," he suggested. - -"Yes." - -"Well, what about him? What is his name anyway? What does 'Kit' stand -for?" - -"Christopher." - -"And they call him Kit for short?" - -"Yes." - -"Same as they call me Rat instead of Erastus." - -"I didn't know but Rat was your real name," said Reuben. - -"It is," laughed Rat, "only it isn't all there is of it when my mother -speaks to me. Speaking of Kit Carson, you say you have seen him?" - -"Lots of times." - -"Did you ever talk to him?" - -"Yes." - -"Tell me about him." - -Instantly Reuben's face lighted and it was evident that the request of -his companion was one that touched a responsive chord. - -"He's the greatest man I ever saw," he declared enthusiastically. - -"The biggest?" - -"No, I didn't say biggest, I said greatest." - -"What's the difference?" roared Rat. - -"I cannot explain it to you," said Reuben truthfully, for his feeling -toward the boastful Erastus was rapidly becoming one of disgust. The -man was so blatant and boastful that the reaction had taken place which -led Reuben to believe that he was not all that he claimed to be. - -"Where did he come from?" inquired Rat. - -"He told me he was born in Kentucky, but that his father moved to the -backwoods of Missouri when Kit was a little fellow." - -"How old is he?" - -"I don't know. I think he is about twenty-five or six." - -"Quite an old man, isn't he?" laughed Rat. "Do you think he could throw -me?" - -"Yes," said Reuben quietly. - -"That's a good one!" roared Rat. "I could take him in my hands and -crack him the way I would a stick. I am told he is a little fellow." - -"Yes, he isn't very large," acknowledged Reuben. "He isn't much taller -than I am, and he is light. His voice is as soft as a girl's. Any one -might think when he first saw him that he was the most peaceful fellow -in the county." - -"Isn't he?" - -"He never picks a quarrel, but anybody who picked a quarrel with him -would wish that he had grabbed a grizzly instead of the quiet, -peaceable little Kit Carson." - -"Tell me some more about him," suggested Rat. - -"I don't know that I know very much. I have talked with him and asked -him a good many times to tell me about his adventures, but he is very -modest." - -"Your modest men are always cowards. They don't say anything, because -they are afraid." - -"It's plain you don't know Kit Carson. He told me that when he was -fifteen years old his father 'prenticed him to a harness-maker. That -was a good trade, but such a quick, nimble fellow as Kit couldn't work -at it very long. He did stay his full two years, though, and learned -the trade, but when his time was out he decided that he would become a -trapper. That was what he had always wanted to be. He told me that when -he was a little fellow one of the trappers that had come in with his -skins let him pull the trigger of his gun. That was the first time Kit -had ever fired a rifle, but he wanted to keep at it, he liked it so -well, and pretty soon he not only learned to shoot, but he became the -best shot in the neighbourhood. The Indians all liked him and they told -him a great many things about the woods and the animals that live -there. You see, when his father first went into Howard County all the -settlers had to live in a log fort for a while, that had guards on the -lookout for the Indians day and night. That was a part of Kit's work -when he was a little chap. He got so that he knew the war-whoops of -every tribe and almost every redskin. My father used to say that if Kit -Carson did so well in his harness-making, which he didn't like, he -wondered what he would do when he found some work that he enjoyed." - -"Did he go to trapping right away?" - -"He was on the lookout all the time, and pretty soon he went to the -leader of a party that was going to start for Santa Fe. You see, then -there were no trails marked out over the plains. That was a good while -ago--in 1826." - -"And I wish there wasn't any now," suggested Rat. "In those days they -tried to hide the trails, and now they try to make 'em plain. The -redskins know every time a party starts with their traps, and wherever -you find game you find Indians there, too." - -"Yes. Kit Carson told me some stories of how parties of Indians -surrounded the trappers or traders and took their guns and horses away -from them and either tomahawked the men or left them to starve. But -every man in Kit Carson's party was well armed, had a good horse, and -was up to all the tricks of the Indians. I have seen them start out, -every man wearing a deerskin suit, and some of the men all dressed up -with bead embroidery, and the fringes of their shirts dyed half a dozen -different colours. They had pack mules to carry the traps, and when -they all started they marched in Indian fashion, single file. They took -turns in going ahead, for the ones that went first had to break the way -for the others. Then, there was a bugler at the head of the line. If -any of the men strayed away while they were hunting, the bugle was to -let them know where the main line was." - -"That's all very pretty," said Rat. "I have heard a good many stories -about Kit Carson, but I'm wonderin' if he has any nerve." - -"I know he has," said Reuben quickly. "On that first trip one of the -men in the party had an accident. He shot himself in the arm. Pretty -soon the others decided that the only way for the poor chap to save his -life was to have his arm cut off. I don't know whether or not Kit -Carson did the job, but I know that he helped. They used a razor, a -saw, and a redhot wagon-bolt." - -"Did the man get over it?" demanded Rat boisterously. - -"Yes. And he kept on with the others. He forded the rivers and climbed -the mountains and followed along an Indian trail, over the track that -the buffaloes had made, and never once dropped behind. When the party -finally got to Santa Fe Kit Carson decided that he would not go back to -Missouri, so he pushed on alone to Taos. That was eighty miles from -Santa Fe. You know that is a trading station for trappers?" - -"So I have heard," assented Rat. - -"Well, there wasn't much in that place for Kit. He said the little, -narrow streets had mud huts along their sides and that water was pretty -scarce, but he always liked Taos, because it was there that he met -Kincade." - -"Who's he?" - -"Didn't you ever hear of Kincade? Why, he was one of the biggest -trappers that ever got a skin in the Rocky Mountains. He knew all about -the wild beasts and the places where the beaver dams were, and he knew -where the Indians that troubled the trappers were likely to be found." - -"He knew a lot, didn't he?" laughed Rat. - -"Yes, he did. Kit Carson says he did. But what he liked best of all was -that he knew Spanish, and he taught Kit how to speak it. He stayed -there until spring, and then he decided that he would go back home and -start out trapping on his own account. So he joined a party of trappers -that were going East and started to go home, but he hadn't gone halfway -across the prairies before he met some more trappers that were on their -way to Santa Fe, and what they said to him made him change his plans." - - - - -CHAPTER VI--ALONE - - -"What did he do then?" inquired Rat, who, for some reason which Reuben -did not understand, appeared to be intensely interested in the life of -the scout who had already become famous throughout the West. - -"Why, they offered him a chance to go back with them, and be their -hunter, so he joined the new party. He told me, though, that he didn't -find any fun in his work. A good deal of the time he was driving a -team, and that was the last thing in the world he wanted to do." - -"I suppose he wanted to shoot buffaloes and hunt Indians?" - -"That's exactly what he wanted to do. He didn't give up his plan, -though, all that winter he was a cook for a man named Young, who had -made a lot of money trapping. Kit said that was the worst winter he -ever had. Sometimes he used to chase the rats out of the corn-bin and -then he would say to himself, 'Here are poor Kit Carson's buffaloes.' -When the winter was gone he still did not find any party of trappers -that was willing that he should join them. You see he was such a -slight, little fellow, and, as I told you, his voice was so soft and -his manner was so gentle, that the men all thought he would not be able -to stand the work and they would have a sick man on their hands. - -"In the spring he made up his mind to go back home again. But that -time, too, he met a party that was on its way to Santa Fe. They offered -him a job which he took and went back with them. Finally he did find -something worth doing. He went down into Mexico as an interpreter for a -lot of men that were going to Chihuahua. When he got there he hired out -again as a teamster for a man who was going to the copper mines. But he -didn't really get his chance to begin his scouting and trapping until -he came back to Taos. He had become so used to seeing parties of -trappers start off without him that when at last this Mr. Young, the -man for whom he had been working, told him that he could join a party -he was sending out, he took up with the offer right away. The man that -hired him knew that he wasn't afraid of anything on earth." - -"Ho!" snorted Rat, breaking in upon the narrative. "I guess he wouldn't -have felt that way if he had seen me. What do you suppose a little -fellow like Kit Carson would do if a man like me got after him?" - -"I'd feel sorry for you, if you tried to go 'after him.'" - -"That's a good un! That's a good un!" roared Rat. "Do you think he -could run away from me?" - -"I don't think he would try." - -"Well, if he didn't run and I once got my hands on him I would break -his back as easily as I would a stick." - -Reuben smiled and did not reply to the boastings of the braggart. - -"How many men were in this party you are telling about?" demanded Rat. - -"About forty." - -"How old was Kit then?" - -"About twenty." - -"Ho, ho!" roared Rat again. "And yet you say he wasn't afraid of -anything on earth? How do you know he wasn't? Because he told you so?" - -Still Reuben refused to make any explanations to his companion. He was -aware that Rat was deeply interested, although the cause of his -interest was not yet apparent. - -"Probably your wonderful Kit," suggested Rat, "caught more beaver, shot -and scalped more redskins, killed more deer and buffalo than any other -man in the band." - -"I don't know about that. He never told me. He wasn't the one that told -about these other things, either. He did say that scouts were always -sent ahead of the men to find out whether any Indians were near. Every -night they had guards for the camp." - -"They didn't find any Indians, did they?" - -"Not until they came to Salt River. There they found they were likely -to be attacked by the same redskins that had killed the last party of -trappers that had been there." - -"This time I suppose Kit single-handed killed every one o' them?" - -"I don't know; I suppose he did his part. This Mr. Young played a trick -on the Indians." - -"What did he do?" - -"Why, he sent a few men ahead and hid the rest of them among the bushes -and trees, and then when the Indians saw the little party they did not -know there were any others, so they chased them clear back into the -woods. When they came close to the place where the men were hiding the -trappers all fired their rifles." - -"And killed all the redskins?" laughed Rat. - -"Kit Carson said they killed fifteen. Then the Indians ran and never -once attacked them again. They did steal their ponies and traps, but -they didn't make any more attacks on them. By the time the men had -reached the headwaters of the San Francisco River they had so many -beaver skins that Mr. Young sent some of the men back to Taos. He kept -some of the best ones, though, to go on with him into California." - -"I suppose he kept Kit Carson, of course?" - -"Yes, sir, he did. It was a terrible time they had, too. There weren't -many trails and they couldn't find much grass for the horses, or water -for any one, or even wood enough to make a fire. Out there on the -desert there weren't any buffaloes or deer, but there were enemies that -were a good deal more dangerous than either of them." - -"What were they?" - -"Hunger and thirst. The men had a little deer meat and some water bags -they had made of deerskin, and Kit said they were mighty careful every -day when they measured out the water and divided up the meat. When they -had been out four days, all at once the donkeys stretched out their -necks and began to run. Everybody knew what that meant." - -"What did it mean?" - -"Why, they had sniffed water somewhere. Pretty soon they came to a -stream. Kit said he never had anything in his life taste as good as -that water. It didn't seem as if they could get enough. The men rested -up a while and then started on again across the desert. On the fourth -day they came to Colorado. There they stopped to rest and to cook an -old horse which they had bought off the Indians." - -"Pretty fine feast," laughed Rat. "Cold water and horse meat! Which did -they take first--the water or the horse meat?" - -"I don't know. What difference does it make?" - -"Why, I know a man back East who lives on dried apples. He has dried -apples for breakfast, cold water for dinner, and swells up for supper. -Perhaps the horse meat served in the same way." - -"By and by they came to a mission down in the San Gabriel Valley. The -priests had taught the Indians there how to make farms. There was -everything one wanted to eat." - -"What did they do? Help themselves?" - -"No, they didn't. They paid for what they took." - -"That's a good un," laughed Rat. - -"They did, for Kit Carson told me so. He said he paid four butcher's -knives for a steer." - -"He might just as well bought the steer without handing over the -butcher's knives." - -"Anyway, the trappers had a good time there. They found lots of beaver -and the men had enough to eat and drink. When the warm weather came -they went into camp down on the lower Sacramento. They had enough to -do, hunting deer and antelope. Kit Carson then was the best shot in the -whole band. All the men had somehow come to rely upon him." - -"Did he say so?" - -"No, sir, he didn't. He never told me about it, but some other men who -were with him told me, and they said he was the one man the Indians -were afraid of." - -"That's a good un, too," laughed Rat. - -"Well, the men thought so," retorted Reuben angrily. "One of the -priests came over and told Mr. Young how some bad Indians had gone over -to an Indian village and wouldn't come out. The priests wanted some of -Mr. Young's men to get the runaways. Of course the men said they would, -and they said right away that Kit would have to be their leader. So Kit -took the men over to the village and told the Indians they must give up -the men for whom they had come, but the big chief said they wouldn't do -any such thing." - -"So they had a fight, did they?" - -"Yes, they did." - -"And all the redskins were killed?" - -"No, not all of them, but they lost so many that they gave up the bad -Indians. One night not long afterward a lot of Indians came into the -camp of the trappers and made off with sixty horses. Kit said most of -the men were angrier to have their horses stolen than they were to have -some of the men shot. They were mad through and through, and pretty -soon twelve of them, with Kit Carson at their head, started after the -thieves. They had a long ride across the mountains and through the -valleys, and for a long time they couldn't find any signs of the men -they were after. They went more than one hundred miles before they -caught up with them." - -"Then Kit Carson shot every one of them, I suppose?" - -"No, he didn't. He found the Indians in camp, cooking and eating horse -meat. Without stopping a minute, Kit called to his men, and they -started straight for the camp. They shot eight the first time, and all -the rest made for the woods." - -"But they didn't get away because Kit Carson chased them into the -forest and got them all?" - -"No, he didn't; he told the men to get all the horses that had been -stolen, and then they started straight back for camp. They were lucky -to find some one who bought all their beaver skins. When the summer was -over they all started back home, but they kept trapping all the way -along. They made a lot of money, and every one got a share. He said he -didn't know what to do with the money." - -"Probably he found somebody to tell him?" laughed Rat. - -"Yes, he did. He said he got into all sorts of bad ways that winter. I -don't suppose he was doing anything different from the rest of them, -but Kit Carson isn't the kind of a man that could ever find much fun in -drinking and gambling. That was about all the other men seemed to care -for." - -"He must be a wonderful man. I think I must try to see him some time. -He wouldn't scare me, would he?" - -"No," replied Reuben seriously. "I told you he is as gentle as a girl." - -"I am glad," laughed Rat. As he spoke he extended his huge arm, and as -he clinched his hand Reuben was almost convinced that even Kit Carson -would be powerless in its grasp. - -"There's our camp," suggested Rat, as he pointed to the defile in the -distance. "There I have got to leave you, if you won't go on with me." - -"No, I have got to find Jean." - -Not long after their arrival, Erastus True, as soon as he had packed -his belongings on the backs of his ponies, bade farewell to Reuben and -started on his lonely journey northward. - -Reuben had his rifle, his bags of powder and shot, and a saddle and -bridle. His pony was dead, but he was hopeful that soon he would find -the missing Jean, and then all his troubles would be ended. - - - - -CHAPTER VII--MOUNTAIN TROUT - - -It was not until he was left alone that the full sense of his -difficulties came upon Reuben Benton. He watched his recent companion -as leading his little train he slowly passed to the north and soon was -hidden from sight among the foothills. He might have gone with him, -although the man had not been cordial in his suggestion, but the chief -barrier was that Reuben had taken an intense dislike to the boastful -man. Not the least of the grounds for his prejudice was the ridicule -which the giant had heaped upon Reuben's hero, Kit Carson. For a -moment, however, Reuben almost wished that he, too, had gone with the -man, much as he disliked him. At least he would be certain to go -somewhere, and now he did not even know what fate had overtaken Jean -Badeau. As yet no suspicion had occurred to him that any serious -misfortune had befallen the trapper. Indeed, Reuben was inclined to be -angry with the man for having departed without awaiting his return. - -He thought, too, of Kit Carson, and the band which he had led into the -defiles of the Rocky Mountains on their trapping expedition. He had -been eager to join that party, but the same opposition greeted him -which years before had been faced by Kit Carson himself. The men were -afraid that he was not sufficiently strong to endure the hardships of -the long journey and the trying winter that was certain to come. For -that reason Reuben had accepted the invitation of Jean to go with him. - -Jean did not wish to trap with a band, as we know. And yet he did not -plan to be entirely alone. His own thought had been that if Reuben -should accompany him, at least he would provide company, and if evil -befell him he would not be bereft of all help. - -And Reuben had listened to the appeals of Jean, not only because of his -eagerness to become a trapper, but also because he was compelled to -choose between being bound out to some of the Missouri pioneers or else -to learn the harness trade, as Kit Carson had learned it before him. - -Reuben's father, a ne'er-do-well, had urged Reuben to accompany his -older brother William when he had migrated from Virginia to find a new -home in the rich lands of western Missouri. Reuben had been treated -with a degree of kindness by his older brother, but his brother's wife -objected to his remaining longer a member of the household. She now had -six children of her own to care for, and the addition of another -dependent had become somewhat irksome. She was a worn, nervous, -scolding, irritable woman, and Reuben, after a long talk with his -brother, had decided that it was wiser as well as better for him to -find a home somewhere else. - -It was soon after this decision had been made that the homeless lad had -met Jean, who had returned from his annual trip to the fur country. And -Jean had not found it difficult to persuade Reuben to accompany him. -There were visions held out before him of the great wealth that was to -be obtained by trapping, and the adventures which Jean graphically -described with many gestures also had their own appeal for Reuben. He -was now a well-grown boy of sixteen, strong, skilled in the use of the -rifle, and he confidently believed that he was equal to any of the -hardships which an ordinary party of trappers might be compelled to -undergo. - -Not much time was required in preparations for the journey. Reuben's -rifle, a few traps, most of which were unreliable, and a few other -belongings were collected. A pony was provided by Jean, and when he set -forth from Pain Court, aside from his brother William, there was slight -regret in his heart for any one he was leaving behind him. - -The long journey had been made with but few mishaps. They were now -within sight of the land of promise, but on the very border he had lost -his companion. And yet, as has been said, Reuben was by no means -convinced that Jean was lost. He was inclined to believe that Jean had -left him, either expecting to return or that the boy would soon find -him. Perhaps he had seen the Indians whom Reuben had met and was -fearful of their evil intentions. They might be only the scouts of a -large band not far away. - -The thought for a moment made even Reuben uneasy and he glanced -apprehensively about him. The noisy little mountain brook not far away -made the only sound he could hear. Above him in the sunlight towered -the summits of the lofty mountains. Trees and grass were about him, and -no scene upon which he had ever looked had been more peaceful in its -outward appearance. - -It was now late in the afternoon. Reuben was aware that he was not only -tired, but also hungry. It was necessary for him to obtain something to -eat, although he was uncertain where food was to be found. That, like -certain other disagreeable facts, however, must be faced. - -Near the little brook he suddenly saw a deer approaching from the upper -part of the gorge. A moment later he was aware that it was a doe -leading her fawn to the brook for a drink. Reuben, who had been seated -motionless, had not been discovered by the timid creatures, and as the -wind was blowing toward the valley below him the keen-scented animals -had not noticed his presence. - -Here was his supper sent directly to him! - -The sight of the graceful little fawn, however, caused Reuben to -hesitate. He hated to shoot the pretty little creature. He watched the -fawn as it glanced up into its mother's face with an expression that -was as filled with affection as that which he had seen sometimes in the -face of a child. Already he had raised his rifle to his shoulder, but -for some reason he did not shoot. The sudden loosening of a stone by -his foot produced a sound which made the two animals look quickly in -his direction, and instantly he was aware that he had been discovered. -For a moment the doe anxiously gazed at the intruder, and then like a -flash she was gone, followed by the fawn. The supper which had come to -him almost miraculously was lost, and for a moment Reuben was inclined -to blame himself for yielding to his feeling of sympathy for the fawn. - -And yet what was he to do for his supper? Carelessly he advanced to the -border of the brook and looked with interest at the hoof-prints of the -doe and the fawn. He was aware that there were occasional pools in the -little stream, and as he glanced into one he had a momentary vision of -a fish darting under the shadow of the overhanging bank. Reuben had -never heard of mountain trout, but the sight of the fish instantly -suggested a plan by which he might be able to obtain his supper. - -A few yards below the place where he was standing the stream narrowed -until it was not more than two feet wide. Quickly he rolled some of the -loose stones to the place so that when they fell into the water they -served as a barrier in the stream. When a half-dozen stones had been -placed in the narrow neck of water Reuben cut a good sized club, and, -going up the stream a short distance, stepped into the water. As he -advanced he shouted and struck the water and was positive that several -times he saw fish dart swiftly down the stream before him. Proceeding -cautiously and using his club all the time, he soon drew near the dam -he had made. As he did so he began to leap up and down in the water and -shout and strike the bank as well as the stream with his club. - -The hungry boy was delighted when a few moments later a fish, finding -its progress barred in either direction, leaped out of the water. -Reuben succeeded in striking it with the club he was carrying, and -watched it as it fell on the ground several feet away from the stream. -If there was one fish in the water, he concluded there must be others, -and quickly he repeated his tactics. After two failures he succeeded in -obtaining another fish, and finally threw the third up on the bank. The -last was larger than the other two combined. - -Again the problem of his supper had been solved. He soon secured the -three fish he had taken and, returning to the spot where he had left -his belongings, he at once made them ready for cooking. Afterward he -collected a mass of branches which had fallen from the nearby trees and -was preparing to kindle a fire. - -In the midst of his occupation he abruptly stopped. Should he light a -fire? It is true it might not only provide a means of cooking the fish, -but also indicate to Jean, who could not be far away, the presence of -his camp. On the other hand, the Indians he recently had seen had told -him that many more redmen were among the mountains. They, too, might -see the fire and might steal upon him unaware. - -The feeling of hunger, however, was so strong that Reuben soon decided -in favour of a fire. Disregarding the danger, by means of his flint and -tinder he soon started a roaring blaze. He had made a rude little -fireplace by piling some of the stones in such a manner that the top -was covered. On this top he placed a large, flat stone, and upon this -he laid two of the trout. - -It was not long before Reuben had a supper not only "fit for a king," -but such a supper as a king is seldom permitted to enjoy. It is true -all the salt which he and Jean had brought had been in the saddlebags -of the trapper, but the mountain trout were delicious even without -salt. - -By the time Reuben's supper was eaten he was aware that the brief -sunset was nearly ended. Much of his anxiety had now departed and he -was quite content, as he said to himself, to let Jean do the searching. -He seated himself upon the ground, leaning back against the trunk of a -huge tree, and as he listened to the music of the noisy little brook -and watched the scurrying clouds pass across the evening sky he was -even more decided that Jean might find him if he should search -diligently. - -Not long after the coming of the night, however, this feeling of -confidence gave place to one of loneliness. Indeed, the consciousness -that he was alone soon became oppressive. He recalled the sight of the -pack of gaunt and hungry wolves that had run down the buffalo calf. -Perhaps they would be glad to feast upon a young trapper for supper, -just as he himself had feasted upon the trout he had taken from the -mountain stream. Aroused by the suggestion, Reuben started to his feet -and made a tour of his camp. Although he walked one hundred yards in -every direction, he was unable to discover any signs of danger. When he -returned to his camp the fire had burned low, but it was plain that -everything was as he had left it. His troubles might wait until -morning, he finally decided, and not long afterward, stretching himself -upon his blanket, he was sleeping soundly. - -It was daylight when he awoke, and as soon as consciousness returned -Reuben was aware that he had been awakened by sounds that even now he -could still hear in the distance. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII--AN UNEXPECTED MEETING - - -At first Reuben was unable to decide whether the noises that came into -the narrow valley were the howlings of wolves or the yelpings of dogs. -Startled by the unexpected sound, he hastily seized his rifle and, -taking his stand behind one of the huge boulders, awaited developments. - -In a brief time he saw, plunging up the narrow defile, a wounded -buffalo cow. Only one glance was required to show the young trapper -that the animal had been hurt, for she was limping badly, though her -flight was not slow in spite of her trouble. - -In a brief time it was manifest that the sounds that came from beyond -were the yelpings of several dogs that were in pursuit of the fleeing -buffalo. How dogs could be there, far from the habitation or the camps -of man, was a problem Reuben was unable to solve. The sight, however, -of the fleeing animal recalled to him the possibility of securing -breakfast. As the buffalo came near, he raised his rifle and fired at -her. - -The buffalo was under such momentum that, although the shot had been -true, she plunged forward several yards before she fell to the ground. -Running hastily to the spot, Reuben quickly saw that his aim had been -fatal and the animal was lifeless. He hastily reloaded his gun and -prepared to face the dogs. He was aware that his shot might reveal his -presence to enemies if they were near. It was well known that the -Blackfoot Indians and several other tribes were intensely hostile to -the whites. They were determined that the white man should not enter -the grounds which they believed belonged to themselves, inasmuch as -they had received them from their forefathers. Not only had several -parties of trappers been attacked, as Reuben knew from the stories of -Kit Carson and Jean, but also some of the white men had been killed and -many more had been driven away from the streams where they had set -their traps and had been compelled to withdraw from the region. - -Thoughts of his own danger now returned with increased force. He did -not believe the dogs belonged to any Indian tribe, but if they were -owned by trappers, how had it come to pass that white men were now in -this region? He had understood from Jean that Kit Carson's party had -gone far to the north and that in all probability no men of their own -colour were likely to be seen until they returned to Pain Court. - -Reuben's meditations were interrupted by the coming of the dogs. He saw -four of the savage animals approaching, and the sight convinced him -that he would as willingly face the gaunt and savage timber-wolves as -the animals he now saw before him. It might be necessary for him to -defend himself against their attack. - -By this time the dogs had discovered the young trapper. Instantly -stopping in their tracks, about one hundred feet distant, they were all -silent for a moment as they stared at the unexpected sight. A moment -later, however, all four, throwing back their heads, emitted the most -plaintive and prolonged howls to which Reuben had ever listened. They -did not, however, make any advance upon him. - -This fact caused Reuben to decide that he would attempt to drive the -animals away. Doubtless the men who owned them were not far distant and -if they had heard the shot they soon would appear. Seizing two stones -and still holding his gun, Reuben ran toward the brutes and shouted in -his loudest tones, "Get out! Get out!" At the same time he hurled one -of the missiles and was delighted when he saw all four of the dogs turn -about and run swiftly down the defile. - -Reuben waited half an hour for the return of the dogs or the appearance -of the party to which they belonged. The minutes passed, however, and -he was still alone. At last, persuaded that his hiding-place was -unsuspected, he hastened to the spot where the body of the dead buffalo -was lying and cut from the carcass the pieces which he already had -learned were the most eatable. In a brief time he had his fire kindled -and was busily engaged in the preparation of his morning meal. - -Frequently he glanced toward the entrance to the valley below him, -still aware of the possibilities that his hiding-place might not escape -the attention of others who might be in the vicinity. If they were -white men he believed that his safety would be assured. His great -danger lay in the fact that the dogs which he had seen might belong to -some roving band of Pawnee or Blackfoot Indians. - -Time passed, however, without interruption, and when his hunger had -been appeased, Reuben took his rifle and cautiously began his descent -of the valley. When he came out into the more open country he was -startled at the sight of a campfire not far away. Gathered about it -were half a dozen men, and to them doubtless belonged the dogs which he -had seen. Indeed, while he was looking at the camp he saw these same -dogs moving about near the spot. - -Assured that he would find help there, Reuben started toward the place -where the fire was burning. He had left his saddle and bridle and a few -other belongings in the defile among the mountains, but he was -convinced that if he could secure aid from these men it would be an -easy matter to obtain his possessions which for a little while he had -abandoned. As he came near the camp the dogs discovered his presence -and, with loud barking, started toward him. - -At the sound the men about the campfire instantly leaped to their feet -and seized their rifles, and all were looking in the direction from -which the young trapper was approaching. Apparently convinced by what -they saw that they were in no danger of an immediate attack by enemies, -they waited for Reuben to approach the camp. - -Greatly to the astonishment of the lad when he had come near enough to -distinguish the faces of the men, he saw that the leader of the little -party was none other than Kit Carson himself. How it was that the -trapper and guide was so far south of the region into which he with his -company originally had gone Reuben did not understand. There was no -question, however, as to the person before him, and he was greatly -pleased when a moment later the guide said to him: "You are Reuben -Benton. The last time I saw you was in Pain Court. What are you doing -out here on the plains?" - -By this time Reuben had been admitted within the circle. The glances of -suspicion which were given him when first he had appeared were gone as -soon as the leader explained that he personally knew the young trapper. - -"I came out here with Jean," explained Reuben. - -"Jean? Jean who?" inquired Kit Carson. - -"Jean Badeau." - -"Where is he?" - -"I don't know." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Just what I say. I don't know where he is. I wish I did. We came out -here day before yesterday. We made a camp, and while we were there a -herd of buffaloes came along and Jean and I started after them. I -haven't seen him since." - -"He may have been trampled by the herd," suggested Kit Carson. - -"I don't think so," asserted Reuben. "There was a man here who helped -me look for the place where we had camped and after a while we found -it, but the ponies and saddles and traps and everything were gone." - -"A man with you?" inquired the guide, glancing keenly at Reuben as he -spoke. - -"Yes." - -"Who was he?" - -"Rat True." - -For a moment Kit Carson was silent as he looked steadily at Reuben. -"What has become of him? Where is he?" he inquired at last. - -"He left last night and took his ponies and his traps and said he was -going up among the hills. He said he wanted to trap alone. That's what -Jean said, too, and that was the reason why we camped down here." - -"He cannot be very far away, then?" - -"I don't know how far. He took his ponies with him, and the little -beasts were tough, and they may have been able to make good time." - -"And you haven't any idea what has become of Jean?" - -"No. I don't know where he is. I must look him up to-day. He may have -been captured by the Indians and they may have carried off his ponies -and his belongings." - -"So they might," said Kit Carson in a low voice. "Very likely that's -just what they did. We'll have to give you a lift, however, and help -you try to find him. Have you had any breakfast?" - -"Yes. Your dogs chased a wounded buffalo into the gorge where I was and -I shot it." - -"Yes," explained Kit Carson. "We saw a big herd this morning and cut -out two or three cows, but two of them gave us the slip and the third -we wounded, but it got away, though the dogs took after it." - -"It is only a little way back yonder; you'll find the carcass there -now." - -"I don't think we shall go back for the carcass," said the guide -quietly. "There are too many herds around here for us to bother about a -little thing like that. How are the streams?" - -"I don't know," answered Reuben. "The only ones I have seen were in -that valley where I was, and there they were not very full." - -"Did you see any beaver?" - -"Yes. Jean and I found several dams." - -"Have you seen any Indians?" - -"Yes, the night I lost Jean I met three Cheyennes, two braves and a -boy. They had been out trying to steal horses from the Pawnees. They -said the Pawnees were cowards because they kept their horses shut up -every night." - -A smile appeared on the face of the guide as he said: "The redskins are -like the rest of us. When we don't get what we want we're down on our -luck, or blame the other fellow. How old a boy was the young Indian?" - -"About fifteen or sixteen." - -Turning to his men Kit Carson related the story which Reuben had told -him, and in response to his suggestion the men all declared that they -were more than willing to join in a search for the missing Jean. - -Soon afterward, Reuben conducted the men to the place where Jean's camp -had been made, but a careful investigation failed to reveal any signs -of the fate which had overtaken the trapper. - -The men then separated into three parties and, moving in different -directions, tried to ride in circles about the camping-place in their -efforts to discover some indications of what might have befallen the -missing Jean. Their search was continued throughout the day, but when -night fell it was still unrewarded. Not a sign had been discovered as -to what had been the fate of the trapper. - -Upon the suggestion of Kit Carson, Reuben then led the way to the -defile where he had passed the preceding night. Abundance of food had -been secured, because late in the afternoon a herd of buffaloes, -numbering no less than five hundred, had appeared. Several of the -animals had been shot by the hunters, who brought the meat which they -had secured to the place that had been selected for the camp. - -Although Kit Carson did not refer to his fears, it was evident that he -was somewhat uneasy, as several times signs of Indians had been -discovered by the men in their search of the afternoon. Although he -still did not refer to his fears, when arrangements for the night were -made he insisted upon a guard being established. - -Before darkness had fallen upon the region the trappers became aware -that their hiding-place had been discovered. - - - - -CHAPTER IX--WOLF'S CLOTHING - - -Excitement first arose when the dogs, growling, and the hair on their -backs standing erect, began to circle the camp and peer angrily into -the darkness. The action of the animals caused the men at once to look -more carefully to the horses. Every one of the beasts had been hobbled, -and were all within the circle of the camp. Although few words were -spoken, it was plain every man was suspicious that enemies were not far -away. - -Soon in the deepening twilight several long, gaunt, shadowy forms were -seen creeping about the place. They were the timber-wolves, the most -savage of all the wolf tribe. Reuben, congratulating himself that he -was no longer alone, thought what his own feelings would have been if, -without the presence of the other trappers, he had heard these hungry -and savage animals prowling about his camp. He was positive that he -would not have given in without a struggle, but his confidence -certainly was much stronger now that he was in the company of Kit -Carson and his men. - -The actions of the guide, however, were peculiar. Only two of the -wolves had been seen, and the sounds which they emitted were unlike -those which had been heard when they had been farther away. -Occasionally one or the other seated itself upon its haunches and, -throwing back its head, sent forth its mournful howls. At the same time -it was manifest that, although they kept well out of sight, the wolves -were stealthily creeping nearer the horses, which now had been -assembled at one side of the camp. - -Kit Carson, too, was unusually watchful, although he had little to say -to any of his friends. When some of the men suggested that it would be -wise to shoot the treacherous animals, he had quietly and yet sharply -objected. "There isn't one of you," he said, "but might hit a dog, -mistaking it for a wolf. I would rather have a dozen timber-wolves -yelling around here all night than to lose one dog." - -The actions of the dogs also increased the uneasiness among the -trappers. Now they either were afraid or had lost the first fierceness -of their desire to drive away their foes. All four were whining and, -although the hair about their necks was still erect, they displayed -less inclination than before to attack the marauders. Crouching and -growling, they slunk back toward their masters. - -For several minutes Kit Carson remained seated near the border of the -camp, holding his rifle in his hand and listening intently to the -sounds made by the two wolves. These animals had acted peculiarly from -the first. Both now were near the horses, and the terror of the -frightened animals was almost pathetic. - -Beckoning to his friends to remain where they were, Kit Carson suddenly -raised his rifle to his shoulder and shot one of the wolves. - -A strange, well-nigh unearthly sound followed the report of his rifle. -A scream, loud and prolonged, in no way resembling the howl of a wolf, -broke the silence. For a moment the men in the camp stared blankly at -one another, while Reuben was appalled by the weird and unnatural cry. - -The guide, however, apparently was unmoved by the alarm of his friends. -Laughing lightly, he ran quickly to the place where the wounded wolf -was lying. The other beast had instantly turned and fled into the -darkness. - -The approach of the guide produced an immediate effect upon the wounded -animal. Struggling desperately, it rose upon its hind feet and for a -brief time struggled to escape. The effort, however, was unavailing, -and it soon fell to the ground again and became motionless and silent. - -Every one in the camp now was watching the leader with intense -interest, Reuben being the most excited of all. Indeed, the lad had -followed Kit Carson and was only a few yards behind him when the guide -stopped to watch the struggles of the animal before him. When at last -the wolf became motionless, Kit Carson advanced upon it and at once -lifted it to an upright position. - -The strange events which had occurred were followed by those that were -stranger still. Seizing the wolf by its fore-shoulders, the guide -alternately with his foot and knee kicked the animal, compelling it to -walk in advance of him on its hind feet. - -"Look out there, Kit!" called some one in the camp. "If you let that -fellow bite you it will be sure poison!" - -No response was made by the guide, who had been intently watching the -wolf, which when standing up on its hind feet was as tall as he. -Strange to say, the animal made no attempt to bite its captor. As soon -as it was discovered that all efforts to free itself were useless, the -wolf was forced to approach the campfire, where the men curiously were -watching the antics of the strange animal. Never before had Reuben seen -a sight like the one he was now beholding. Why the wolf did not fight -he was unable to understand. The very fact that it had been wounded was -sufficient to arouse its anger, but, as far as he could see, it was -advancing as meekly as if it had been a lamb instead of a wild animal -in the hands of Kit Carson. - -When the guide had brought his victim nearer to the fire in the camp, -he suddenly forced back the head of his prisoner, and then with one -quick motion tore back the skin, revealing the head and face of an -Indian. The sight, startling as it was, caused most of the men to -laugh. Reuben recalled now the stories which Jean had told him of how -some of the Indians, disguising themselves as wild animals, in the -darkness of the night had crept near the camp of the trappers to steal -their furs or run away with the ponies that belonged to the outfit. The -howlings he had heard then had been made by the Indians, and yet as -Reuben looked at the prisoner it was difficult for him to believe that -the human voice could so closely imitate the cries of a prowling wolf. - -Meanwhile Kit Carson, who not for a moment had relaxed his grip of his -captive, suddenly tore away the skin in front, and as it fell to the -ground the entire body of a young Indian was revealed to the excited -assembly. - -"Kill him!" shouted one of the men. The cry was taken up by others, and -for a brief time the fate of the young Indian was in the balance. - -It was marvellous to Reuben at this time to see the young leader -quietly step in front of his men and say in a low voice, "We will have -none of that. He is my prisoner, anyway." The guide, slight and boyish, -in his figure, speaking in a tone so low that it did not betray any -excitement under which he might be labouring, instantly checked the -anger of his men. - -As they made no further effort to advance, he said: "This redskin is -only a boy. I shot him in the leg. I suspected just what he was trying -to do, and though he played the trick well, he lost. Come up here!" he -said to his captive, as taking him by the arm he led him near the fire. - -A hasty examination of the wound disclosed the fact that it was slight, -the ball having not more than grazed the calf of his leg. A bandage was -soon made and applied, and after the feet and hands of the prisoner had -been securely bound he was placed upon the ground between the fire and -the trappers, who were soon asleep. - -Meanwhile a guard had been established by the leader and a careful -watch was to be maintained throughout the night. If Indians were as -near as the presence of the prisoner indicated, Reuben was at a loss to -understand why the fire should have been kept up. However, as he had -complete confidence in the leader, he asked no questions, and soon he, -too, was sleeping as soundly as his companions. - -When morning dawned and Reuben arose, he found Kit Carson talking to -the prisoner. "Come here!" called the leader when he saw that Reuben -was awake. "Have you ever seen this young redskin before?" - -Reuben looked keenly at the captive before he replied. "He looks like -the young Indian that I saw two or three nights ago," he said. "He was -one of the three I told you about that had been trying to steal horses -from the Pawnees. At least that's what the Indian said who could speak -English." - -"Doesn't this one talk English?" - -"He didn't that time, and the one who did speak it said he was the only -one that understood it." - -The trapper turned again to the Indian boy and tried to engage him in -conversation, but either the lad did not understand what was said or he -did not want to, for he stolidly refused to reply. - -Once more the guide examined the young Indian's wound, and soon -afterward turned to his followers, explaining that as soon as they had -all had breakfast and the horses had been watered and permitted to -gather such food as they could obtain in the little valley, the entire -band would resume its journey. - -"But what shall I do?" said Reuben. "Shall I go away without trying to -find Jean?" - -"Jean can take care of himself if he is alive," said Kit Carson -quietly, "and if he is dead he will not need your help. I think the -only thing for you to do is to come with us." - -"Where are you going?" - -"That will depend somewhat on what comes to us. We shall go back to -join the main camp pretty soon, but just now we are busy on some other -work. You will be safe with us, and if you stay here you may not see -another white face in a year." - -"But I don't like to leave Jean," persisted Reuben. - -"As far as I can see you are not the one that left him. He left you. -Come, my lad, there's nothing else to be done." - -"I have no pony." - -"What became of it?" inquired Kit Carson. - -"While I was chasing a buffalo I ran into a prairie-dog village and the -horse stumbled and fell, and broke its leg. I had to shoot it." - -"We can fix you up. We have several ponies that are not being ridden. -You may have one of them to use." - -Somehow, feeling as if the matter had been decided for him rather than -that he had had any part in the decision, an hour later Reuben found -himself astride a stocky little pony riding beside Kit Carson, who was -leading the way. Conversation ceased, for still the guide did not -explain the purpose of their journey. - -A brief time later he selected two men to go in advance of the others. -It was evident to Reuben that they were following what appeared to be -an Indian trail. The captive Indian was still in their midst, although, -he was no longer bound. What had become of his companion no one in the -party knew. He had vanished in the night as soon as his comrade had -been hit by the bullet of Kit Carson. - -The journey was uneventful until the noon hour had passed, then when -the guide began to look about for a suitable place where they might -halt and prepare such food as they possessed for the mid-day meal, he -said abruptly: "Do you see what that is ahead of us?" - -"Where?" inquired Reuben, who still was nearest the leader. - -"Right ahead on the right. Close to the trail. Look at it closely and -tell me what you see." - -Doing as he was bidden, Reuben soon discovered an object that instantly -aroused within him a keen feeling of excitement. - -"I see it!" he said, turning quickly to Kit Carson. "I see it! What are -we going to do?" - - - - -CHAPTER X--ATTACKED - - -Not far in advance the body of an Indian was seen lying directly across -the trail. The entire band stopped abruptly at a signal from Kit -Carson, and a moment later all were running forward to the place where -the Indian was seen. - -"He may not be dead," suggested one of the men. "He may be playing -'possum." - -"That's right, too," suggested another. "They may be fixing a trap for -us." - -At the bidding of the leader the men all halted, every one holding his -rifle in readiness for instant use, and all alike striving to keep -watch on the various points from which they thought an attack upon them -might be made. - -Alone and cautiously, Kit Carson advanced, and in a brief time he -returned saying: "The man is dead. He had the smallpox. I don't want -any of you to go near him." - -It was well known by the trappers what a terrible scourge smallpox was -among the Indian tribes. Entire villages had been wiped out of -existence by its ravages. - -"What do you think, Kit?" inquired one of the men. "Is this redskin -left here for us, or do you think the village was trying to run away?" - -"Perhaps both," replied the guide quietly. "At all events we'll go -around the hill." - -"Better than that," suggested one of the men. "I have had the smallpox -and I'll go ahead and drag the body out of the way." - -At last the advice of the volunteer was accepted, and as soon as the -dead body had been removed from the pathway the advance was resumed. - -Although he did not explain nor share his feelings with his companions, -it soon became evident that Kit Carson was suspicious of the presence -of other foes. Several times he had dropped behind the little cavalcade -and as frequently had gone in advance of the body. It seemed more and -more strange to Reuben that a man so boyish and slight as Kit Carson, -in spite of his youth, should have such absolute control and such loyal -support of the men who made up the little company. - -Late in the afternoon Carson, who had been serving for an hour as the -advance guard, hastily rejoined his fellows and said: "There are -twenty-five redskins ahead. They have stopped right near the trail." - -"What are they?" inquired one of the men in a whisper. - -"Blackfeet." - -"Are they armed?" - -"Yes." - -"How many horses have they?" - -"There are as many horses as there are men." - -"Do you think they know we are coming?" - -"I have no doubt of it." - -"What shall we do?" - -"Drive them out." - -"It can't be done! It can't be done! We haven't but seven men." - -"Yes, it can be done," said Kit quietly. "Now if you'll do just what I -say, I'll show you how." - -Seeing his calmness and confidence, a new spirit of enthusiasm entered -the hearts of the men, and they all cordially and willingly followed -the directions of the young scout. Three of them were selected to -advance along the trail toward the Indians. The other four, together -with their prisoner, were to be concealed in a cluster of bushes near -which the halt had been made. Just what the young Indian in their midst -would do if left to himself no one of the trappers knew, but as they -were fearful that he might try to betray them it was deemed wiser to -compel him to remain where he then was. - -"Now, men," said Kit Carson, as he and one of the trappers, named Jake, -and Reuben prepared to leave their companions, "see that you do not -expose yourselves. Every one of you hide and keep hidden until we have -joined you. You may think when you first see us that you ought to fire -right away, but hold your powder until we come. Now, don't forget -that!" - -As soon as these instructions had been given, the scout, together with -his two companions, started along the trail in the direction of the -place where the Indians had been seen. - -Reuben was excited and yet he was so elated over the consent which had -been given him to accompany Kit Carson on this perilous adventure that -he was almost unmindful of the danger that confronted him. They had -left their ponies behind them, and now as they drew near the place -where they were expecting to behold the Blackfeet Reuben glanced -excitedly at his two companions. Neither of them, however, betrayed any -alarm, and in a brief time they had come within sight of the camp. - -"I want both of you to show yourselves directly behind me," directed -the scout, "and then I want you to jump back into the bushes on either -side of the trail, run back a few feet, and then come out where you can -be seen again. We must make these redskins think there are at least a -dozen of us. You'll have to move fast, too, because we aren't going to -stay here very long." - -A few moments later the men came within sight of the Indians. The -discovery of their presence was greeted by a shout, but as yet none of -the braves manifested any desire to start in pursuit of the white men. - -Acting promptly upon the suggestion of Kit Carson, Reuben and Jake -darted into the bushes, emerging several times in a manner that might -confuse their foes and lead them to believe that there were more in the -party than at first appeared. Soon after the war-whoop of the Blackfeet -had been heard Kit Carson and his companions started swiftly back over -the trail by which they had come. Their flight was greeted with a loud -yell, and instantly most of the Indians started in swift pursuit. - -"It's the same band that killed the last party of trappers," said Kit -Carson in a low voice to Reuben. "We'll fix them this time so that they -won't make any more trouble of that kind." - -Reuben was running rapidly, but all three knew that they were a -considerable distance from the Indians and that their own friends were -not far back on the trail; so he was not unduly alarmed. Somehow his -complete confidence in the young guide caused him to believe that even -in their present peril he would find a way out. - -The yelling band of braves soon appeared. They were running swiftly and -it was evident that they had cast aside their usual caution. The -confidence of the attacking party was unabated. If Kit Carson was -correct in his statement that the band following them was one which had -destroyed the company of trappers the preceding year, it was plain now -that they were equally sure the whites were afraid of them. - -At all events they were swiftly pursuing and were steadily gaining upon -the three fugitives. The air resounded with blood-curdling war-whoops. -The faces of the warriors, smeared with war-paint, were terrifying, and -every time Reuben glanced behind him his fear increased, although he -still was convinced that Kit Carson was not attempting any trick for -which he was not fully prepared. - -Strong in their belief that the men who were fleeing were afraid, the -Indians pressed still closer in their pursuit. Indeed they were almost -upon the heels of the fleeing men. A few steps more and the venturesome -trappers would be in their power. - -At last Reuben and his companions arrived at the thicket in which their -friends were concealed. Darting quickly into the midst of the band, -they cast themselves upon the ground, concealing themselves behind the -trees, and prepared to join in the counter-attack which was about to be -made. At that moment a shower of arrows fell among the bushes, and -almost as if in response to this action the thicket resounded with the -reports of the guns. The resounding yell of triumph from the eager -Blackfeet was lost in the midst of the roar of the guns. Clouds of -smoke slowly rose above the bushes and hid the scene from the sight of -the anxious defenders. However, as soon as the smoke lifted a little, -the bodies of the fallen Indians were seen upon the ground. On every -side was the neighing of the terrified and the riderless horses. The -startled Blackfeet in the midst of it all heard the click that -indicated the reloading of the guns of their enemies. Too late they -were aware of the mistake they had made. - -The band of warriors instantly broke and fled, and in the midst of the -wild confusion that followed the first attack the weapons of the -trappers had been reloaded and again the reports of the rifles rang -out. With wild cries of terror the Indians continued their flight. Nor -did they stop until they had disappeared from sight and had run far -into the wilderness. - -Then it was that Kit Carson, bidding his men follow him, led them once -more upon the trail. Scattered on the ground nearby were the bodies of -ten of the Indians that had fallen under the fire of the trappers. -Brave as the redmen had been, too late they had discovered that their -bows and arrows were of no avail when they were fired upon by men armed -with rifles and who were expert shots. - -Convinced at last that the danger was passed, Kit Carson summoned his -men about him and first of all inquired whether or not any one had been -hit in the shower of arrows that had fallen upon them. Fortunately no -one had been injured, for the Indians had fired without any sight of -the white men, simply trusting to their knowledge that some of them at -least were concealed within the underbrush. - -"What will happen next?" inquired Jake. - -"No man can say," replied Kit Carson. - -"Do you think they will attack us again?" - -"Not soon. They have learned a lesson which they will not forget right -away." - -"Then we can go right ahead?" - -"We shall keep on," replied the guide quietly, "although I am sure that -we are not done with our troubles." - -"What are you afraid of?" - -"I am sure they will not leave us. They will follow us, and when night -comes they will try to steal our horses, and if we were trapping here -they would try to get our traps. I shall be surprised if we do not find -that they are watching us all the while." - -"Don't you think we had better turn back?" - -"I have never travelled that way," replied Kit Carson lightly. "The -safest thing for us will be to show the Blackfeet that we are not -afraid of them and are prepared to meet them." - -In accordance with the suggestion of the scout, preparations were made -at once for resuming the journey. It was plain, however, that not all -of the men were of the same mind as their leader and that some were -still fearful of attacks by the band which they had successfully driven -off. Some time elapsed, however, before the true purposes of the -Blackfeet were discovered. - - - - -CHAPTER XI--A TRYING EXPERIENCE - - -Meanwhile the little band continued steadily on its way. Reuben now -thought of the missing Jean less frequently. He was confident that the -French trapper was abundantly able to protect himself, and, besides, -there was less peril for a man alone than there was for a large force -of the trappers. The Indians were intensely jealous, fearful for the -safety of their possessions, and angry at the intruders for daring to -come in numbers to trap along the streams which the redmen had been -taught to believe belonged to them by inheritance. - -There were occasions when the presence of the prowling Indians was -evident, for horses several times vanished from the camp and were not -found again. The traps, too, which were used by the men in their -advance, frequently disappeared, and there was slight question in the -mind of the young leader that the Blackfeet, although they had not -dared to make an open attack since the ambuscade, none the less were -steadily following their enemies. - -At last it was decided that the division should go on toward the -Sacramento River, while part of the force already had been sent back to -Taos to dispose of the beaver skins which had been secured and also to -get more traps. All the remaining men agreed to continue on to the -Sacramento, and in this company was young Reuben Benton. To the lad the -days were all filled with interest the chief of which was in the -expeditions for hunting the savage grizzly, whose reputation for blind -and savage courage increased as the men journeyed farther among the -towering mountains. - -The Indians, however, whom they met as they proceeded on their way, -proved more and more friendly. The stories, too, which the redmen told -of the marvels of the valley of the Sacramento increased the desire of -Reuben and his companions to see the land which was declared to be not -only marvellously beautiful and fertile, but also to abound in beaver. - -To reach this land of promise, however, it was necessary for the little -company to make its way across a country upon which neither grass nor -trees grew, and where water was seldom found. Even the wild animals -avoided these desert plains. Not a deer was likely to be found in the -course of the journey, and the buffaloes were far behind the mountains, -which now were in the rear of the advancing trappers. - -Before entering upon the final stage of the journey it was decided that -there should be a rest of several days. Accordingly the entire party -went into camp. The horses were fed far better than had been the daily -custom and were not compelled to carry any burdens. The trappers -employed the time thus afforded in hunting. There was need of food in -the party, and to supply this need Kit Carson and a half-dozen others, -among whom was Reuben, devoted much of their time to hunting for -animals that would provide meat. - -On the second day, while Reuben, Kit Carson, and a man who was called -Jack were about six miles from the place where the camp had been -pitched, they discovered a herd of deer. The curious animals plainly -were not familiar with the sight of men. They were discovered near a -spring on the border of a grove that grew far down into the plains. At -least a dozen of the creatures were seen by the keen-eyed leader. - -"We mustn't lose any of them," said Kit Carson in a whisper, as he -turned to his followers. "The best thing we can do is to spread out and -come up to them in a semicircle." - -"They have seen us already," suggested Jack. - -"That's true," replied Kit Carson, "but the very fact that they have -not run away will make it easier for us to get more of them, and we -must have them. Our very lives may depend upon our aim. I hope every -one will hit his target." - -In accordance with the directions of the hunter, the party spread out -and prepared to creep nearer the spring, advancing in a semicircle. -Even when they had come within fifty yards of the water the inquisitive -animals were still standing, gazing almost stupidly at the approaching -hunters. Indeed to Reuben it almost seemed as if the timid creatures -were unable to flee. Even the fawns, with ears erect, stood gazing -open-eyed at the men. - -In this manner the trappers approached, as has been said, within fifty -yards, and then at a given signal all arose and fired upon the timid -animals. Two of the deer were seen to fall. Then with a loud summons to -his followers, Kit Carson, after he had hastily reloaded his rifle, -darted toward the spring from which even yet the startled deer had -withdrawn only a few yards. - -In a brief time the guns were reloaded and almost together the trappers -once more fired at the graceful creatures that were still gazing at -them. A third deer fell to the ground, but all its companions instantly -fled from the spot. - -"We didn't get as many as we ought to," said Kit Carson quietly when -the men approached the place where the fallen deer were lying. "I shall -be surprised if we do not find that some of these deer are pretty well -filled with lead. We ought to have arranged for no two men to fire at -the same animal." The trapper's suggestion was found to be correct, for -six bullets were found in one of the bodies. - -In response to the directions of the scout, the men at once took their -knives and skinned the creatures, and then, while part of them sewed -the skins into water-bags, the others prepared to smoke the meat which -had been secured. - -Haunches of venison were dried on the branches of trees above the reach -of prowling wolves, and fires were kindled beneath them which it was -believed would last throughout the coming night. The smoke from the -flames soon hid the suspended bodies, and, satisfied that their work -for the day had been completed, the hunters turned and departed for the -camp in the defiles of the mountains. - -To Reuben Benton these experiences were all so novel that he had ceased -to think often of the missing Jean, and he was thoroughly enjoying his -adventures. Such a life was wholly new to the eager-hearted boy. In the -vicinity of his home he often had trapped and hunted, but nothing had -occurred like the exciting incidents of his hunting with the great -scout. Perhaps the honour of being associated with Kit Carson, whose -name was already familiar in all the West, provided the greatest -enjoyment of all. More and more Reuben was impressed by the quiet -self-control of Carson and the respect which was paid him by all the -men in the company. - -Reuben, who was a strong and rugged boy, had found no difficulty thus -far in keeping up with the men. Indeed, his spirit of eagerness several -times had led him far in advance of his companions. Kit Carson, -however, occasionally had rebuked him for his foolhardiness and told -him that his safety depended almost entirely upon his remaining in the -company of his fellow trappers. There was slight question in his mind -that the Indians had followed them all through the defiles of the -mountains. Whether or not the pursuit would be maintained was a -question which could be solved only by the events which might occur -when once the party had entered on its way across the pathless desert. - -On the day after the shooting of the three deer Reuben and Jack, -together with two other trappers, were sent to obtain the carcasses, -which had been left hanging from the boughs of the tree under which the -fires had been kindled. For the meat to be thoroughly cured a longer -time would be required, but as the horses were now rested, the men were -eager to push forward. - -Just before the departure from the camp was made three Indians were -seen approaching, leading a poor old horse that was soon found to be -blind as well as lame. By the use of signs the Indians finally agreed -to sell the poor old creature and then departed with the money which -they received. After they were gone the horse itself was killed and -roasted, and the trappers that night enjoyed a feast of tough -horse-meat and water from the mountain springs. - -The following morning the entire band set forth on their long and -difficult journey across the plains. When three days had elapsed, the -riders, wearied by their journey and nearly parched with thirst, were -well-nigh exhausted. The supply of water which they had brought with -them had proved to be inadequate. - -All the efforts of Kit Carson were required to keep up the courage of -his followers. The heat had been intense, and the brief rest which had -been given the horses and mules had not been sufficient to restore -their full strength. Even the animals were dejected as they lifted -their feet from the heated sands and slowly moved forward. - -Not a word of complaint, however, had escaped the lips of Reuben. -Fearful that the objection which had been made at St. Louis against his -joining a party of trappers would be repeated here, the boy had done -his utmost to bear the hardships that he was compelled to endure. His -lips were swollen and cracked, and the intense feeling of hunger which -he had the preceding day had given place to a dull ache. His manner was -thoroughly dispirited as he slowly followed his companions. The mule -which he was riding had lagged behind the other animals, until Reuben -was several yards in the rear of the little company. - -It was at this time that Carson, noting the plight of his young friend, -dropped behind and waited for Reuben to approach. - -"Well, lad," he said, striving to speak cheerfully, "how is it?" - -Reuben, almost unable to speak, shook his head as he tried to smile in -response to the query of his friend. - -"It's a pity, lad," continued the guide, "but there's no going back. We -have got into a hard piece of work, but the only thing to do is to go -ahead. That is the only way out, so keep up your heart and don't give -in." - -Reuben nodded decidedly to show that his determination was still -unbroken, and as he did so the mule he was riding suddenly lifted his -head and, after he had sniffed the air, lowered it almost to the sand, -and emitted several prolonged, heart-breaking, agonizing brays. - -The stentorian blasts were quickly answered by similar sounds from the -other mules in the train. Despite the efforts of the weary men to -control the beasts, they all immediately began to run, followed -speedily by the horses. - - - - -CHAPTER XII--A PUZZLING MESSENGER - - -"What's wrong? What's the matter?" demanded Reuben excitedly of Kit -Carson, who was riding by his side. - -"Don't you know?" laughed the leader good-naturedly. - -"No, I don't know, that's why I asked," replied Reuben in the -disjointed words he was able to speak, while the mule which he was -riding increased the speed at which he was running. - -"They have sniffed water." - -"But I can't see it anywhere!" - -"That's likely," replied the hunter, smiling as he spoke. He was having -less difficulty than his young companion in controlling his mount. - -The animal which Reuben was riding had stretched forth its neck and its -muscles were almost as tense and stiff as if they had been made of -bone. Occasionally one of the excited mules stopped, and, planting its -feet firmly in the ground, stretched forth its neck, elevated its tail, -and at the same time emitted another prolonged and discordant bray. - -The minutes passed swiftly and no signs of the longed-for water were -discovered. An hour passed in the wild flight and still the stream was -not found. To Reuben's protest that the mules had been mistaken, Kit -Carson made no reply save to smile in the quiet manner which was -characteristic of him, and slowly shook his head as if he still had -faith in the instinct of the strange beasts. - -Ten minutes later a cry arose from the dry throats of the men when a -stream not far in advance was seen by them all. In a brief time the -entire line had gained the banks and men and animals alike plunged into -the water and drank their fill. - -"I never knew before how good it seemed to have all the water I wanted -to drink," said Reuben with a sigh of relief when he returned to the -bank and once more stood beside the leader. - -"It's just like air and sunshine and other things that are so common -that no one thinks they are worth much," replied Carson thoughtfully. -"It is only when we lose them that we think they are worth having." - -"This certainly is worth having," said Reuben fervently. - -"It's so good that I think we'll stay here for a little while. Turn in, -boys," the leader added, calling to his companions, "and we'll make -camp." - -The courage and hope of the men had now returned in full force, and the -long journey across the desert was forgotten or ignored. Eagerly they -responded to the call of their leader, and in a brief time a -comfortable camp had been made on the banks of the little stream. - -For two days the weary men remained in the camp. In a few spots near -the spring grass had grown, and this, together with the leaves of the -trees, provided food for the horses. No wild animals were seen during -the stay of the men, and on the third day, when the journey was -resumed, there were few traces to be seen of the suffering which the -trappers had endured in their ride across the desert. There still -remained, however, a long and toilsome journey between them and the -region which they were seeking. Occasionally a stream of running water -was found, and then the party went into camp for two or three days. - -When at last they arrived in the beautiful valley of San Gabriel they -were nearly exhausted, but the sight which greeted their eyes did much -to restore their spirits. - -In the valley was the Mission of San Gabriel, established many years -before this time by the Spanish padres in their labours among the -Indians of that region. Already the fruits of their devoted work were -to be seen. In the valley there were many fields of waving grain and -great orchards whose trees were bending under the loads of fruit which -hung from their branches. In certain parts of the valley there were -large herds of cattle, and many flocks of sheep were to be seen, almost -as numerous as the cattle. - -The sight of all these good things instantly revived the drooping -spirits of the trappers. It is true they had little to offer in -exchange, but the people of the mission and the Indians of the vicinity -were kind to the newcomers, and in a brief time the wants of the nearly -famished men were all supplied. - -Perhaps some of them rejoiced more over the fact that water and food -for their horses abounded than they did over the reports that were -given them of the multitudes of beaver that were to be found in the -nearby streams. To Reuben the region seemed to be a land of plenty. The -Indians were peaceful and apparently happy, and the few white men that -were to be seen in the vicinity were prosperous and contented. - -After the men had been thoroughly rested, Kit Carson explained to -Reuben that the time had come for them to enter upon the work which had -been their object in seeking the marvellous valley. - -"We'll go down the San Joaquin River," he explained. "We shan't have -any trouble in getting the skins we want, and at the same time we'll -find game enough to supply all our needs. All you have to do," he -added, with a laugh, "is to look at the men. A little while ago they -were half-starved and as lean as bullrushes. Just look at them now! -Almost every one is getting so fat he won't be able to do his -trapping." - -"Yes," laughed Reuben. "They all look as if they would rather stay here -than go on any farther." - -"That's just what they must do, though," said Kit. "I have seen a good -many men in my life who did all right until they came to the last thing -that had to be done and then they gave out. I believe there are more -men that lose because they don't follow up to the very end what they -have begun than from any other one thing. Who's this coming?" he added -abruptly as he turned and saw a stranger approaching on horseback. - -At first the approaching man was thought to be a priest, as he was -dressed in a strange garb that somewhat resembled that worn by the -priests in charge of the mission. As he came nearer, however, they -discovered that he was not a priest, and when he spoke, his words -confirmed Kit Carson in his conclusion. - -"I am looking for a man named Kit Carson," explained the newcomer. - -"You won't have to look very far," replied the guide quietly. - -"Where is he?" - -"Not very far away." - -"Tell me where he is and I will go to him." - -"I reckon I am the man you're looking for." - -"You?" exclaimed the stranger in surprise. "You? Are you Kit Carson? -Why, you're nothing but a boy." - -"I'm not very old," replied the guide with a smile, "but that's a fault -I hope to correct some day. Meanwhile let me tell you that my name is -Kit Carson. If you have any message for him you had better give it to -me." - -"I came from the Mission San Gabriel," explained the newcomer, after a -brief silence in which he had steadily looked into the face of the -young hunter. "One of the padres sent me. He says that some Indians -have run away with some of our sheep. It is the same band that stole -some horses from the mission a few weeks ago. Before that they stole -some of our cattle. The padre wants to know if some of your men will -help us to punish them." - -"Where are they?" asked Kit Carson. - -"We don't know exactly, but we suspect that they have gone to one of -the strongest of the Indian villages." - -"Will they fight?" - -"I think they will." - -"Then we will go," said the guide quickly. "You tell the padre that -we'll help him out. How many men does he want?" - -"All you can spare." - -"Tell him we'll be at the mission to-morrow morning. There will be as -many of us as care to go, whether it is the whole eighteen or only -one." - -"You will be the one?" inquired the stranger. - -"I will be one," laughed Kit Carson, "but I do not think I will be the -only one." - -Reuben had been silent throughout the conversation and seldom had -turned his face away from the man who had brought the message from the -San Gabriel Mission. - -When the messenger departed Reuben turned to Kit Carson and said: "That -man looks enough like Jean Badeau to be his own brother." - -"Who is Jean Badeau?" - -"Why, he's the trapper that I came with from St. Louis." - -"The one you lost in the camp when we first saw you?" - -"Yes." - -"Are you sure he isn't the same man?" - -"No, I am not sure, and that's just the trouble. Of course it is some -time since I saw him." - -"Don't you know his voice?" - -"His voice certainly sounded like Jean's." - -"Why didn't you ask him if he is Jean?" - -"I don't know why I didn't," replied Reuben. "He looks like him, and -yet if it is another man it might make trouble." - -"How would it make trouble?" - -"Oh, I don't know," replied Reuben somewhat uneasily. "I cannot see why -Jean should be down here in this valley, anyway, unless he wanted to -get away from everybody." - -"Is that the reason why we came?" demanded Kit Carson quizzically. - -"No, we came for the beaver skins." - -"Perhaps your friend came for the same reason. You'll soon know, -though, whether he's the real one or not, because when we go over to -the mission to look up these thieving redskins, you probably will see -the man again and can find out just who he is and why he is here." - -For the time Reuben was forced to be content, and yet on the following -day, when with eleven others he went to the San Gabriel Mission, the -question in his mind still remained unanswered. He looked about on -every side, but did not discover the messenger. Nor was he able to make -inquiries, for he understood neither the Spanish nor the Indian tongue. - -In a brief time, however, his thoughts were withdrawn from Jean to the -task which immediately confronted them. A band of twenty-five or more -soon set forth from the mission, half the men belonging to the force -which Kit Carson had led into the valley. - -The trappers and the volunteers from the mission rode swiftly away, and -not more than three hours had elapsed when they arrived at the Indian -village which they were seeking. When they drew near, the advancing -party halted, while one of the white men advanced to meet three Indians -who had now come forth from the village. It was impossible for Reuben -to hear what was said, nor would he have understood the conversation -had he been able to hear it. It was not long, however, before the white -man returned to his followers with the statement that the Indians had -absolutely refused to give up the redmen for whom they had come. - -The village was not large, but the warriors plainly outnumbered the -white men. To attack seemed foolhardy. - -Greatly to Reuben's surprise, after a brief consultation had been held -between Kit Carson and the leader of the men from the mission, the -hunter turned to his followers and said quietly: "There is only one way -for us to get those rascals. We must attack the village." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII--PURSUIT - - -For a moment the startled men gazed silently at their leader. Every one -had been confident that when they drew near the Indian village the -redmen would give up the culprits. However, the quietly spoken -declaration of Kit Carson speedily aroused a spirit of determination, -and every one of his followers was willing to do his utmost to carry -out his directions. - -Before an attack was made, however, the daring hunter approached the -village alone and noisily summoned the braves to a second conference. -Doubtless the slight form of the hunter and his boyish appearance -created a false impression in the minds of the Indians. That such a man -could really be the leader of the white men and that his courage would -be equal to an attack upon their village was plainly something the -braves did not believe. A brief conference followed, but the result of -it was not any more satisfactory than had been that of the former -interview. - -Turning sharply about, Kit Carson quietly went back to his companions, -and then before the Indians were fully aware that he was gone, he said -in a low voice to his men: "Fire on the village! Every one pick his -man, and don't one of you miss!" - -Instantly dropping upon their knees the men obeyed the order. Almost -like the report of one gun the rifles rang out together. - -Without waiting for the smoke to clear and reveal the result of their -attack, every man hastily reloaded his rifle and raised his gun to his -shoulder, ready for instant use. The Indians were not armed except with -bows and arrows, and the distance at which Carson's followers had fired -was believed to be out of range of the warriors. - -Cries of alarm and confusion arose from the village. Few of the redmen -had believed that the white men would dare attack, and the unexpected -action had thrown the entire place into confusion. It is true the -Indians greatly outnumbered the little attacking party, but as soon as -it was discovered that the white men were deadly in earnest and -determined to secure the culprits for whom they had come, their greater -numbers did not afford much comfort to the startled braves. Many of -them fled from the village, and those who remained speedily decided to -give up their guilty comrades who had sought refuge among them. It was -impossible to resist the onslaught of the band which had attacked them, -when it was led by such a man as the quiet, courageous scout. - -For the third time the rifles were loaded, but before they were -discharged an Indian was seen approaching, extending the palms of his -hands in token of his peaceful purpose. - -Directly behind him appeared a young Indian on horseback. He followed -the chief, who was advancing toward the white men, until he came near -the place where the spokesman halted. Although the followers of Kit -Carson were prepared for any event, no gun was fired, while all the men -awaited the coming of the messenger. It was believed now that there -would be no further attempt to shield the guilty parties for whom the -padre at the San Gabriel Mission had sent the expedition. - -For a moment, although none of the watchful observers was able to -discover the cause, the herald remained silent. Reuben, who was deeply -interested in the exciting event, now saw, approaching from the -village, a young squaw. Just what was her purpose in coming was not -apparent. - -The herald began his speech. "We shall no longer protect the men for -whom the white brothers have come," he explained. "We did not ask them -to come to our village. They were in trouble and they sought us out. We -would punish them for the evil they did to the good padre, but now that -the padre's men have come to take back to the mission the men who have -done evil, we shall no longer try to hold them in our village. The -brothers of the padre when they see the evildoers coming forth from our -village will not then make any more attacks upon us." - -The spokesman paused as if he was waiting for Carson to respond to his -implied question. As the hunter remained silent, the Indian herald -continued his appeal. "Already we have children that are fatherless -because the white men have killed our braves. You can hear the wailing -of the squaws whose husbands and sons you have slain. Is not this -enough punishment for the white men to visit upon us? We shall no -longer try to shield those who fled to us for refuge." - -"Will you give us every one?" demanded Kit Carson abruptly. - -"Every one," replied the Indian. - -"Then tell them to come out to us now." - -The Indian turned back toward the village and then, abruptly halting, -once more faced the scout. "And will my white brother promise that no -harm shall befall us? That he will take the bad Indians only? Will he -promise that they shall be dealt with justly, and that no harm shall -come to them on their way back to the mission?" - -"I make no promises except to tell you that every man will be treated -as he deserves." - -"That's just the very thing they don't want," muttered Jack, who had -been listening as he stood opposite Reuben. "If they got what they -deserved there wouldn't be many left in the village." - -"I'm afraid there wouldn't be very many left among us either," -suggested Reuben quietly. - -"What do you mean?" demanded Jack. - -"Why, I mean that if every man got what he deserved perhaps he would be -worse off than he is now." - -"I never got all that I deserved," said Jack sharply. "I've seen a good -many men who passed for more than they were worth and then again I've -seen others who didn't pass for what they were worth." - -"Which is your class?" said Reuben, laughing. Throughout the -conversation he had not turned away his gaze from the exciting events -which were occurring before him. - -"It doesn't make any difference which is my class," retorted Jack. "All -I say is that Indians are all in one class----" - -Jack stopped abruptly, for at that moment it was seen that the young -squaw who had come from the village had now turned quickly toward the -young Indian who had approached on horseback. Suddenly the mounted -Indian darted ahead, his horse apparently breaking into its swiftest -paces at its first leap forward. - -The action of the Indian girl, however, was most startling of all. As -the young brave fled from the spot she grasped the tail of the horse he -was riding, and, clinging tenaciously to it, she was partly dragged and -partly helped forward as both fled from the spot. - -At the first sight of the unexpected happening the men with Carson -laughed loudly. To them it was apparently a joke of some kind that was -being enacted before them. In a moment, however, Kit Carson turned to -Reuben and Jack and said: "Take your horses and follow that redskin. -He's trying to get away and he's using the squaw as a shield. If he -thinks that she is going to protect him, just show him how mistaken he -is. Take after them and don't come back until you get them both." - -Instantly Reuben and Jack obeyed the command which had been given them, -and putting their horses into their best paces started in pursuit of -the fleeing pair. - -It was not long, however, before they discovered that the Indian pony, -in spite of the load he was carrying and the weight that was attached -to his tail--for the Indian girl still was clinging tenaciously to her -hold--was much swifter than those of his pursuers. - -The marvel of it all was the fearless manner in which the young squaw -still clung to the tail of the running animal. There were moments when -she was dragged over the sands, and then again she would regain her -footing and, running swiftly and leaping wildly, continue her flight. -But whatever befell her, whether she was dragged or drawn, her grasp -was not relaxed. - -The horses which Reuben and Jack were riding were old and slow. The -main thought in the minds of the men when they departed from the -mission did not concern any possible pursuit. They all had confidently -believed that as soon as they approached the Indian village the -culprits whom they were seeking would be delivered into their hands. - -Their plans, however, had undergone a change, owing to the attack which -they had been compelled to make. And now the wild flight of the two -Indians convinced the pursuers that the brave was a man of importance -in the tribe and that there were special reasons why he was eager to -escape. - -Doggedly the white men held to the pursuit, but as they fled across the -level plains toward the defiles of the mountains not more than ten -miles away, they were soon aware that there was slight probability of -their overtaking the fugitives. - -"My horse is winded!" called Jack sharply. "Let's turn back!" - -"We can't turn back," replied Reuben. - -"We can, and I shall," retorted Jack. - -"You'll have to go alone," said Reuben. "Kit Carson told us to follow -this redskin until we got him. We have been following him, but we -haven't got him yet." - -"Well, I can't follow any farther," said Jack, and as Reuben glanced at -the horse of his companion he was convinced that the man had spoken -truly. The sides of the poor beast were heaving convulsively and its -suffering was clearly apparent. - -"You stop here!" called Reuben. "I'll go ahead alone. I have a rifle -and the redskin hasn't any, so I'm not afraid." - -In response to his suggestion Jack drew rein on his horse, and when -Reuben glanced behind he saw that the poor animal was barely able to -stand. The necessity of urging his own horse forward, however, soon -caused him to ignore the plight of his companion and he continued his -well-nigh hopeless pursuit. - -Reuben was convinced that the Indian, although now he had stopped and -had taken the squaw behind him on the back of his pony, would be able -to outdistance him. In the pursuit they had steadily drawn nearer the -foothills and once among them Reuben was convinced that the fugitives -would escape. Doubtless they were familiar with the valleys and the -gorges and would speedily find some place in which to hide. But -remembering the words which had been spoken to him by Kit Carson, and -in a measure unconsciously imitating the spirit of the young scout, -which knew no such word as turning back, Reuben still clung to the -chase. The horse he was riding was slow, but its wind apparently was -holding out. Again the boy glanced behind him, and quickly discovered -that he was no longer able to see his companion. What had become of -Jack was not plain, but without any thought of giving in, Reuben urged -his steed forward. - -In a brief time he was approaching the valley which he had seen when -the pursuit first began. It was a narrow pass between the foothills. -What lay beyond it he did not know, but his spirit of determination was -so strongly aroused that when the Indian whom he was following turned -into the narrow defile he decided at once to follow him. - -Not long afterward Reuben found himself in the gorge. It was several -hundred feet wide and on one side there was a steep, precipitous rock. -On the opposite side the valley extended for several hundred feet to -the right, and apparently much of it was under cultivation. Surprised -by his discovery, Reuben still did not stop. He was relying chiefly -upon the rifle he carried for his defence. - -He had not advanced more than two hundred yards beyond the narrow -opening before he was aware that further pursuit of the fugitives would -be useless. Both had disappeared from sight and doubtless were hidden -in some one of the many caves past which he had been riding. - -Still keenly alert, Reuben turned and began to retrace his way toward -the entrance of the valley. He had advanced only a few yards, however, -when his progress was abruptly halted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV--CAPTURED - - -Directly in front of Reuben five Indians stepped from behind a huge -rock and halted his progress. Two of them seized his horse by its -bridle, while two more advanced upon him, one from each side. - -Startled by the unexpected sight, Reuben gazed at the men a moment, and -then when he tried to bring his gun to his shoulder his arms were held -powerless in the grasp of his captors. A moment later he was thankful -that his enemies had prevented him from using his weapon. If he had -succeeded he was well aware that instantly he would have been -overpowered and doubtless slain by the young redmen. - -Several times one of the Indians questioned Reuben, but the boy was -unable to understand what was said, and consequently attempted no -reply. In a brief time the conversation ceased, and his hands were -securely bound behind his back. He was compelled to dismount and to -follow the men, who now took his pony and led the way farther within -the valley. - -They were moving cautiously, too, an act which Reuben did not -understand. His confusion, however, was soon gone when, after a walk of -a half-hour, he was conducted to a camp in which fifteen Indians were -seated around a fire over which they were roasting pieces of meat that -he strongly suspected had been cut from the cattle stolen from the -mission. - -As the young prisoner was ignorant alike of the language spoken by the -Indians and of the few words of Spanish which one of them was able to -speak, he was at a complete loss to understand not only who they were -and what their plans might be, but also what was likely to be his fate. -His hands had been freed after he had been brought to the camp, but he -was not permitted to leave the enclosure. When night came he was -conducted to a cave among the nearby rocks and there by signs was -informed that he was to remain throughout the night. - -Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of the cave, and -Reuben was convinced that escape for the present at least was -impossible. - -Three days slowly passed. Not once was he permitted to leave his -prison, although he was not treated unkindly. Food was given him every -morning and night, and a gourd of water every morning was placed at his -disposal. - -[Illustration: "Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of -the cave"] - -As the afternoon of the third day wore on, Reuben became aware of a -partly suppressed but increasing excitement among his captors. At first -he was hopeful that the place was about to be attacked by some of his -friends, in which event he might hope for release. It was impossible -for him, however, to obtain any information from the Indians, and -indeed few of them now even glanced at him as they apparently prepared -to depart. - -Reuben was disappointed when he learned that only half of the Indians -were to leave the place. The excitement among the others, however, did -not die away, and they frequently talked with one another in low voices -and pointed anxiously in the direction in which their friends had gone. -When darkness fell Reuben stretched himself upon the hard floor of the -cave, and although he was aware of the excitement which still possessed -his captors, he was convinced that he would be unable to learn the -cause of it, and soon was sleeping soundly. - -The first faint streaks of daylight were seen when Reuben was awakened -by the return of the men who had departed the preceding night. -Instantly it was plain to him what the purpose of their journey had -been. With them now were at least threescore horses, and as he looked -keenly at the animals Reuben recognized some of them. They had belonged -to the men whom Kit Carson had been leading. Had their owners perished? -Had there been a night attack by the redmen and had Kit Carson's band -been destroyed? Excited as Reuben was he was not able to find any -answer to his questions, though he eagerly interrogated several of the -redmen with signs. Not one of them, however, gave any heed to their -prisoner and his demonstrations. All about the camp the redmen were in -action, and it was plain to the boy that they were planning to depart -quickly. - -His surmise proved to be correct, for within a few minutes all their -weapons and belongings had been packed on the backs of their horses and -they were ready to start. For a moment Reuben was hopeful that he was -about to be left behind, but this was not to be, for one of the Indians -approached and motioned for him to follow. Obedient to the command, -Reuben accompanied his captor, who led the way to the spot where -several of the Indian ponies were standing. Altogether there were not -more than twenty of the Indian braves. How they had been able to secure -so many horses and to return to their camp without any one having been -injured was still a puzzle to Reuben. In obedience to the motion of his -captor he leaped upon the back of one of the horses and took the reins -in his hands. - -The excitement of the band increased when at last it set forth from the -place. Every rider was leading two or three horses. It was plain, too, -that the Indians were fearful of pursuit. Frequently they would glance -behind them, as if expecting an attack. They had not gone far, however, -before a brief halt was called and three of the braves were sent back -to form a rear guard. - -Throughout the day the flight was continued, with only two or three -breaks, when the men and horses stopped to quench their thirst at a -running stream. Even when night fell the march was continued. -Occasionally the band halted, while the men who formed the rear guard -joined them and a brief conference was held. In every case, however, -either the guard or those who were to take their place returned to the -rear and the journey was resumed. - -There were only slight and occasional rests during the second day. It -was becoming increasingly plain to Reuben that the men were not only in -desperate haste, but were in great fear of pursuit. - -Grimly the young prisoner assured himself that their fears were well -grounded, if their horses had been stolen from the band of which Kit -Carson was the leader. Still Reuben was not ill-treated, although his -conviction became stronger that if he should try to escape his fate -would be quickly sealed. - -The way over which they had come had been rough, and in places it was -only with great difficulty the horses were able to advance. The ride -was hard and all the braves by this time were showing the effect of -their almost continuous ride. The distance which they had covered, -however, had been much less than if they had been fleeing over the -plains. - -When the darkness of the third night fell the wearied warriors halted, -and Reuben suspected from their actions that now a longer time for rest -was to be granted. It was also plain that much of the fear which had -urged the Indians forward was gone. And even Reuben did not dare to -hope that his friends would follow the redmen so far. One hundred miles -or more had been covered in the three days, he assured himself. With a -sinking heart he was beginning to believe, with his captors, that the -possibility of pursuit no longer existed. Evidently the Indians all -felt now that they were safe. The silence which had rested over the -party gave place to noisy calls and shouts. - -Not long after the halt had been called, Reuben was startled when he -saw that the Indians were preparing for a feast. Two of the poor beasts -that had carried them safely throughout their flight and were nearly -exhausted were taken apart from the others and killed. The skins were -stripped from the bodies, and then over the fires, which were speedily -kindled, the flesh was roasted, and a wild feast followed. - -With strength restored by the food they had eaten and their fears of -pursuit now gone, the Indians were like children. They laughed and even -played pranks upon one another. - -After the hunger of the band had been appeased Reuben was given a -portion for his own needs. It was almost impossible for him to bite -through the tough flesh, but hunger provided a strong incentive and -soon he, too, was sharing in the changed mental attitude of the entire -group. As he glanced behind him at the hills among which they had -passed he saw that the moon had risen and that night was at hand. There -was still sufficient light, however, to enable him to see distinctly -all about him as he watched the antics of his childlike captors. - -Suddenly in the midst of their pranks there came a rude and sharp -interruption. The reports of rifles were heard from two sides of the -camp. Several of the Indians fell to the ground, and Reuben instantly -followed their example, although he was uninjured. - -With wild cries the redmen now ran for their horses, but as they -approached the place where they had corralled them there were fresh -shots, and others of the Indians fell. - -With renewed and louder shouts they now turned and ran swiftly toward -the plains beyond. Many of them had been able to secure mounts and some -of the horses were carrying double loads. Most of the animals, however, -had been abandoned in the sudden flight. - -By this time the men who had attacked the camp were near enough to -enable Reuben to recognize them as his recent companions. Among them he -saw the youthful form of Kit Carson riding at some distance to the left -of his comrades and evidently fearful of an attack from the redmen who -might still remain in the camp. - -Aside from those who had fallen, Reuben was convinced, as he lifted his -head and gazed about him, that he was the only one left there alive. -All those who had been able to escape had fled from the place. - -"Here I am, Kit! Don't shoot!" he called loudly, afraid to lift his -head lest instantly he should be made the target of the excited -trappers. - -"Who's calling? Who is it?" demanded Kit Carson quickly, as he and his -companions stopped to stare blankly all about them at the unexpected -hail. - -"Here I am!" repeated Reuben. "If you won't shoot I'll stand up." - -"Go ahead, show yourself!" called Kit Carson. - -At the command Reuben instantly arose and was recognized by the scout -and his band. - - - - -CHAPTER XV--A LONELY RIDE - - -The surprise of the trapper at first made him speechless, as he gazed -at his young companion. He had been aware that Reuben had left the -camp, but as yet he was without any suspicion that evil had befallen -the lad. - -"Where did you come from? Why are you here?" he demanded slowly, as he -advanced to the place where Reuben was standing. - -"I came because they made me come," replied the boy somewhat ruefully. -"They cut me off in the valley, so I couldn't get back to the camp, and -then they tied me up and made me come." - -"You were very good to consent," replied Kit Carson dryly. - -"That wasn't the point," laughed Reuben, immensely relieved now that he -was once more among his friends. "It wasn't whether I wanted to come, -it was simply because I couldn't get away!" - -"How far do you think you have come?" - -"I haven't any idea. It seems like a long way." - -"It's a hundred miles." - -"Whew!" whistled Reuben. "The way we came when we first started made me -think that you were close on our heels. I never saw a band go faster -than they did, and they kept the horses well together, too. Why didn't -you overtake us?" - -"The redskins had too good a start. Some of the men thought we ought -not to keep on." - -"Why not?" - -"Because they said they were hiding among some of the gulches in the -Sierras, and we never would stand any chance of getting them, while -there was every chance that they would get us." - -"But it has turned out all right," laughed Reuben. "You have found me -and you have got back your horses." - -"Yes, and we got some redskins, too," added the guide quietly. As he -spoke he turned toward the place where several of the fallen bodies -were lying, and after he had examined every one to make sure that all -were lifeless he turned once more to his followers and said: "I don't -think there is much danger of the rascals following us, but at the same -time I think we had better start back for camp." - -His suggestion was speedily acted upon. The horses of the trappers had -travelled so fast and so far that some of them were well-nigh -exhausted. In spite of their condition, however, Kit Carson insisted -upon the men rapidly withdrawing from the region. Reuben, as a matter -of course, had joined the band, his heart lighter, now as he was -confident that his troubles were ended. His own pony was in better -condition than those of his companions, and it was not difficult for -him to maintain the speed at which they were riding. - -When two hours had elapsed and the sun had disappeared from sight, at -the word of Kit Carson the men halted in a narrow ravine, and after -guards had been established on each side of the camp, preparations for -supper were made speedily. - -These preparations, however, did not require much time, as the supplies -which the men had brought with them had been mostly consumed. Kit -Carson and his young companion entered into the nearby region hoping to -discover a deer or some birds which they might secure for supper. Their -efforts, however, were unavailing, as no signs of any living animal -were seen. When they returned to the camp the jerked venison which had -provided the diet for the past twenty-four hours was all the food in -the possession of the trappers. - -To Reuben the supper was tempting, because in the swiftness of the -flight of his captors they had stopped only twice to eat, although they -had halted several times for rest or to discover whether or not their -enemies were close upon their trail. - -Before midnight, at the call of the leader, the men once more rode -forward, and driving before them the ponies which they had reclaimed, -they resumed their journey toward their camp. - -No signs of pursuit had been discovered, and the quiet declaration of -Carson that the redskins would not attempt to follow them was accepted -by all the men as correct. The loss of so many of the warriors--for -eight had fallen at the first fire--doubtless had alarmed the Indians, -who in their flight were not fully aware of the numbers in the -attacking party. - -On the fourth day the band, with the horses which they had retaken from -the Indians, re-entered the camp. Kit Carson and Reuben at the time -formed the rear guard, so that they were unable to hear the words of -welcome which were given the returning men when first their presence -was discovered. In a brief time, however, the shouts were redoubled -when the stolen horses were all made secure and the leader and Reuben -rejoined their companions. - -"How did you do it, Kit?" called Jake. - -"We just kept at it." - -"How far did you go?" - -"Better than one hundred miles." - -Jake whistled and said: "We never believed you would keep up. When you -didn't come back at the end of the first day we began to think -something must have happened to you and we were going to send a party -out to rescue you." - -"That was mighty good of you," replied Kit Carson demurely, "but I'm -not in the habit of giving up when I start." - -"So it seems," laughed Jake. "I begin to understand why it is that the -men are all willing to follow you." - -"Why should we give up?" inquired the scout simply. "We started out to -get the horses, didn't we?" - -"Yes, but I've seen a good many men who were willing to start, but -that's as far as they ever got." - -"Well, we started and we came back, and when we came back we had the -horses with us. That's all there is to the story." - -The words of Kit Carson, however, belied the feeling of the camp. There -was great enthusiasm among the men, who were loud in their praises of -the young leader who had followed the fleeing Indians far beyond the -regions where they had believed he would be able to make his way or to -discover their trail. - -"It's all right now, anyway," said Kit quietly. "I'm ready to turn in -for the night." - -As soon as the simple supper had been prepared and eaten, all the men -in the camp sought their blankets. The horses which had been restored -had been hobbled, and the various guards of the camp had been so placed -that the approach of any one would be known at once. - -The following day, after a long conference between the young scout and -several of his men, Carson approached Reuben and said: "Do you think -you could find your way to San Gabriel if you were to go alone?" - -"Yes," replied Reuben quietly. "I am sure I can." - -"Through the Sierras?" - -"Yes, through the mountains. It is a simple path to find." - -Kit Carson smiled as he said: "I hope you'll find it so, because we -want to send you back to the mission." - -"When am I to go?" - -"Just as soon as you can get ready to start." - -"I shall be ready in five minutes." - -"That's the way to talk," said the scout quietly. "I'll tell you what -we want just as soon as you are ready." - -Within the time which he had allotted for his preparations Reuben had -all things in readiness for his departure. He had selected a pony which -he was confident would be fleet and sure-footed, and his few belongings -had been packed on the back of the faithful animal. Kit Carson handed -him a letter, sealed and addressed to "Captain White, at the San -Gabriel Mission." - -"It is very important," said Kit Carson in a low voice to Reuben after -the latter had mounted his pony. "Come back just as soon as you have an -answer. As I told you, it may be that there will be a man who will come -with you, but of that I am not sure. At all events you are to look out -for yourself, and don't get caught again by the redskins." - -"Do you think I shall meet any?" inquired Reuben, startled by the -suggestion. - -There was a quiet smile on the face of the scout as he said: "I don't -think you'll have any trouble. About all the Indians out here on the -coast do is to steal our horses or traps and get away with our skins. -Take care of the letter and don't lose it!" - -Armed with his rifle, and with provisions sufficient for his journey -strapped upon the back of his sturdy little pony, Reuben departed from -the camp. The way he was to follow lay for a time among the hills. In -the heart of the excited boy there was a feeling of elation that he had -been selected for this journey. He was eager to show Kit Carson and his -comrades that they could depend upon his coolness and that he would be -able to make his way in safety to the old mission and there deliver his -message. He was mindful of the heat of the plains and of the length of -the journey and consequently he did not urge his pony. At last he found -himself among the narrow defiles of the bleak and towering Sierras. - -It was not difficult for him to retrace the way by which he had come -from the old mission the last time he had visited the station. It was -now early in the morning, and he was hopeful that before sunset he -would once more be among the friendly Indians and the whites who dwelt -at San Gabriel. - -The morning passed without any adventures, and the afternoon sun was -waning when at last Reuben entered a defile that was, as he recalled -it, several miles long. On his left were stunted growths of trees and -the sides of the mountains sloped gently back with the valley. On the -opposite side, however, the cliffs were steep and the mighty crags in -places hung directly over his pathway. He was following the bed of a -stream, which was nearly dry, as the snows had largely disappeared from -the slopes of the mountains. The sense of his absolute loneliness was -resting more heavily upon him now that he was tired from the long ride. - -Suddenly the pony stopped and trembled violently in every muscle. An -instant later the frightened animal did its utmost to leap forward, and -it was only by using all his strength that Reuben was able to restrain -him. Then it was that he glanced behind him to discover the cause of -the terror of his horse. His own alarm was hardly less when not more -than twenty yards behind him he saw the crouching figure of a mountain -lion. The savage beast evidently was following him, occasionally -seeking the shelter of some huge rock, or climbing among the bushes. It -was unusual, however, for such treacherous animals to come into the -open, as the one behind him now was doing, and for a moment Reuben was -at a loss to account for the tenacity with which the powerful beast had -been clinging to his trail. - -Instantly Reuben raised his rifle to his shoulder and fired. At that -very moment, however, his pony, maddened by terror, suddenly leaped -forward, and the aim of the young hunter was destroyed. It was plain an -instant later that the savage mountain lion was unharmed. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI--A MOUNTAIN LION - - -Reuben was aware that if he permitted his pony to run, the beast would -instantly pursue him. He knew also that it would not be long before the -mountain lion would overtake the fleeing pony. As long as he moved -slowly, he had been frequently informed by his companions, a lion, -though it might creep close upon his trail, would not be likely to -attack him. On the other hand, if he should show his fear by flight the -courage of the lion instantly would be strengthened and it would follow -and attack any man or animal that fled in this way from his presence. - -The snorting and trembling of the pony he was riding were pitiful. The -flanks of the swift little animal already were wet, and its eyes were -rolling and bloodshot with terror. By a supreme effort, however, Reuben -succeeded in bringing the pony to a walk, and though there were moments -when his mount was so terrified that it almost crouched upon the -ground, still he was able to prevent it from running. It was impossible -now for the boy to reload his gun. The actions of the pony prevented -him from holding his rifle sufficiently quiet to enable him to ram home -the bullet. - -Occasionally Reuben glanced behind him, and he was aware that the one -long leap forward which the mountain lion had taken when the pony had -first darted ahead had given place to a more wary and careful approach. -The savage beast was creeping along the ground. For several yards it -would advance in this crouching manner, and then when Reuben looked -behind him it would leap back into the bushes or seek the shelter of -some huge crag. - -Reuben was carrying his rifle in his hands, ready to defend himself if -the beast should leap upon the flanks of his pony. The lion was now not -more than thirty feet behind him, and why it did not attack him the -young trapper was at a loss to understand. - -Reuben glanced anxiously at the sky, and his fears increased when he -discovered that already the afternoon sun was below the rim of the -mountain. Darkness would soon approach and would come, as he was aware, -after the manner of the sunset among the towering mountains. Usually -there was only a brief period of twilight. The day abruptly ceased and -night with equal abruptness swept over the land. Confident that his -perils would be greatly increased with the coming of night, Reuben was -at a loss how he was to prevent the lion from following him, until in -the darkness in some narrow defile it would leap upon its victim. - -Again he glanced behind him at the beast, which now was motionless, -crouched as if it had been a cat ready to spring upon a helpless and -unsuspecting bird. A moment later, however, he saw it leap gracefully -into the bushes and disappear from sight. - -The young trapper was still compelling his horse to walk. His arms were -aching from the strain of the pull upon the bridle, and he was nearly -as wet as the horse he was riding. Several times he glanced back, but -the pursuing mountain lion was not to be seen. Could it be possible -that the beast had abandoned the pursuit? - -The attitude of the animal when last it had been seen was not such as -to convince Reuben that there was any ground for such a hope. Suddenly -he recalled a statement he had heard made by Kit Carson. One time when -the young scout had been relating an experience which he had had with -one of the savage mountain lions, he had told how the beast after -following its victim for a considerable distance, sometimes disappeared -within the forest and later was seen far in advance when the -unsuspecting party it had been following had relaxed his watchfulness, -believing himself to be safe because the pursuit had been abandoned. -The thought was not reassuring, and instantly Reuben gave rein to his -sturdy little pony. - -The terror-stricken horse dashed forward. The ground was uneven, and -several times the little animal nearly fell as it bounded ahead. It was -a wild and a mad flight, and Reuben not only did not hold back the -pony, but continually urged it to a swifter flight. In this way he rode -forward for a half-mile or more until the heaving sides of his horse -gave evidence that its strength was nearly exhausted. - -At the time he was entering a narrow passage in the valley. The light -was becoming dimmer, but he was able to see that still about one -hundred feet of the defile was before him. - -Soon after he had given a brief breathing spell to his pony he was -startled when the horse suddenly emitted a snort of terror and once -more bounded forward. Glancing swiftly behind him, Reuben's fears all -returned when he saw approaching from among the trees on the -mountainside the same mountain lion which had pursued him and whose -savage attack he had hoped had been abandoned. - -Yelling loudly, Reuben once more urged his horse into its swiftest -paces. There was a scream of anger from the pursuing lion, and Reuben's -heart almost ceased to beat when he saw that the animal already was -leaping forward in swift pursuit. - -Abandoning his grasp on the bridle, Reuben seized his gun by the barrel -and turning partly around in his saddle, with his uplifted gun he -awaited the attack. The snarling beast advanced until it was within a -few yards of the terrified boy. The pony, meantime, was running -swiftly, snorting with terror and groaning with every breath it drew. - -Abruptly Reuben turned still farther about in his seat, and yelling in -his loudest tones shouted: "Get out! Clear out! Get away from here!" - -He followed his words with a hissing sound, and to his delight the -beast suddenly stopped, gazed in surprise or alarm at what he had -evidently believed was a terrified victim, and then with long leaps -instantly turned, bounded into the forest, and disappeared from sight. - -Whether or not the pursuit had been abandoned Reuben did not know. He -quickly gave all his attention to the horse he was riding, and as he -passed beyond the border of the defile and was unable to discover any -signs of the presence of his recent pursuer, he decided to continue the -flight and do his utmost to escape from the savage animal. - -For ten minutes the wild flight continued, until the pony no longer was -able to maintain its pace. Again and again Reuben had glanced behind -him, but not once had he seen the mountain lion. What pleased him still -more was the fact that in advance of him he saw the end of the narrow -valley. Once there he would be able to move down upon the plains, and -he did not believe that the hungry brute would dare to follow him -beyond the protection of the mountain. However, he halted and with -trembling hands reloaded his rifle. He had decided that it would be -safe as well as wise for him to take this precaution. If the beast -should appear again he would stop his horse and fire at the animal. -Resuming his flight, not many minutes had elapsed before Reuben found -himself upon the plains. - -The night now was upon him, but the light was still sufficient to -enable him to see, though somewhat indistinctly, the outlines of the -rocks and trees behind him. But the valley was no place of shelter, -although he was aware that the Mission of San Gabriel was not more than -seven or eight miles distant. - -Only a brief time had elapsed before the young trapper was convinced -that the mountain lion had abandoned its pursuit and turning back had -sought the shelter of the defiles of the mountain. - -Satisfied now that he had nothing more to fear, Reuben allowed his -horse to proceed more slowly, though the manner in which the poor beast -was holding its head as it advanced clearly indicated how nearly -exhausted the pony was. - -In this manner he moved steadily forward until he had come near to one -of the farms owned by the mission and cultivated by the Indians. A rude -little house was plainly to be seen in the distance, but as no light -was shining from its windows, the young trapper decided to push forward -and not stop until he had arrived at the destination he was seeking. - -He had left the farmhouse far behind him and was moving forward over -the dusty road when suddenly he saw before him the outlines of an -approaching man. The man, however, was advancing in a strange manner. -He was moving from one side of the road to the other, and yet as Reuben -keenly watched him he was sure that the stranger was not intoxicated. -Why then was he approaching in such a strange manner? He was carrying -no burden upon his back, and both hands were free. - -Still keenly watching the man who was steadily coming nearer, Reuben -suddenly was startled by a motion that seemed to him strangely -familiar. It reminded him of the companion whom he had lost among the -foothills of the Rockies. But not a word had been heard from Jean -Badeau. - -Still believing that it was impossible that anything more than a -resemblance had been discovered in the man, when Reuben came close to -him he halted his horse and peered intently into the face of the -stranger. The face strongly resembled that of the missing French -trapper. And yet it was so unlike his friend's that Reuben was at a -loss to decide whether or not his former companion was indeed now -before him. - -The strangest part of all was that the man appeared to be entirely -unaware of the presence of Reuben. He seldom glanced at him, and even -when he did so Reuben felt a shiver creep along his spine, for there -was something uncanny in the expression of the man's face. Reuben -somehow had a feeling that the man was not so much looking at him as -looking through him. Indeed, his fear increased when he became aware -that the man not only did not reply to his questions, but that he did -not even seem to be aware of his presence. - -"Jean, Jean!" called Reuben in a low voice. "Is that you?" - -As no answer was given to his query, the excited boy in a trembling -voice again said: "What are you doing here? How did you escape from the -Indians?" - -Either ignoring or unaware of the questions which had been asked, the -man continued his zigzag journey and soon passed out of the sight of -the perplexed young trapper. - -Partly convinced that he had mistaken the strange man for Jean Badeau, -and that it was impossible for his former companion to be among the men -assembled at the San Gabriel Mission, Reuben quickly resumed his -journey. His pony now was somewhat rested, and in a brief time, of its -own accord, it broke into the swifter gait it had maintained most of -the way since the camp of the trappers had been left. - -Reuben was still thinking of the two strange adventures which had -befallen him on his ride when at last he drew near the walls that -surrounded the old mission, and in response to his pull upon the -bell-rope the gate was opened and he was admitted. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII--THE COMING OF RAT - - -The man to whom Reuben was to deliver his message was not to be found -at the mission. However, the tired young traveller was warmly welcomed, -and soon after he had eaten his supper he was soundly sleeping. - -The following morning his message was delivered to Captain White, who -was in command of a schooner which had sailed from New York around Cape -Horn. The captain read the letter which Reuben had brought, and then -looking keenly into the face of the lad, he said: "How many skins have -they?" - -"There are a good many," replied Reuben, "but I don't know just how -many." - -"Do you think they have got enough to fill the hold of the _Charming -Nancy_?" - -"I've never seen the _Charming Nancy_!" - -The captain, who was a large, good-natured man, laughed noisily at the -response and then said: "I guess you're a Yankee?" - -"I am not a Yankee," retorted Reuben. "I come from Pain Court." - -"Whew!" whistled the captain. "You're a youngster to be so far away -from home. How old are you?" - -"I'll be sixteen my next birthday." - -"Is that so? You'll be quite an old gentleman soon if you don't look -out. I guess you had better go back and tell your boss that we can -strike up some kind of a deal, if he doesn't want too much for his -furs." - -"Shall I take that message?" - -"Yes." - -"Aren't you going to write a letter?" - -"I hadn't thought anything about it. Can you write?" - -"Yes," answered Reuben. - -"Well, then, you write the letter. I'll tell you what to say." - -Suspecting that the handwriting of the captain was perhaps not of the -best, Reuben obtained a quill pen and some paper and ink and soon had -written a letter at the dictation of the man. Just why he should be -asked to do this he did not understand, inasmuch as it would be as easy -for him to report what was said as it was to write out the direct -message of Captain White. However, he discreetly held his peace, and -the following day, with the letter in his pocket, set forth on his -return to camp. - -In spite of his determination to be brave, Reuben's heart was beating -rapidly when once more he rode into the ravine where the mountain lion -had threatened to attack him. It was speedily manifest also that the -pony had vivid recollections of his experiences in the narrow valley -and was eager to be beyond its confines. - -Without any reluctance Reuben gave the hardy little beast free rein and -at a rapid pace rode through the place of peril without any mishap. He -maintained a keen outlook on both sides of the gorge, but did not -discover any signs of the presence of the enemy which had so nearly -attacked him two days before. Nor was Reuben molested in the remainder -of his journey back to the camp. - -When he arrived he at once delivered his message and explained to Kit -Carson and others the questions which Captain White had asked him. - -"We can fix this all right," said Kit Carson quickly. "I think we have -skins enough to fill the hold of the _Charming Nancy_ so that neither -Captain White nor her owners will have any reason to complain." - -Several days elapsed, however, before the bargain was completed. In -this time the scout himself went to San Gabriel and had two or three -personal interviews with the jovial sea captain. - -When Kit Carson returned, Reuben was particularly interested in the -description he gave of an attack which had been made upon him by the -mountain lion. - -"Where did you find him?" inquired Reuben. - -"Why, it was among the foothills about seven or eight miles this side -of San Gabriel." - -"That's exactly where I met one. Did you kill it?" - -"I think so," replied Kit Carson quietly. "The beast crept up behind me -and I had all I could do to keep my pony from running away with me." - -"That's exactly what happened to me. I don't see how you shot him." - -"I think it must have been pure luck. I got the pony quiet for a minute -and turned around and fired at the beast when it was not more than ten -or twelve feet away. A blind man couldn't have missed it." - -Reuben had his own thoughts as to the truthfulness of the modest -declaration, but he did not give expression to them. In response to the -questions of the scout, he modestly related the incident which had -befallen him in his own journey in the same region. - -"You were a lucky lad," said Kit Carson warmly. "And you couldn't have -acted better if you had been sixty-one instead of sixteen. You never -had seen one before, had you?" - -"No." - -"I don't understand yet why it was that you didn't put your pony into a -run and try to escape. It was lucky for you that you didn't, for if you -had tried it the beast would have got you as sure as fate." - -"I had heard Jean tell about the lions, and all that he had said -flashed into my mind in a minute. And I saw a man at San Gabriel that -looked so much like Jean that I was almost sure that it was he." - -"Are you sure that he wasn't?" - -"No, and that's what puzzles me most of all. You see I left him the -other side of the Rocky Mountains. It can't be possible that he made -his way all alone through the Rockies, and across the plains and over -the Sierras into San Gabriel. Besides, this man looks as if he was -either crazy or a fool. There's something the matter with him anyway. -He stared at me as if I was like air and he could look straight through -me." - -"I never met a man like that," said Kit Carson quietly, smiling as he -spoke. "I guess it will turn out all right, and, besides, you may have -several chances to see him again in the next few days. We're going to -load up our ponies with the furs we have taken, or at least with a part -of them, and send them down to Captain White." - -"What is he going to do with them?" - -"Take them to New York for us. We shan't let him have all that we have -taken, but it will save a long hard ride if we let him have some of -them here, and besides, I think now we shall trap much of the way back -to Taos. By the time we get there we ought to have a load that will -satisfy every man, to say nothing of our horses." - -In the three weeks that followed, all the ponies of the camp were -brought into service. They were heavily loaded with the skins that the -trappers had secured and then began their long journey to the _Charming -Nancy_. A careful record was kept, and a division among the trappers of -the amount received from the sales of furs was to be made later. - -Soon afterward the men returned to their camp and for several days were -busily engaged in other tasks. Indeed, they were unusually successful, -and the piles of beaver skins steadily mounted higher and higher. - -At last when it was decided to break camp the trappers delayed a day in -order to make a _cache_. A long trench was made in an unusually dry -bank of earth not far from a stream on which the men had been trapping. -A deep hole or excavation was made in this bank until a trench several -yards wide and many yards long had been fashioned. All the time the men -maintained guards and also took the utmost pains to hide every trace of -their labours so that none of the prowling Indians would suspect either -the task in which they had been engaged or the place where the skins -had been hidden. - -The turf was cut with great care and placed on one side of the hole. -Much of the top soil then was placed on blankets or buffalo robes. The -rest of the dirt which they dug while they were making the excavation -was carried in pails by the men to the middle of the stream and there -poured into the rushing waters. - -At last when the hole was as large as they desired, twigs and dry -grasses were cut and with these the trappers carefully lined the hole -which they had dug. After all this had been done the furs were tightly -packed and stored in the place. Last of all, grass and loose skins were -placed over the bundles of furs and pounded with the top soil, which -had been saved and had now been brought back from the place in which it -had been stored. Then all the ground was watered and the turf was -replaced with utmost care. After the task had been accomplished, unless -a man had been informed of the work which had been done, it would have -been almost impossible for him to discover any signs about the place -that the trappers had made a storehouse in which they had concealed -their furs. - -A little later, when the September days came, it was decided by the -trappers that they would start homeward. But it was also agreed that -they would trap throughout their journey. They were to escape the -hardest part of the ride across the desert because they now planned to -follow the Colorado River in its course until they came to the Gila. -Then their course again was to be changed and they were to follow that -river on their homeward way. In this manner they were confident that -they would be able to trap as they journeyed and, if fortune should -favour them, they would add many skins to those which they already had -taken. - -The plan was speedily approved, and as the men sat about the camp -talking of the return which they were now eager to make, the -proceedings were interrupted by the approach of a stranger. - -Instantly Reuben recognized him as Rat, the braggart whom he had last -seen when he was among the foothills of the Rockies. - -Confidently, as if the man himself had been a member of the band for a -long time, the stranger approached and said: "I want to stop with you -over night." - -"You're welcome," replied Kit Carson, nevertheless gazing keenly at the -stranger as he spoke. - -"I have taken about fifteen hundred skins," said the visitor, laughing -loudly as he spoke. - -"Where are they?" inquired the scout. - -"They are where I have hidden them so that neither you nor anybody else -ever will find them, if I don't want you to. There isn't a man this -side of Pain Court that can make a _cache_ as good as the one I made." - -"You're fortunate," said Kit Carson quietly. "You're lucky not only to -have the skins, but to be able to hide them so that no one will ever -find them." - -"That's where you're right," laughed the stranger. "What have you done -with all your skins?" he added as he looked about the camp. - -"We have been lucky, too," said Kit Carson quietly. "Captain White of -the _Charming Nancy_ has shipped a lot of our furs as a part of his -cargo." - -"Maybe he'll take mine, too." - -"It's too late. He has sailed before now." - -"That's a pity," said Rat. "I'll have to tote mine clear across the -desert. I think I'll have one or two of your men go with me." - -"That cannot be done." - -"Oh, yes, it can!" roared the man. - -"No," replied Kit Carson, still speaking in low tones. "There isn't any -one of us that wants to go with you." - -"What do you mean by that?" roared Rat, leaping to his feet as he -spoke. "Do you mean to say my company isn't desired?" - -"That isn't what I said." - -"Is that what you mean?" - -"I usually mean what I say." - -"Is that what you mean?" again thundered the angry giant, who acted now -much as if he had been striving to pick a quarrel with some one. - -"I haven't anything more to say. If you want to pick a fight with some -one you had better go on to some other place." - -Rat now was angry and he took no pains to conceal his feelings. As yet -he had not recognized Reuben, and the lad was too keenly excited by -what was occurring in the camp to call the attention of the quarrelsome -man to himself. - -"I don't have to go on. There isn't any American in this camp that I -can't switch." - -A silence followed the speech of the boastful man and it was not broken -until Kit Carson said quietly: "It's plain you're not an American. I -am, and I demand that you take back what you said." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII--A FIGHT - - -Instantly a silence that was tense and could almost be felt fell upon -the entire camp. All the trappers gazed in surprise first at the tall, -awkward boaster and then at Kit Carson, who in comparison with the -other man seemed to be little more than a boy in size. Brawls and -quarrels were not uncommon among the lonely men, but this was the first -time any one had known Kit Carson to join in the petty bickerings of -the camp. - -Reuben, startled at first by the quiet manner in which his friend had -spoken, now looked at him in alarm. It did not seem possible that so -slight and light a man as the guide would be able to defend himself -against the braggart, who was known as the bully of the West. It is -true Rat had no friends among the trappers. Every one had looked upon -him as one who talked much but whose deeds were lacking. It was -commonly reported that he was better able to tell other men how to trap -the beaver than he was to secure the little animals in his own traps. - -To the excited Reuben the huge shoulders of the bully looked broader -than ever he had seen them before. And yet for some strange reason Rat -did not leap forward to attack Kit Carson when the latter in his quiet -manner had demanded that he take back his remark that he could "switch -any American in the camp." - -The silence, however, was soon broken. Rat hesitated a moment and then, -turning abruptly, with long strides walked to his tent. At the actions -of the bully Kit Carson also started for his own tent, and every man -present understood at once what was about to occur. The two men, who -seemed to be so unequally matched, were to fight, and each had gone to -his tent for his weapons. This method of settling quarrels was the one -commonly used on the border. - -With this thought in mind, every member of Kit Carson's band was eager -to see the coming contest. At once they all drew more closely together, -and although many were fearful for the life of their brave little -leader, there was no one that ventured to express his opinion. - -In a few moments the swaggering Rat, holding his rifle in his hand, and -his face fierce in its expression of rage, rushed forward on his -powerful horse. Almost at the same moment Kit Carson, light and -graceful in every movement, approached on horseback from the opposite -side of the camp. He carried no rifle, but from his belt there -protruded the stock of his pistol. - -Kit Carson had always been a lover of good horses. Several times in the -journeys along the streams and in the valleys of the mountains he had -turned aside a part of a day from his regular task of trapping and had -caught the leaders of several bands of wild horses. The horse upon -which he now was mounted was one of these captives. Its black coat was -shining in the sunlight and its expression of intelligence almost -seemed to convey the idea that it understood the peril of its master -and was determined to do its utmost to aid him. Carson rode without any -saddle. No man in all the camp was considered a better rider, or more -able to compel the animal he was riding to obey his every word. At full -gallop the young scout advanced swiftly toward Rat, who, as has been -said, was also mounted upon a powerful horse. - -Suddenly checking his horse as he approached Rat, Kit Carson in a low -voice said: "Am I the man you are looking for?" - -For a moment the two men gazed steadily each into the face of the -other, and then Rat replied, "No." - -As he spoke, however, he lowered his rifle, and although his actions -apparently were without any design, his gun was pointed directly at the -heart of the scout. - -But Kit Carson was not to be taken unaware. He had heard Rat's -declaration that he was not looking for trouble, but the action of the -treacherous boaster when he had lowered his rifle so that it was aimed -directly at his heart did not escape him. He understood fully what the -plan of the treacherous man now was likely to be. - -Like a flash he pulled his own pistol and fired at his enemy. True to -his aim the bullet struck the arm of Rat, even while his fingers were -almost upon the trigger of his rifle. Indeed, as Kit Carson fired, -Rat's rifle also was discharged, but the wound which he had received -caused his arm to turn and the ball which he had intended to send into -the heart of the scout passed harmlessly above his head. Instantly the -men of the camp ran forward and surrounded the two fighters. - -Kit Carson smiled quietly as he saw his friends approach, and then -waving them back, said in a low voice: "I have done just exactly what I -planned to do. I have prevented him from shooting me, and I think I -have given him a lesson that he will remember for some time, and yet I -have not killed him." - -"That's right, Kit! That's right!" spoke up Jack. "We know that you're -not quarrelsome, and this is the first time I ever saw you draw a gun -on a white man." - -Meanwhile the bully, groaning loudly and holding his wounded arm in his -hand, was led from the spot, while two of the trappers, with water from -the spring, washed his wound and bound up his hand after the fashion -employed by the men of the frontier. In the days that followed Reuben -was not able to induce Kit Carson to refer to the fight into which he -had been drawn. - -Not many days elapsed, however, before Rat declared that he would no -longer stay in the camp, and true to his word, he soon afterward -withdrew from the place. Nor was he seen again until several months had -elapsed, and then it was under conditions that caused every member of -the band to remember his coming. - -"It's time for us to be turning back," said Kit Carson early one -morning, not long after the contest which has just been described. - -"Go back where?" inquired Reuben quickly. "To Pain Court?" - -"No. I don't intend to go back there for years." - -"Where are we going?" - -"To Taos." - -"We'll have to come back here again," suggested Reuben. "We have cached -our furs." - -"Oh, we shall come back," replied Carson, smiling as he spoke. "Very -likely we'll be back here the next trapping season." - -In accordance with the word of the leader, it was not long before the -few wagons in which the trappers had brought their provisions, in -addition to the supplies which had been carried on the backs of their -ponies and mules, were loaded with the furs which had been secured -after the cache had been made. Then following the course which already -had been decided upon, the men slowly made their way down the Colorado, -trapping as they went, until they at last arrived at the Gila. Then, -turning once more in their course, they trapped along the banks of the -latter river and finally, well laden with the skins they had taken, set -forth on their journey to Taos. - -After their arrival there and in the days that followed, Reuben Benton -made many visits with his friend Kit Carson among the Indians, until -he, too, had learned much of their language and also had learned enough -Spanish to express his wants in that musical tongue. He shared fully in -the feeling of respect and love which the Indians manifested for the -young scout, who now was becoming famous among the scattered people on -the border. In this manner the days passed until at last the time had -come when once more the trappers were to return to the region from -which they had recently set forth. - -As they advanced, the friendly Indians gave place to those who were -more hostile. The fame of Kit Carson already had preceded their coming, -and many of the redmen, although they hated the whites, nevertheless -were fearful of an encounter with them. Indeed, the trappers were not -molested throughout their long journey, until at last there came a -night which was long remembered by Reuben. - -At that time, when the trappers had gone into camp, they had -established a guard for their horses. This guard was on duty throughout -the hours of the day, being shifted several times so that no one man -would be compelled to serve an undue length of time. When night drew -nigh the horses were hobbled. Frequently, however, the fear of the -prowling Indians caused Kit Carson to direct his men to tie the animals -to stakes which had been driven into the ground. - -All these precautions, however, did not avail. There were times when -prowling Indian bands stealthily crept near the camp, and while the men -were sleeping the redskins cut the ropes by which the horses were -fastened to the stakes and either led them quickly away or tried to -secure a larger number by driving some of their own horses directly -through the camp, the Indians themselves closely following the -frightened animals and yelling in their loudest tones. At such times -there was danger that even the picketed horses would break away and -join the herd that was rushing upon them. - -And this very event occurred on a never-to-be-forgotten night. Before -morning dawned Carson, having discovered the loss, quickly selected a -half-dozen of his followers and upon the backs of the horses that were -still left in the camp hastily followed the fleeing Indians. - -Reuben, who was permitted to follow the men, although his friends -strongly urged him to remain in the camp, was soon aware that the -Indians were well armed and were not inclined to give up the prizes -they had taken without a struggle. - -Many of the Indians now were armed with rifles, and the members of the -thieving band far outnumbered those of the little party that was -pursuing them. Several times among the mountains the Indians stopped -and from behind huge rocks fired upon the approaching white men. - -Reuben was aware soon after the party had set forth that the night was -to be intensely cold. Indeed, his fingers soon were so numb that he was -scarcely able to hold the reins of the pony he was riding. However, he -was determined not to give way to his suffering, and without a word of -complaint steadily maintained his place in the line. - -The men were confident that the Indians were not far before them. -Already they had had two brisk encounters, in which each party had -fired at the other, but whatever the results may have been among the -Indians, no one among the whites as yet had been hit. - -Kit Carson's men were making greater haste than they would had they not -been so eager to recover the horses they had lost. Because of this fact -they had advanced boldly into a long and narrow valley and had not -stopped to make sure that a part of the force they were pursuing had -not been left at the entrance while others had gone in advance to draw -the white men forward. - -When the angry trappers had arrived at the place midway in the valley, -suddenly shots were heard not only in front of them but also from the -rear. In an instant it was plain that an ambuscade had been made and -the whites had been caught between the two lines of their foes. - -As the party still continued on its way, Kit Carson ordered every man -to hold his fire. Suddenly one of the trappers, who was riding on -Reuben's right, uttered a loud cry and, dropping his rifle as he threw -up his arms, almost fell from the back of his horse. - -"Go on, men!" called Kit Carson, instantly, while he himself dropped -back to assist his companion in his peril. - -An instant later, however, a cry went up from all the trappers when it -was seen that Kit Carson himself had been hit by a rifle ball and was -reeling on the back of his pony. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX--TRAPPED - - -The confusion among the trappers instantly was almost overwhelming. The -affection which every member of the party had for the brave little -scout was strong, and all the men were fearful now that with the fall -of Kit Carson the destruction of the band might follow. There was no -one to take his place as leader. - -It was the wounded leader himself, however, who in his quiet tones -reassured his comrades as soon as they had carried him to a place of -safety. "Don't be scared," he urged them, when they had placed him upon -the blankets which they spread upon the ground. - -"Where were you hit?" inquired Reuben, his voice breaking as he spoke. - -"The fellow got me in the shoulder," replied Kit Carson. In a moment -his hunting shirt was torn away by his excited friends. The weather was -intensely cold and the blood from his wound had quickly frozen on his -clothing. - -After one or two attempts had been made to lay bare the wound, the -young scout, who was suffering intensely, said: "It will be better if -only one of you tries to help me." His face was drawn and colourless, -but his courage in the midst of his suffering appealed so strongly to -his friends that his directions were instantly followed. - -"Go down to the brook," suggested Kit Carson to Reuben, "and bring back -your cap full of water." - -At his utmost speed Reuben ran down the slope of the valley to the -noisy brook at its base. In his excitement he dashed into the stream -unmindful of the fact that he might obtain the water he desired without -wetting his own clothing. - -He was still unaware, however, of his condition when he rushed back to -the place where his friend was lying, and in a brief time the trapper -that had been designated for the task was washing the leader's wound. - -Once during the operation the face of the patient became deadly white. -He did not lose consciousness, however, and although he was suffering -intense pain not a murmur escaped his lips. This heroic endurance of -suffering was one of the cardinal requirements of the hardy men of the -frontier. No one was surprised at their leader's power of endurance, -but the fact that he still directed his friends in their efforts to aid -him, sending Reuben several times to the stream for fresh supplies of -water, nevertheless impressed them all. Throughout this time guards had -taken their places to make sure that the horde of Indians did not break -through and attack them again while they were unprepared. In a brief -time it became manifest that the Indians were unaware of the damage -they had wrought, for they did not offer to advance from the rocks -behind which they had been concealed. - -When at last the wound had been bathed and bandaged as best the men -were able, and a hunting shirt from one of the trappers had been tied -about the shoulders of the suffering man, preparations for the return -to camp were speedily made. - -"The best thing to do is to make a litter and take me home on it," said -Kit Carson in a low voice. "Cut some poles and swing two of the -blankets on them. I think that will be the best way to carry me." - -In accordance with these directions a rough hammock-like litter was -soon made and the wounded trapper was tenderly placed upon it. His -friends gently lifted the poles to their shoulders and then, after -advance and rear guards had been established for the little line, they -proceeded on their way back to the camp. Fortunately they were not -molested on their way. Once in the camp, the men no longer were afraid, -and quickly a bed was made for their leader upon which he soon was -placed. - -The clean life and the strong constitution of the young trapper now -came to his assistance. In spite of the fact that the wound was painful -the precautions which his friends had taken had prevented the -development of serious trouble and not many days had elapsed before Kit -Carson declared that he was as well as ever. Indeed, only a few weeks -had passed before Kit Carson's activities in visiting his traps were as -great as they had been before his unfortunate adventure with the -Indians. It was upon one of his daily rounds, in which Reuben -accompanied him, that the lad gained a fresh insight into the character -of the man of whom now he was intensely fond. - -Meat was needed in the camp, and Kit Carson, whose skill as a hunter -was acknowledged by all, promised to provide fresh game. His traps -already had been visited and much of the day's work had been done when -he turned to Reuben and said: "Lad, would you like to go with me?" - -"Where are you going?" inquired Reuben. - -"I want to get some game." - -"Yes, I'll have my rifle in a minute." - -Hastening into the tent he occupied, Reuben soon returned with his -rifle, powder-horn, and bullet-pouch. Together the two men started on -their hunt among the mountains. They had not gone far before they -discovered that they would be able to obtain as many rabbits as they -might desire. - -"I want bigger game than that," said Kit Carson dryly. "If you want to -turn back you may go, Reuben, but I'm going on a little farther. I have -seen some signs that make me think there are some elk not far away." - -"Have you seen their tracks?" - -"Yes, there are some now," replied the scout, pointing, as he spoke, to -some spots in the ground before him. - -Reuben was unable to discover any resemblance to the track of an elk, -even after he had carefully inspected the places indicated, but his -confidence in his companion was supreme and he quickly said, "I'll go -on with you." - -He was rejoiced when not long after the advance was resumed they saw -near a clump of trees in the distance a small herd of the animals they -were seeking. - -"The thing for us to do," whispered Kit Carson, "is to try to get -closer to those trees. If we once get under cover there I think we can -bag two or three." - -Cautiously and slowly the two eager hunters worked their way toward the -trees in the distance. Both were aware how keenly alert the elk were -and how difficult it would be for the hunters to obtain the shelter -they were seeking. Frequently the animals lifted their heads and gazed -in their direction. Less than a half-hour had elapsed before Kit Carson -said abruptly in a low voice: "They have seen us! The only thing to do -now is to try to bring down one of them. Be quick, Reuben!" - -Both men knelt and aimed at the animals, which already had turned to -flee from the place where they were feeding. Together the reports of -the two guns rang out and a moment later one of the running elk fell to -the ground. - -"I missed him," said Reuben dolefully. - -"You don't know whether you did or not," laughed Kit Carson. "Only one -was hit, that's plain, but whether it was by your gun or mine no one -can say. Come on, we'll get this one anyway." - -Advancing rapidly, the two hunters ran toward the place where the body -of the elk was lying. They had approached within a few yards of the -body when both young hunters were startled by the sound of branches -snapping in the bushes nearby. As they looked up they saw two immense -grizzly bears advancing upon them. It was instantly clear that the -bears were as hungry as the men and that they, too, had been doing -their utmost to obtain fresh meat. Perhaps also the huge bears were -angry that unexpected rivals had appeared in the hunt. At all events, -the only safety for the two young hunters was to seek flight instantly. - -Neither had stopped to reload his rifle, so eager had both been to make -sure that the elk which had fallen was killed. - -Without a word to his companion Kit Carson instantly ran for a nearby -tree, leaving Reuben to use his own devices. And Reuben was not slow in -following the example of his friend. In spite of his fear he recalled -the conversation which he had had with the scout not long before this -time. Kit Carson at that time had declared that it was much better when -a man was hunting for him to go alone. In response to the protests of -Reuben he had said: "If two go together and something comes up that -makes it absolutely necessary for quick action, if there are two -hunters they will stop and talk before they decide what to do. The -result will be not only that much valuable time will be lost, but the -plan they will follow will probably be neither that of one nor of the -other, but a sort of compromise. The only way is for a man not to stop -to discuss things when he must make up his mind in a hurry. If he's -alone, there won't be any trouble, and he will not only do what he -wants to, but probably will do what was the best thing for him to do -under the circumstances." - -Recollections of this conversation were in Reuben's mind as he ran at -his utmost speed toward a sapling he saw not far before him. -Fortunately the boy was able to gain the shelter up which he was -confident the bears would not attempt to climb. It is true they were -able to climb almost any tree which a man could use, but the one in -which Reuben had sought shelter was so small that he did not believe -the lumbering bears would attempt to climb it. He was satisfied, when -at last he rested in a crotch of the tree, that he was twelve feet from -the ground and beyond the swing of the paws of the angry beasts. - -Assured of his safety, Reuben excitedly turned to see what had befallen -his companion. His own gun he had dropped at the base of the tree when -he had made his ascent. He was therefore without any means of defense -or of aiding his comrade. - -Not far away he saw the scout just as he arrived at the base of a tree. -Without hesitating a moment Kit Carson nimbly seized a branch and swung -himself up into the tree, while the two bears--for both had started in -the pursuit of the fleeing scout--were several yards behind him. - -Excitedly Reuben watched the grizzlies as they bounded forward. The -steady swing from side to side which marked their course while they -were running had disappeared. Reuben's heart almost stopped beating -while he gazed at the awkward and yet swift animals. Would they be able -to reach the tree before the scout could climb higher among the -branches? Reuben speedily was aware that the bears had by no means -abandoned the chase. As soon as they arrived at the base of the tree -one of them quickly began its ascent. - -The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew his knife after -he had ascended as far up the tree as evidently he had planned to go. -Quickly a sturdy branch was cut and trimmed. The grizzly was steadily -mounting, but the victim that he was seeking now held a stout club in -his hands and was preparing to defend himself. - -"And yet," thought Reuben, "what can Kit Carson do with only a club to -protect himself against the savage brutes?" - -The bear which had remained on the ground several times threatened to -climb the tree after its companion. Apparently, however, it was -satisfied to leave to the other bear the task of securing their dinner, -or else it was fearful that the tree would not bear the weight of both. - -At that moment the climbing bear had approached close to the crotch in -which Kit Carson was standing. With one arm around the branch the -hunter leaned forward in such a way that he was able to lift his club -and look directly down into the face of the savage animal. Suddenly -drawing back with all his force Kit Carson brought his club down -directly upon the nose of the grizzly. - -[Illustration: "The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew -his knife"] - -The hunter was aware of the fact that there is no part of the body of -the grizzly bear quite as tender as its nose. Reuben laughed excitedly -when a roar of pain came from the animal as soon as the blow had been -struck, and he saw the brute slowly make its way backward down the -tree, shaking its head and occasionally roaring with pain in the -descent. - -When the bear at last had regained the ground, as if by a mutual -understanding, the second bear at once began to climb the tree. Kit -Carson meanwhile had obtained shelter in a crotch somewhat lower than -the one in which he had first stood. In the place he now occupied he -was able to obtain a greater sweep for his club, while his foothold was -equally safe. - -Rapidly the climbing bear came to the place where the hunter was -waiting. Again Kit Carson drew back his club and with the fuller sweep -which now he was able to obtain he dealt a still more savage blow -directly upon the nose of the approaching bear. - -Again there was a roar of mingled pain and rage, and the grizzly, like -its companion, quickly decided to retreat. As soon as the lumbering -animal, still roaring with pain and shaking its head, regained the -ground at the base of the tree, its companion, having somewhat -recovered from the results of its former attempt, once more began to -climb. - -But Kit Carson, now more confident, met the ascending bear with a -second resounding blow upon its nose. Evidently the spot was somewhat -tender, for the grizzly emitted a loud roar of pain and with still -greater haste started to the ground. - -Once more the second bear attempted the ascent, but the result which -had followed its former efforts speedily compelled the attack to be -abandoned. Both bears now were steadily shaking their heads, growling -and in pain, and yet neither apparently was inclined to withdraw from -the spot where they had trapped the scout. - - - - -CHAPTER XX--WILD HORSES - - -Apparently the two grizzlies were confident that they would be able to -wait as long as the man whom they had compelled to seek refuge in the -tree. The slow minutes passed, and even Reuben, who was watching from -the distance and as yet had not been discovered by the bears, was -becoming cramped and impatient. He was not willing to call to his -friend, for he dared not do anything to attract the attention of his -enemies. He was well assured that he would not be able to drive them -away as successfully as had Kit Carson by wielding a club. - -At last when what Reuben was convinced was at least two hours had -passed, apparently the two bears decided to abandon their vigil. -Apparently, too, they did this not because they were discouraged, but -because their feeling of hunger drew them in another direction. With -the strange lope or rolling motion with which bears run, both grizzlies -advanced to the place where the elk which Kit Carson had shot was -lying. This was not far distant from the trees in which the young -trappers were hiding, and in a brief time the sounds of the repast were -distinctly heard. Snarls and occasional growls were frequent. Once one -of the bears rose to a sitting posture and viciously struck his -companion on the head with his paw. The action apparently did not -arouse the anger of the second bear, who was thoroughly busy in his -task of devouring the body of the slain elk. - -Would the animals never eat their fill? Reuben, cramped and with every -nerve tingling, had watched the savage beasts, hoping that they soon -would be satisfied and then would depart from the region. - -At last, when the grizzlies had devoured most of the body, apparently -satisfied with their repast, they both turned and for a moment -threatened to come back to the place where they had tried to climb the -tree in which the young scout had found refuge. - -Apparently, however, recollections of their experiences at the hands of -the fearless young hunter were still vivid. Abruptly they turned away, -and, swinging and swaying, made their way toward the mountains and soon -disappeared from sight. - -With the departure of the bears Reuben was confident that he and his -friend might safely leave their places of refuge. As Reuben started to -descend the tree he was startled by a call from his comrade. - -"Don't do that, lad!" - -"But they have gone," protested Reuben. - -"You can't trust them. No one knows how far away they are. They may -simply be waiting for us." - -"But I'm all cramped, I have been here so long. It doesn't seem to me I -can stay much longer." - -"Oh, yes, you can," called Kit Carson encouragingly. "We can stay here -all night, if we have to." - -It was late in the afternoon when at last a low call from Kit Carson -caused Reuben to descend the tree. His muscles were so stiff from -remaining such a long time in his cramped position that it was with -difficulty that he was able to walk. His friend stopped for a moment as -soon as he drew near and showed Reuben how he stretched his own weary -muscles and exercised his arms which were almost numb. - -"Do you think the bears have gone for good and all?" inquired Reuben. - -"I think so. You had better load your rifle, though I don't know that -it would do you very much good. I have known a grizzly to be shot in -the head, and, as far as one could see, pay about as much attention to -the bullet as he would to a pebble. They must have heads that are -mighty strong and thick. However," he continued, "see that your rifle -is all ready and we'll start." - -Cautiously the two trappers made their way from the place where both -had been so nearly caught, and after a quarter of an hour had elapsed -Kit Carson declared that the bears must have gone in the opposite -direction from the one which they were following and were no longer to -be feared. Somewhat assured by his companion's confidence, Reuben -nevertheless kept a careful watch as with his friend he advanced -through the valley. - -The young hunter was greatly surprised when they came near to the end -of the valley to discover a small Indian village before them. He had -been unaware of the presence of the redmen and now that he saw this -camp his fears returned. - -"Come on, lad. Don't be afraid," said Kit Carson quietly. "I have been -here a great many times." - -"You have?" exclaimed Reuben. "I didn't know there was an Indian camp -within ten miles of ours." - -"Well, you see there is," replied the scout dryly. - -"How long has it been here?" - -"A year or more." - -"How do you know?" - -"I told you I have been over here a good many times and I know all -about it. I have talked with some of the braves and they think I'm -almost fit to be received into the tribe." Kit Carson spoke quietly, -and yet there was a tone in his voice that caused Reuben to glance -sharply at him. There was no change, however, in the expression of the -face of the scout, and as apparently he did not wish to continue the -conversation the subject was dropped. - -Not long afterward, however, both trappers were welcomed into the -Indian village. The suspicion which possessed Reuben he was not able -entirely to conceal. Even the dogs that came sniffing about his feet -seemed to be treacherous. Few words were spoken to him, although his -companion was cordially received and the statement which he had -recently made to Reuben was manifestly confirmed. The Indians all -looked upon him as a friend, and in the spirit of friendship bade him -and his companion welcome. - -Reuben, who was eager to be back in camp, found it difficult to -understand why Kit Carson insisted upon remaining longer in the -village. Indeed, an hour elapsed before he gave the word and the -journey was resumed. - -"I'm going to marry the daughter of the chief," said Kit Carson, -speaking almost as if he were referring to some ordinary occurrence. - -"What!" exclaimed Reuben, as he spoke gazing in amazement at his -companion. - -"That's just what I'm going to do," said Kit Carson, smiling slightly -at the astonishment of his friend. - -"But I don't see----" began Reuben. - -"No, you don't see, but I do, and that's enough." - -"Well, you're the one to be pleased," said Reuben. "I wish you much -joy." - -"Thank you," replied the scout, laughing quietly. "I reckon some of my -friends back at Pain Court would think I was out of my head to marry an -Indian squaw. From the expression on your face, Reuben, I can see that -you, too, have something of the same idea in your mind." - -Reuben did not respond, and for a time the two men continued in -silence. - -"I have known that little Indian girl," explained Kit Carson, after a -long silence, "more than a year. She is as pretty as a picture and as -good as she is pretty. It was a long time before the old chief would -give her to me, but to-night he told me that he had decided that if I -wanted her for my wife and would promise that she might stay in the -village while I was trapping he would not oppose me any longer. And he -doesn't like the white men, either," he added with a laugh. - -"How is it that he is willing for you to have her, then, if he doesn't -like the whites?" - -"Oh, he has a notion," replied Kit Carson simply, "that he can trust -me. He says if I say I will do a thing I don't try to lie out of it." - -"He's right about that," said Reuben warmly. "That's just the way -everybody that knows you feels." - -"Thank you." There was a tender expression in the eyes of the young -scout that prevented Reuben from making any further protest against the -action of his friend. - -"I am going to take you with me to-morrow into the village and let you -see how they treat me. Just now, however, Reuben, I would rather you -would not say anything about what I have just told you." - -Abruptly both men stopped, and in a low voice Reuben said: "What is -that? It sounds like thunder." - -"It is a drove of wild horses," answered Kit Carson quickly. "Come with -me and we'll see what they are." - -The sun was now about a half-hour above the horizon. In the soft light -of the closing day the sound of the approaching body was almost weird. -The band of wild horses was steadily drawing nearer the place where the -two scouts had concealed themselves. The wind was blowing toward them, -or otherwise the horses would not have approached the spot. They were -almost as keen in their ability to detect by their sense of smell the -presence of an enemy as were the prowling beasts. - -In a brief time the drove came within sight. At the head was the -leader, a powerful and beautiful creature, running easily, his head -carried high and his pride showing in his every movement. - -"Did you ever see such a tail on a horse?" exclaimed Kit Carson in a -low voice. "Look at it--it sweeps the ground! Do you know, I believe -I'll get that fellow. If there is anything I am fond of it's a good -horse." - -The scout's fondness for fleet-footed ponies was well known by his -friends. Not a man in the camp was his equal as a rider. He seldom used -a saddle, and whatever the motion of the animal he was riding might be, -Kit Carson bestrode it almost as if they were parts of the same being. - -Reuben, whose heart was beating wildly as he saw the drove approach, -said in a whisper: "How will you get him?" - -"We'll fix that up to-morrow. We'll see to-night where they go." - -The approaching horses soon swept past the hiding-place of the two -trappers, and turning abruptly disappeared from sight at the entrance -to one of the valleys. - -"They will stay there all night," said Kit Carson quickly. "Come on -now, lad, we'll go back to camp." - -"What makes you think they will stay all night? They may leave before -morning." - -Kit Carson smiled and shook his head, but made no further response, and -in a brief time, delaying only until they had secured a few rabbits and -a deer which they chanced to see, soon rejoined their companions. - -For some reason Kit Carson was silent concerning their visit at the -Indian village, and Reuben himself naturally did not refer to it. The -leader, however, made much of the drove of wild horses, and it was -plain that the young scout's enthusiasm increased as he described the -strength and beauty of the black pony at its head. - -"I must have him," he said. - -"That's easy to say," suggested one of the men. "I have heard others -talk the same way, but when you run down a pony like that you'll have -your work cut out for you." - -"But I'm going to get him," said Kit confidently. "And I'll tell you -how." - -In a low voice he explained to his companions the plan which he had -formed for catching the black leader. Every man in the camp was -interested, but when at last they sought their tents it had been -decided that only Reuben and two others were to share in the attempt. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI--THE CHASE OF THE LEADER - - -Long before daylight the following morning Kit Carson and his three -companions mounted their horses and departed from the camp. - -The plan which had been agreed upon was for Kit Carson himself to go -into the valley into which the drove of wild horses had disappeared and -await their return to the plains. It was confidently believed that the -horses would leave their place of shelter about sunrise or a little -before. The three companions of the scout had been stationed at -intervals of two or three miles among the foothills in places where -they would be concealed from the sight of any passerby. It also was -planned that the scout, if it was possible, was to separate the leader -from the other horses in the drove and to chase him at his highest -speed. If it was in his power to do so, the scout expected to turn the -black leader toward the south, where Reuben and Jack were to be ready -to take up the pursuit as soon as Kit Carson drew near their -hiding-place. In this manner it was believed that however swift the -paces of the leader might be he would be soon worn out by the swiftness -of the pursuit of the three horses, every one of which was fresh at the -beginning of his part of the chase. - -Never before had Reuben seen Kit Carson so eager to secure one of the -wild ponies. Frequently the men in the camp had caught and broken -horses, which they had taken on the plains. Indeed, almost every horse -in their possession now was one that had been captured and broken and -trained to service by the trappers. Several times men had secured these -horses by firing at them, stunning the animals without injuring them. -However, only the most expert shots were able to do this, and even with -them the danger of killing or harming the horses they were chasing was -so great that the plan was seldom tried. - -In the present case long ropes of a lariat or noose were hanging from -the horn of Kit Carson's saddle. It was not often that the fearless -scout deigned to use a saddle, as we know, but in this case, as he -needed his rope and at the same time was aware that occasions for the -use of his gun might arise, he consented to use a light saddle. - -"Now, then, every man look sharp!" he said in a low voice, as he parted -from his companions. "One of you go to the north and the other two to -the south. Be sure to hide in places where you can take up the chase -without having to climb very much. The most important thing, however, -is to find some rock or hill behind which you will not be seen, for -this leader, unless I am much mistaken, will be off like a shot the -minute he sights you, and you'll need to be fresh to keep close to him -in the chase." - -The directions of the scout were carefully followed, and Reuben secured -a place behind a rocky barrier near the border of the foothills. His -companion proceeded two or three miles farther before he, too, -concealed himself. By the time each of the trappers had found his -hiding-place, Kit Carson had disappeared from sight. Cautiously the -scout made his way up the narrow valley or gorge in which the wild -horses had sought refuge for the night. - -The sun had not yet risen above the eastern horizon, but the light of -the coming day was already beginning to appear. This hour was selected -because, as has been stated, it was believed by the trappers that the -horses would leave their shelter among the hills at the approach of -day. - -Reuben, who had dismounted and thrown the bridle over the head of his -horse, an act which as effectually prevented his horse from leaving as -if he had been tied to a post, impatiently awaited the coming of the -day. - -He now was almost as eager as his friend to secure the wonderful leader -of the drove of wild horses. The shining coat and the proud air of the -black horse had marked the animal as one not only of unusual beauty, -but of marked speed and power as well. In his mind Reuben again saw the -arched neck, the long sweeping tail, the high step, and the pride of -the animal as in response to his call the twenty-five or more horses -followed his lead. Surely he was worthy of all that the effort to catch -him might cost. - -The horses which the trappers had selected for the chase were all -fleet, but as Reuben glanced at his own beast he smiled as he thought -of the possibility of the black leader being overtaken by such an -animal. To divide the pursuit into relays was the only feasible plan. -And his own part, provided the wild leader turned southward, would not -be slight. There was, however, the possibility that instead of turning -either northward or to the south the black leader might move directly -toward the east. In that event pursuit would be well-nigh hopeless. -There were no horses in the possession of the trappers that would be -able to overtake the fleet-footed leader in a straight chase across the -plains. - -A half-hour slowly passed and still no signs of Kit Carson or of the -wild horses had been seen. A second half-hour passed and still the -silence was unbroken. The sun was now well above the horizon and the -peaks of the mountains were capped with light. Indeed, the glory of the -coming day was already reflected from the snowclad mountain peaks, from -the occasional little lakes on the mountainside, and from the crags and -rocks that were to be seen in whichever direction Reuben looked. The -air, too, was marvellous, and Reuben said to himself that, as he -breathed it, it almost seemed to him as if he could bite it, it was so -strong and bracing. - -The young trapper was becoming impatient. He was almost convinced that -Kit Carson had failed to discover the hiding-place of the wild horses. -If that were true, it was strange that the scout did not return. Reuben -smiled, however, as he recalled the fact that when Kit Carson had -decided to follow any line of action it was almost impossible to divert -him from his purpose. Quiet the scout always was, but it was the quiet -of confidence and strength. - -Suddenly Reuben darted forward and seized the bridle rein of his -waiting horse. At the same time he was peering eagerly toward the -outlet of the valley into which Kit Carson had entered not long before. -A moment later the young trapper was convinced that his surmise was -correct. Forth from among the rocks suddenly the black leader appeared, -running swiftly and yet lightly. Indeed, it almost seemed to Reuben as -if the feet of the animal scarcely touched the ground, so lightly did -he step. What pride and confidence, too, were in his very air. -Occasionally he glanced behind, snorting with anger, but his swift pace -was unbroken. Behind him came the other horses of the drove, the colts -running in the centre, protected by the others. The presence of the -colts prevented the leader from increasing the speed at which they were -moving. - -Not long after the appearance of the wild horses Reuben discovered Kit -Carson. The scout was riding at the pace which the leader had first -taken, and it was quickly plain that he could increase his speed at any -moment. Several times the black leader halted and turned as if he -almost had decided to stop and give battle. Each time, however, -apparently he thought better of the project and returned to his place -at the head of the drove. - -For a mile or more the flight and the pursuit continued, Kit Carson not -gaining, or even apparently attempting to gain, upon the horse he was -so eager to secure. The scout, however, had outflanked the wild ponies -and had succeeded after a time in turning their flight southward. - -Assured now that the chase would lead directly to the place where he -was waiting, and that he was almost certain to have a share in the -exciting pursuit, Reuben drew his horse a little closer to the rock and -in such a manner that he would be able to peer around its edge and -watch the events that were occurring not far away. - -Try as he might Kit Carson had been unable entirely to separate the -black leader from his companions. Several times the wild horse had -circled the body without permitting them to lessen the speed at which -they were running. In this manner apparently he had satisfied himself -that the pace he had set was not too swift for the colts. - -On every such occasion the leader had stopped behind the running drove, -watching the man approaching on horseback. Evidently he was suspicious -of the danger that was threatening him, as indeed he well might be. Had -he ever before been chased by the white men? The question was in -Reuben's mind, as he watched the actions of the departing animal, and -the young trapper was convinced that the horse never had been in -captivity. His spirits were not broken and his confidence in his own -ability apparently was supreme. - -When the chase had led two or three miles beyond the entrance to the -valley, Kit Carson succeeded in turning the flight of the horses he was -pursuing. Shouting and brandishing his gun, he rode directly toward the -band, and in a moment the leader had changed the course and swung -southward. - -Kit Carson still remained upon the outer flank and once he discharged -his rifle, an act which, as Reuben believed, was intended only to -frighten the horses. If that had been the hunter's purpose it was -easily achieved, for the speed at which the drove was running quickly -increased. At the same time it was equally clear to the leader that he -had been unable to shake off the enemy that was pursuing him. - -Shouting still more loudly and persistently increasing the swiftness of -his pursuit, Kit Carson succeeded in steadily pressing the horses to -his right and at the same time compelling them to move much more -rapidly. - -Reuben's excitement increased as the band steadily drew nearer the -place where he was awaiting their approach. As yet Kit Carson had not -succeeded in separating the black horse from his companions. It was not -until the hunter drew near the place where Reuben was hiding that he -suddenly, with a renewed shout and a second discharge of his gun, -dashed swiftly in between the leader and the drove. Again shouting in -his loudest tones, he forced the startled animal southward and at the -same time glanced all about him, evidently expecting Reuben to appear. - -Only a few moments elapsed before Reuben decided that the time had come -for him to join in the chase. He dashed forth from behind the -sheltering rock and, urging his horse into its swiftest paces, took up -the chase as Kit Carson dropped behind. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII--A WHITE MAN IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE - - -As Reuben dashed forward he speedily discovered that swift as was the -pony he was riding it was unable to overtake the wild leader he was -following. Indeed, in a brief time it became plain to the young trapper -that his own horse was steadily dropping behind. - -Aware, however, of the plan which was in the mind of Kit Carson for -chasing the horse they were all so desirous of securing, he sturdily -continued his efforts, all the time urging his horse to still greater -endeavours. It seemed to Reuben that never before had he ridden so -swiftly. The air appeared to strike him in the face, the hoofs of his -flying animal barely touching the sand. And yet every time he glanced -ahead he saw the black horse running easily, his neck arched and his -head held high, the long tail sweeping the ground at every leap. - -What a magnificent animal the leader of the drove was! And how easily -he maintained his lead! Frequently the horse stopped and seemed almost -to be tempted to turn and dash past its pursuer and rejoin his -companions that had started toward a valley several miles distant. - -And the hopeless part of his task was, as Reuben soon discovered, that -the animal he was following did not seem to be tiring. It still ran -easily when two miles or more had been covered by the pony which Reuben -was riding. Jack could not be far away now, Reuben thought, and he -began to peer anxiously ahead of him for the coming of his ally. - -For some strange reason the black leader did not turn toward the -plains. He was running nearer the hills than was Reuben's mount, -holding to his course, doubtless from the very fact that his pursuer -was coming from the same direction. - -On and still on fled the pursuer and the pursued. In spite of all his -efforts, Reuben steadily dropped behind until, as he estimated the -distance, there was at least one hundred yards between him and the pony -he was so desirous of capturing. - -Again Reuben rose in his stirrups and shouting into the ears of his -horse urged it to still greater efforts; and the pony responded nobly. -Its sides were heaving now and a sound very like a groan came with -every breath. He could see by an occasional glance that the nostrils of -his pony were red and dilated. There was no time for mercy, however, -and with every forward leap now Reuben shouted into the ears of his -horse. - -He was wondering why Jack did not appear. He was confident that he had -passed more than the number of miles that had been assigned to him in -the race, but his friend still was nowhere within sight. - -In a brief time, however, riding forth from behind one of the -foothills, Jack suddenly appeared. And it was high time for his aid to -be given. The poor beast upon which Reuben was mounted was now -trembling in every muscle and its strength was so nearly gone that when -Reuben halted it was barely able to stand. - -Hastily dismounting, as soon as the young trapper was aware that the -chase was to be taken up by his friend, Reuben patted the neck of his -pony and in low tones spoke soothingly to it. The poor animal was -standing with lowered head and with an air of such complete dejection -as Reuben thought he never before had seen displayed by any living -animal. - -His meditations, however, were interrupted by the report of a gun in -the distance and the faint sound of a shout that came across the sands. -Glancing hastily in the direction from which the hail had come, Reuben -saw that soon after his friend had appeared to join in the chase the -black horse had swerved in his course and instead of continuing on his -way had turned backward and now was directly approaching the place -where Reuben was standing. - -And still the horse was running easily and apparently without fatigue. -To overtake him seemed almost a hopeless undertaking. Again Reuben -assured himself that never before had he seen such strength combined -with swiftness and grace. - -Aware, however, that he must do something now to help, Reuben leaped -upon the back of his tired horse and urged it once more to join in the -pursuit. A challenging neigh now came from the swiftly running black -horse, and almost as if he ignored the puny efforts of his foes to -overtake him, the course he was following again was changed and with a -sudden burst of speed the animal, like a thunder-bolt, dashed past the -place where Reuben was standing. - -The young trapper now joined in the shouts and he, too, discharged his -gun as a warning to Kit Carson, who was doubtless waiting at the place -where he had abandoned the chase. The efforts, however, were useless, -as in a brief time once more, swiftly swerving to his left, the black -horse dashed into what at first seemed to Reuben to be an unbroken mass -of rocks. In an instant the animal had disappeared from sight. - -As rapidly as his horse was able to bear him, Reuben rode to the place -where the leader had so strangely disappeared. As he came near he -discovered a narrow opening or gorge apparently caused by some great -crack in the formations centuries before. As Reuben entered the narrow -place he saw eight or ten feet below him a stretch of more level land, -though it was dotted here and there with stones and boulders. - -It seemed impossible to the young scout that a horse could have leaped -to the ground below. However, at that moment he heard the sound of a -defiant neigh and in a brief time was able to discern the outline of -the form of the black horse speeding along a narrow trail which was at -least twenty-five feet above the plain on which he was riding. - -It was plain that the horse was familiar with every foot of the region. -Along this narrow ledge the black horse now was running with confidence -unbroken, although the pathway was not more than a yard wide. Indeed in -several places it seemed to the astonished Reuben that the width was -still less. - -Every moment he expected to see the black pony lose his foothold and -fall to the rock-covered ground below him. His expectations, however, -were not fulfilled, for the sure-footed animal, scarcely pausing in his -flight, steadily continued on his way. At one place Reuben saw him leap -across a narrow ravine and without any slip regain his footing on the -opposite side. Although the young trapper's admiration of the horse -increased, he was now well-nigh hopeless that the animal ever could be -taken. - -Indeed it was not long before the horse disappeared from sight, and -Reuben was unable to determine which of the numerous gorges he had -entered, as several converged at the point where the black leader was -lost to sight. - -It was impossible for Reuben's horse to attempt to follow. Not only was -the leap from the rock one which few animals would be able to make with -safety, but also the nearly exhausted condition of his mount made such -an attempt worse than reckless. There was nothing to be done except to -return and join his companions. - -"Did you get him, Reuben?" inquired Kit Carson dryly, as the young -trapper, discovering his friend, rode slowly to meet him. - -"No, I didn't," said Reuben glumly. - -"I'm surprised. Still, when we have him broken, I think you'll enjoy a -spin on that black demon as much as any of us." - -"If you ever take him," suggested Reuben dryly. - -"Why," said Kit Carson in apparent surprise, "you haven't any question -about that, have you? Of course we're going to take him." - -"Not to-day," suggested Reuben. - -"No, not to-day," acknowledged the scout; "but there are other days to -come." - -"Do you believe that that black leader, after to-day's chase, will stay -around this part of the country any longer? He will take his followers -and start for some other part of the mountains." - -"Perhaps he will," acknowledged Kit Carson, "but before that time comes -we'll have another chance at him." - -"You never can take him," asserted Reuben. "I never in my life saw -anything run the way that pony did. And it doesn't make any difference -whether he's running on the plains or along a ledge of the rocks. Why, -he followed a narrow little ledge for three hundred yards. I expected -every minute to see him tumble into the bed of the stream that was -twenty-five or thirty feet below him. As far as I could see he didn't -slip once." - -"Oh, yes, he's a wonderful animal," said Kit Carson quietly, "and we -shall appreciate him all the more after we have had a chance to break -him in." - -"You won't break him in very soon," said Reuben, shaking his head. "You -stand just about as much chance of getting that black horse as you do -of grabbing a streak of lightning by its tail." - -Kit Carson smiled and made no response to the assertion of his young -companion, and then at his suggestion they all started on their way -back to camp. - -In silence the men advanced, and when two hours had elapsed, Kit Carson -suggested: "I think I'll go over to the Indian village. Do you want to -come, Reuben?" - -The lad hesitated a moment and then said, "I'm hungry." - -"Come along with me and the squaws will feed you. And Jack, too, if he -wants to come," added the scout amiably. Jack, however, insisted upon -returning to his companions and rode away alone as Kit Carson and -Reuben started toward the Indian village. - -It was not long before they found themselves in the little settlement, -where the words of the scout were confirmed, for food was soon provided -for the hungry hunters, and, as Kit Carson had said, the squaws seemed -to vie with one another in their efforts to please their white -visitors. - -Soon after Reuben had finished his repast he was startled by the sight -of an approaching white man. To all appearances the man belonged to the -village. He was, however, neither dressed as were the Indians nor did -his appearance suggest that he was a newcomer or a stranger in the -midst of the redmen. Reuben's surprise, however, was caused by his -conviction that the man before him was the same one he had seen at San -Gabriel, and if he was not the missing Jean, at least he so strongly -resembled him that a stranger might take one for the other. - -"Look at that man," said Reuben in a low voice as he turned to Kit -Carson. "Do you know who he is? He looks to me like Jean Badeau." - -In response to the suggestion of his young friend Kit Carson glanced -hastily at the man to whom Reuben had referred and then said, "Are you -sure?" As he spoke the scout glanced at the young trapper, but he -quickly was aware that Reuben had not heard his question. He was -staring blankly at the white man. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII--BAFFLED - - -In his excitement Reuben, almost unmindful of his companion, started at -once toward the place where the man whom he believed to be Jean Badeau -was standing. As he approached he was speedily aware that if the man -before him was his lost friend there was no evidence of recognition of -that fact in the expression of his face. Indeed the man scarcely seemed -to be aware of the coming of the young trapper. - -Puzzled and slightly alarmed by the strange appearance of the man, -Reuben stopped a moment and then said: "Who are you? What is your -name?" - -To the lad's amazement the man to whom he had spoken gazed into his -face and smiled in a manner that was like that of a little child. He -did not speak, however, and for a brief time the two men stood and -looked, each into the face of the other. - -"What is your name?" again demanded Reuben. - -Once more the bland expression appeared on the face of the stranger, -but no reply was given to the query. - -"Are you Jean Badeau?" demanded Reuben sharply. - -Again the smile was seen, but still there was no answer. - -Reuben was almost persuaded that the man before him was indeed his lost -companion, but the expression in his eyes and the childlike smile on -his face certainly were not characteristics of the missing French -trapper. He was a man strong and of slow speech, even when he spoke, as -he did only on rare occasions. Unlike most of his race in the North, -apparently he did not show any signs of the impulsive temperament which -many of the early French possessed. Now the lad felt that his flesh was -creeping. There was something in the uncanny bearing and expression of -the man, who, if he was not the trapper, Jean Badeau, at least strongly -resembled Reuben's former comrade. - -"Lad, don't you know?" - -Reuben turned quickly at the unexpected question and saw that Kit -Carson was beside him. "Don't you know," repeated the leader, "that -this man is crazy?" - -"No, I didn't know anything about him. He looks so much like Jean -Badeau that I was sure at first that it was my friend." - -"It may be and it may not be." - -"What do you mean?" - -"What I mean is this: this man is the same one we found at San Gabriel. -Somehow he made his way to the North and the Indians have taken him -into their village." - -"Why did they do that?" inquired Reuben. - -"The Indians are always good to crazy people. They think they are under -the special guidance and protection of the Great Spirit. Perhaps they -are. I don't know," said Kit Carson, thoughtfully. "Certainly they act -as if there was something in their life different from what we see -among the trappers." - -"That's so," said Reuben in a low voice, as he again looked keenly at -the subject of their conversation, who, apparently unmindful of the -attention he had aroused, had now turned away. In a low voice he was -speaking to himself and apparently was unmindful of the presence of any -one near. - -"That may be Jean Badeau," again suggested Kit Carson. "If it is he has -a long and strange story to tell." - -"What do you suppose happened to him?" - -"I haven't the remotest idea. Of course, I am not even sure that he is -your friend, nor are you positive that he is, but I am willing to take -your word for it. No one in the tribe here knows where he came from nor -what made him crazy." - -"What do you think did?" - -"As I told you, I have no idea, and I am not even sure that it is your -friend. All I am saying is that he may be and that something may have -happened after you left him that brought this trouble upon him." Reuben -was silent throughout the remainder of their stay in the village and -indeed seldom spoke when they rode back to the camp of the trappers. - -Early the following morning Kit Carson appeared and at his suggestion -Reuben accompanied him in the round of his traps. An unusually good -catch was made, and the spirits of both trappers were high when soon -after noon they returned to the camp. - -Directly after dinner had been served Kit Carson suggested to his young -friend: "I think it is time for us to see if the wild horses have not -come back. I don't want that black leader to get away from us." - -Reuben laughed as he said: "Do you still believe that you're going to -catch him?" - -"I know I am," said Kit Carson. "It's only a question of time." - -"He certainly is able to make good time," retorted Reuben. "He ran away -from us day before yesterday almost as if he didn't know we were on -earth. My horse was almost winded and that fellow trotted along almost -as if he were laughing at us. Do you think a horse _can_ laugh?" - -"I have heard of a 'horse laugh,'" replied the scout, smiling dryly. - -"I have not only heard of one, but heard one." - -"Well, if you heard one you haven't forgotten it. Tell Jack, and we'll -start right soon." - -A half-hour later the three trappers, after they had carefully looked -to their mounts, departed from the camp and again saw the valley where -the black leader and his drove had first been discovered. A careful -search was made, but no signs of the presence of the wild horses were -discovered. - -"We'll wait until night," suggested Kit Carson. "It was after sunset -when they put into this gorge before." - -The men waited in accordance with the suggestion of their leader, but -when darkness fell the horses had not been seen. - -"There's no use," said Kit Carson. "They aren't coming here to-night." - -"How do you know?" inquired Reuben. - -"Why, you can see for yourself. The wild ponies, as a rule, do not -travel much after dark. It is almost dark now, and if they were coming -here they would have shown up before this time." - -"Where do you think they are?" - -"I don't know where they are. I thought they were here. If I knew just -where they were I would go there, wouldn't I? I think they will come -back here, though, and the only thing for us to do is to keep watch and -be sure to be on hand when they do come." - -On two successive days the eager trappers returned to the valley, but -the wild horses were not seen. Alone Kit Carson made excursions for -many miles in the immediate vicinity, but his efforts were unrewarded -and not a sight of the handsome black leader was had. Still the scout -did not abandon his efforts. A few days later, at his suggestion, -Reuben and Jack once more accompanied him, departing from the camp soon -after dinner. - -Quietly they rode among the foothills, keeping careful watch on every -side. They had almost returned to the place where first the wild horses -had been seen when Kit Carson abruptly stopped and, pointing to a place -in advance of them, said in a low voice: "There are ponies yonder. Do -you see them?" - -"I can see something moving," replied Reuben, after a long silence. - -"Well, that's a drove of ponies. The only thing for us to do is to put -out for it and find out whether or not the horse we are after is still -there. It may be some other drove. You know they are likely to break up -into smaller bands when they get too many together." Swiftly the -trappers rode forward, and their disappointment was keen when they -discovered that the horses before them were not those for which they -were seeking. - -Apparently still as confident as before that he would capture the -animal he was so eager to have, Kit Carson either alone or in the -company of Reuben daily returned to the valley until more than a week -had elapsed. Their efforts were rewarded at last when late one -afternoon they discovered the horses making for the same valley in -which they had sought shelter when first they had been seen. There was -no elation displayed in the manner of the scout, but the determination -expressed in his face was so plain that Reuben was deeply impressed. - -"Give up? Give up?" said Kit Carson in response to a suggestion of his -friend. "I never learned to do that and you can't teach an old dog new -tricks. I simply am going to have that black rascal. It's too bad that -Jack isn't here, for we'll need him, but we'll go ahead without him and -do the best we can." - -Together the two horsemen rode swiftly forward, doing their utmost to -gain a point nearer the valley than the one where the horses were first -seen grazing. Apparently they had succeeded, when the startled leader -lifted his head, neighed sharply, and instantly warned his family of -the danger that was near. - -"Come on, Reuben! Come on!" shouted Kit Carson, as putting his horse -into its swiftest paces he advanced far into the entrance of the -valley. - -The efforts, however, of the trappers were doomed to failure. With a -disregard of their attempt to head him off that was almost ludicrous, -the swift horse led his followers almost directly into the entrance and -in a brief time all, including the colts, had disappeared from sight -among the boulders of the ravine. - -"No use, Reuben. No use trying to do any more to-night. We have got to -think up some other way of trapping that black rascal. Did you ever see -such a handsome animal in your life?" - -"I never did." - -"Nor I. And every time I see him I simply am more determined than ever -to get him. I am going to catch him just as sure as the sun rises!" - -Several days later it seemed as if the words of the scout were about to -be fulfilled. Accompanied by Reuben and Jack and two others of the -campers, Kit Carson succeeded in locating the drove and immediately -attempted the plan which he had already formed for capturing the daring -leader. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV--A FRESH ATTEMPT - - -So eager was Kit Carson to secure the wonderful leader of the drove -that he had spent much time in thinking out various plans by which the -black pony might be captured. There had been times when he acknowledged -that it seemed a pity to try to take such a noble-looking animal from -its state of freedom and compel it to become a servant. And yet, -although the trapper's feelings were tender and he seldom permitted his -men even to shoot game without some necessary purpose in view, -nevertheless the eagerness of the leader to obtain possession of the -beautiful animal increased with every passing day. - -When at last he explained his plans to his friends he said: "I have -discovered a pocket about ten miles below that gorge into which the -black rascal led his followers. I think it will be possible for us to -run him into that. There will be no use in trying it until we have -tired him out, but I think we shall be able to do that." - -"How?" inquired Reuben. - -"I have found that the wild horses come about two nights a week into -that valley where we drove them. They seem to have regular rounds. The -old fellow that leads them is smart, and if any bears or wolves have -thought they could lie in wait for him they have been mistaken, for he -never is two successive nights in the same place." - -"But how do you think you are going to drive him into that pocket?" - -"I'm telling you, lad, to-night the wild ponies will be in the place -where we drove them the last day we chased them. We mustn't let them -get inside. Probably the leader will do just what he did before--send -his family and his friends off in one direction and he will start for -another. Then the thing for us to do is to chase him back and forth -over the ten miles." - -"But you'll need an army of men to do it," suggested Reuben. - -"I have already sent ahead four men. They are as full of the game as we -are. They haven't seen that black horse, but what I have told them -about him makes them all hungry to join in the chase. I'm going to put -you and Jack down below that pocket. You two must turn back the fellow -if he tries to get past you. I don't think he will, for he won't want -to leave his charges quite so far away. I have got some pieces of tin -and I want you both to pound on them and yell like good fellows. Turn -him back anyway. Chase him. Make him go as far as the place where I am -going to have two other men waiting. Then I'll have two more up near -the valley." - -"Where will you be?" inquired Reuben, who was becoming deeply -interested in the project. - -"I'm going to be where I'm needed most, for my horse is the swiftest in -the camp. I want to be in at the finish, too, for I'm going to lasso -the rascal. And this time we're going to succeed." - -In spite of the failures of the preceding attempts somehow Reuben was -convinced that a greater measure of success was likely to crown their -efforts in the present chase. Obedient to the word of their leader the -lad and his companion rode in the direction indicated and in a brief -time had arrived at the position they desired. - -Upon their arrival they were speedily convinced that the description -which Kit Carson had given of the spot was more than fulfilled. A -narrow space not more than forty feet wide seemed almost to provide an -end for the long valley. Beyond it was another valley, the passage -between being like an isthmus joining two larger spaces. - -Every rider carried his gun, and in addition to these weapons Reuben -and Jack had tied to the pommels of their saddles some large pieces of -tin which had served as the bottoms of certain pans that had been used -in the camp. - -As soon as they had taken their positions, they threw their bridles -over the heads of their horses and climbing to the shelter of the -overhanging rocks seated themselves to await the signal that might be -given for the approach of the horse they were so eager to capture. -Between the places occupied by Reuben and his friend two other men were -stationed, but they were hidden from the sight of their companions. - -Slowly the afternoon waned, but patience was a lesson which Reuben had -learned from the scout. Never yet had he heard an impatient word or a -word of complaint escape the lips of Kit Carson. For one whose natural -temperament was so fiery, who was so quick in his movements, and so -thoroughly alive to every form of physical activity, his powers of -repression and self-control were marvellous. In part it was due to his -natural disposition, but still more it was the result of his training. -The school in which he had studied was hard and the lessons were not -taught by a schoolmaster. In order to succeed as a hunter or trapper -infinite patience was required. The very success which had attended the -efforts of the young scout had been a part of his duties, and Kit -Carson had been a diligent pupil. In all his experiences with him the -only time Reuben had ever seen him respond to the words of his -comrades, which easily aroused the anger of one another, had been the -time when Rat had declared that he would thrash any man in the camp who -declared himself to be an American. - -Even now the recollection of the boaster caused Reuben to smile, and -turning to his friend he said: "Do you know what has become of Rat?" - -Jack laughed as he said: "I reckon he evaporated. He hasn't been seen -near here nor in these parts for a long time." - -"Do you suppose he will ever try to get even with Kit Carson?" - -"I don't think he will even try any such thing. What he will try -hardest to do will be to put all the space he can between him and the -scout." - -Reuben laughed as he said: "I wouldn't have believed that a little -fellow like Kit Carson would have dared to fight such a great hulk as -Rat." - -"You don't know him. He's afraid of nothing on earth, and yet, like -other men who are good fighters, he doesn't fight often. There is a big -difference between a man who is always picking a quarrel and one who -can put up a good fight." - -"I reckon Rat knows that now." - -"He surely does, and I don't think he will want to take the lesson over -again either. He won't have to stay after school to learn the rules of -that game." - -"The only thing I have heard Kit Carson talk much about of all the -things he has done was what he did in his fight with the two -grizzlies." - -"That's right," replied Jack, laughing loudly as he spoke. "I have -heard him tell that story a good many times. He almost makes me see -that big grizzly swinging and snorting and swaying his head when Kit -struck him on the nose with his club. The nose is about as tender a -spot for a grizzly as his shins are for a darky." - -"It was mighty funny," laughed Reuben. "I saw both of them. When the -first one came down the tree the other one acted just as if he was -giving his opinion of a fellow who would back out like that. He would -show him how to do it; so up he goes, and Kit Carson gets a good swing -on his club and lands it right plumb on the snout of that grizzly. The -way that bear snorted and shook his head almost made me laugh." - -"I should think it would have made you laugh." - -"The only reason I didn't was because I was afraid the bear would see -me, and turn around and come for the tree where I was. I hadn't any -desire to have him know any more about me than he did right then." - -"'Ignorance is bliss,' they say." - -"It was with me when I thought of that bear. Can you see anything of -Kit Carson and the horses?" Reuben added as he peered intently in the -direction from which the expected approach of the black leader was to -be seen. - -Jack was silent a moment before he said: "I see something moving up -yonder." - -Instantly Reuben leaped to his feet and gazed long and earnestly in the -direction indicated by his companion. Not many minutes had elapsed -before both men were convinced that some large animals were -approaching. Both were hopeful that the cloud of dust which was now -steadily increasing as it drew nearer concealed the black horse and his -pursuers. The cloud approached rapidly, but it was long before Reuben -was able to discover the outlines of a horse running swiftly and -pursued by two riders. - -"There they come! There they come!" exclaimed the boy excitedly. "The -old fellow is making straight for this place where we are." - -"We had better hide so that he won't turn off," suggested Jack. "Then -when he comes a little nearer we'll take the tin pans and sticks and -serenade him." - -"We'll have to be quick about it," suggested Reuben as he saw the black -leader now swiftly approaching. Apparently he had been chased far and -long, for his body was flecked with foam and his breathing was -laboured. In spite of his appearance of distress, however, the steed -was such a noble-looking animal that Reuben's admiration was keener -than when he first had seen him. There was a wildness in his manner -now, however, that had not been seen on the former occasions. The poor -beast, fighting for his liberty, and perhaps believing that he was -struggling for his life, was now thoroughly alarmed. His speed had -diminished, and, pursued by fresh horses, he was no longer able to -outdistance them easily. - -The horse now was within fifty feet of the place where Reuben was -standing. Quickly he and his companion began to pound upon their tins -and at the same time they shouted in their loudest tones. - -The startled horse swerved in his course, and, snorting with anger or -fear, started for the familiar entrance. Evidently he was fearful that -a trap of some kind had been laid, for, turning sharply about within -the narrow valley, he started swiftly back over the way by which he had -come. - -"Chase him! Chase him!" called one of the pursuers. "You and Jack take -your ponies now and give him a good run. We'll go into the other end of -the pocket so that he won't go through there, and when he runs in the -next time, why, we'll let Kit Carson take him." - -In response to the suggestion Reuben and Jack speedily were mounted and -in swift pursuit of the running horse. Their own mounts were somewhat -fresh now, and as neither was slow, the speed at which they advanced -was marked. It was plain, too, that the leader was distressed. -Occasionally when he glanced backward his nostrils seemed like coals of -fire and an expression of fear as well as of anger flashed from his -eyes. - -"Keep it up! Keep it up!" called Jack. "Spread out a little! Drive him -back so that Kit Carson can start after him! This time I think he will -get him for sure." - -It was fortunate for Reuben and his companion that their own horses -were not compelled to cover all the distance between the pocket and the -valley. Both ponies were soon labouring hard and with difficulty -maintaining the pace into which their riders had urged them. Hard, -however, as they soon were working, their distress was markedly less -than that of the animal they were following. - -Spreading out when they came nearer the place where they expected to -find some of their comrades, the boys were not surprised when suddenly -Kit Carson and four of his companions, yelling in their loudest tones -and brandishing rifles, several of which were discharged, dashed after -the startled wild horse. Again he retraced his way, but his distress -was increasing so rapidly that it was a question whether or not he -would be able to gain the pocket before he would be taken. - -Kit Carson was carrying his lasso, and it was plain to Reuben that at -almost any moment now he was prepared to dash ahead and try to cast the -rope over the neck of the suffering steed. For some reason, which -Reuben did not understand, the action was delayed. Kit Carson, however, -was riding in advance of his followers, and, his pony being -comparatively fresh, he was able to make swifter time than the horse he -was following. All now were near the entrance to the pocket, and a -shout arose when the black horse dashed through the narrow opening. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV--THE CAPTIVE LEADER - - -Instantly Kit Carson and Reuben, together with the men who were still -on the open plain, dashed toward the entrance. Reuben was able to see -the tired horse when he dashed through the little valley and fled to -the exit on the opposite side. - -In a moment, however, the two men who were waiting there, shouting in -their loudest tones and vigorously beating upon their tins, advanced -upon the startled animal, which immediately turned back in his tracks -and again started toward the opening by which he had entered. Again the -terrified beast turned back when he found the passageway blocked by -several of his pursuers. - -The noble animal stopped and gazed partly in fear and partly in anger -at the men, and then with repeated snorts of defiance began to circle -the little enclosure. Several times he stopped, and to Reuben it seemed -as if he had decided to turn and attempt to fight his way through. - -Kit Carson and his friends, however, gave the pony no rest. Whenever he -stopped some of the men bore down upon him with shouts mingled with an -occasional discharge of a gun and loud beatings upon the tins. In this -manner they compelled the horse to keep running and prevented him from -obtaining any rest. - -Around and around the enclosure the poor beast ran until it seemed to -Reuben as if the weary animal must drop from sheer exhaustion. Not once -was he permitted to stop for rest. The men were shouting, discharging -their rifles, beating upon their tins, and continually doing their -utmost to prevent the leader of the drove from passing them or pausing -in his flight. - -To Reuben the pitiful aspect of the noble animal soon became doubly -strong. The expression in his eyes as well as his manner showed that he -was nearly exhausted. His breathing was very laboured and his heaving -flanks showed how difficult his flight had become. - -For an hour the maddening chase continued. By that time the black horse -had stumbled and almost fallen several times. Indeed, it seemed to -Reuben as if the poor beast each time would be unable to regain his -footing and continue his mad flight. Once more there welled up in -Reuben's heart a feeling of pity for the animal which had made such a -desperate struggle for freedom. - -In the midst of all these things, however, Kit Carson was unmoved. The -expression on his face did not change. He simply was determined to -carry through to its completion the plan which he had formed for the -capture of the leader of the ponies that had so strongly appealed to -his admiration. - -Suddenly the scout wheeled and shouted: "Now is the time! Look out for -the openings! All I want is for you to keep him from breaking through." - -At that moment Carson started swiftly forward on the animal he was -riding. Trembling, weak, and streaked with froth and sweat, the black -horse stared at the unexpected advance for a moment, and then with a -desperate effort tried to renew his flight. - -There was no display of anger now. The fierceness of the black beast -was gone. His head was drooping and his weakness was apparent in every -forward step that he took. No longer was there the flash of fire to be -seen in his eyes. There was in them now an expression of agony mingled -with fear. - -Kit Carson, however, advancing slowly until he was within ten yards of -the animal he was determined to secure, swung his lasso several times -above his head and then cast it toward the black horse. - -Silence had followed the action of the scout, and almost breathless in -their excitement every one watched the curling, twisting leather strip -as it slowly made its way toward its mark. A sigh of relief escaped -Reuben's lips when the noose, almost as if it were conscious of what it -was doing, dropped over the head of the black horse and settled about -his neck. - -The pony which Kit Carson was riding was familiar with his task. It was -not the first time the scout had captured wild horses, although never -before had he attempted to take one so beautiful and fleet and strong. -The pony braced its feet and stood back in its tracks to throw its -strength against the pull that would be made upon it. - -The black horse, now conscious of the tightening noose, leaped forward -in one final despairing effort to escape from his pursuers. How vain it -all was. As the powerful animal dashed ahead, the noose tightened, the -line became taut, and he was thrown, almost turning a somersault as he -came to the ground. - -Quickly the scout rushed forward, and a moment later, before the -captive was able to rise, his forefeet were hobbled, and the beautiful -wild pony, which only recently had been the proud leader of a drove, -was helpless in the hands of his captors. - -For a moment sounds of mingled rage and terror were emitted by the -trembling animal as he lay helpless upon the ground. His eyes, however, -had now taken on an expression of intense hatred, and suddenly by a -supreme effort he arose to his feet and remained standing. His ears -were flattened against his head, and for a moment even Kit Carson -hesitated before he approached the angry and trembling beast. - -Turning to his companions the scout said quietly: "I want every one of -you now to go back to camp." - -"But we don't want to leave you here with that black demon," suggested -Jack. - -"I'm going to stay here alone," said Kit Carson quietly. "You need not -have any fears that I shall be hurt, and it will not be long before I -shall come to the camp myself." - -Reuben glanced appealingly at the scout, seeking permission to remain -without voicing his wish. Kit Carson, however, smiled and shook his -head. Reuben was to go back with the other trappers. Reluctantly the -half-dozen men rode slowly out of the opening in the enclosure and -started toward the camp. - -"I don't like to leave him there," said Jack, slowly shaking his head -as he spoke. "That horse is as dangerous as a grizzly and twice as -powerful." - -"That may be so," admitted one of the men, "but I don't care how strong -it is Kit Carson has a way of taking all that out of it." - -"I knew a man once who had his head bitten off by a horse," suggested -one of the trappers. - -"I reckon his head must have been about the size of a walnut," laughed -the trapper. - -"Never you mind," said the first speaker; "a horse has a powerful big -mouth and its teeth are strong. Did you ever see two horses fight?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, there's no sight like it in the world. They make you think of -two demons. A good many times they'll fight until one or the other is -killed, and sometimes neither one comes out of the fight alive." - -"Well, I would rather have them fight one another than to fight me," -said the first trapper. "I don't envy Kit his job back yonder." - -Reuben had been silent throughout the conversation, and his fears for -his friend were greatly increased in consequence of it. He was becoming -alarmed for the safety of the lithe little scout, but there was nothing -to be done except to carry out his desires, and in silence he proceeded -on his way to the camp. - -When the men arrived they found their companions eager listeners to the -story they had to tell of the capture of the black horse. Others of the -men also were concerned now for the safety of the scout, but against -the suggestion that they should go to his relief the strong protests -made by the men who had accompanied Carson in the chase at last -prevailed, and no one departed from the camp. - -Meanwhile, although it was seldom that reference was made to the fear -in the heart of every one, the anxiety among the trappers increased as -the slow moments passed. When an hour had elapsed the suggestion was -renewed by Reuben that the men should go to the aid of their leader. -But the suggestion was again refused. Another hour passed, and still -there were no signs of the coming of the missing trapper. - -A half-hour later, however, Kit Carson was seen approaching the camp, -riding his own pony and leading his captive. The black horse was -following meekly, his dejected bearing clearly showing the sufferings -he had undergone. The scout made no comment when he rode into the camp. -He at once quietly dismounted and threw the bridle rein over the head -of the pony he had been riding and then turned to his captive. - -At first it seemed as if the spirit of the black horse was broken. In a -moment, however, when Kit Carson tried to lead forward the nearly -exhausted animal, the wild pony reared and with a scream of anger -attempted to strike the scout with his forefeet. Carson, however, was -too quick, and the attempt of his prisoner to injure him proved futile. - -Again the scout pulled upon the halter, although as Reuben watched him -he was puzzled to understand how the daring man had succeeded in -placing a halter on the head of the powerful animal. The pony this time -responded, and although he was apparently unaware of what he was doing, -he followed his captor as he led him to a stake which had been securely -driven into the ground on the border of the camp. There the captured -horse was tied. Once more, however, Kit Carson barely escaped the -onrush of the beast as he dashed upon him with wide-open jaws. It was -impossible for any one in the camp now to hobble the animal, and for a -time he was left to his vain efforts to escape. Desperately the poor -beast pulled upon the thongs that held him, but without avail. After a -struggle of a few minutes the attempt was abandoned, and for a time it -seemed as if the black horse, his spirits drooping and his whole -bearing dejected, had at last decided to yield to his fate. - -Kit Carson declared that the horse should not be fed or watered -throughout the night. When morning came, with some oats in his hat -which he was holding in his outstretched hand, the scout again -approached the captive. Hunger and thirst by this time had deprived the -beast of still more of his fiery energy. He was weak now as well as -suffering. Stretching forth his head, he ate a few oats, and then, -apparently overcome by his recollection of his humiliation, with a -scream of anger he arose upon his hind feet and again endeavoured to -crush the scout. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI--THE RETURN OF RAT - - -"Come on, shoot the brute!" shouted Jack, greatly excited as he saw the -peril of the scout. - -In response to his appeal several men ran for their rifles, but Kit -Carson himself, quickly turning to his followers, said quietly: "None -of that, boys. This fellow isn't to blame for what he's doing. Leave -him to me." - -In surprise the trappers drew back and watched the scout, as quickly -avoiding the rush of the black horse he soon quieted the excited -animal, which was more nervous than savage. Indeed, in the days that -followed, the methods which Kit Carson employed to "break" the -high-spirited animal were different from those which any of his friends -had ever seen or employed. In most cases horses were broken by the most -brutal of means. Cruelty was so common that it was looked upon as -commonplace. The new method which the scout used was so different as to -cause surprise among his followers. Indeed, many of them expressed -their open belief that he would never succeed and his plan would only -result in damage to the one who employed it. - -Kit Carson, strong and quiet, a man who did not hesitate to use the -very utmost of his strength and the greatest of his resources when he -was fighting, in most ways was quiet and gentle as a woman. Following -his plan persistently, not many days had elapsed before the black horse -was following the scout almost as a dog follows his master. Indeed he -seemed to develop a feeling of strong affection for his captor, and it -was plain to all the campers that they never before had seen their -leader become so fond of any animal. - -In the days that passed, the horse, which was named Black Jack, became -the pet of the entire camp. There was one strange trait, however, which -the horse developed, and that was that he was unwilling for any of the -trappers to mount him save Kit Carson and, on rare occasions, Reuben. -Several times Reuben had been permitted to ride the swift-footed steed, -but it was plain to the beholders as well as to the rider that there -was no enthusiasm in carrying the boy. The excitement attending the -capture of the wild horse passed in a brief time, although Black Jack -still remained a great pet of the trappers. - -There were busy days that followed. The season was proving to be -unusually successful, and the number of skins taken by the men rapidly -increased with every passing day. The daily round of visiting the -traps, the labour of skinning the animals that had been caught, and the -work of drying and curing the catch occupied most of their time. - -Indeed it was soon decided that the furs must be cached after the plan -which had been followed once before. This time it was Reuben who -assisted in selecting the spot where the hole should be dug in the -ground, and it was he who looked after the preparations of the place to -receive the valuable skins which represented so much toil and time. - -Still the labour of trapping was steadily continued. One day while -Reuben was alone, engaged in the task to which he had been assigned, he -was startled when he saw before him near one of the traps the stooping -figure of a man. The stranger was bending over a trap, and for a moment -the lad was angered by the sight before him. He was suspicious that the -visitor was striving to steal the catch of the night. And there was no -crime considered more heinous among the trappers, unless it was that of -horse stealing. - -Hastily Reuben looked to the priming of his rifle and then advancing, -quickly shouted: "Who is there? Who are you? What do you want?" - -To the amazement of the startled lad the huge form of Rat arose from -the opposite bank of the stream and quickly turned to face the one who -had hailed him. - -"Huh!" exclaimed Rat. "It's only you, is it?" as he discovered who the -party was that had hailed him. - -"That's all," said Reuben dryly, "and I see you're just Rat. Tell me -what you're doing here." - -"I'm 'tending to my own business, and that's more than some people are -doing." - -"You don't look as if you were," retorted Reuben, still more angered by -the manner of the man. - -"What do I look as if I was doing?" - -"You know as well as I do," said Reuben quickly, "and you know what -sometimes happens to men for doing that very thing." - -"You little cub!" roared Rat. "I've a great mind to treat you as----" - -"As you were treated by Kit Carson?" laughed Reuben. - -For a moment the expression of anger on the face of the huge man caused -Reuben to regret the hasty words he had spoken. He felt safe, however, -as the brook was wide and deep, and he had little fear that Rat would -venture into the cold waters of the mountain torrent. Water had ever -been one of the pet aversions of the huge Rat, and he had never -listened kindly to suggestions of his camp mates as to its use. For a -moment the angry face of the man glared upon Reuben, and then as if by -a supreme effort, Rat, striving to look more pleasant, said: "And what -luck have you had this winter?" - -"Good. How has yours been?" - -"My luck is against me," replied Rat, shaking his head as he spoke. -"Everything is against me." - -"Including Rat," suggested Reuben. - -"What do you mean?" thundered the trapper, his face once more -expressive of his anger. - -"Nothing, except that you stand in your own way. That's what everybody -about the camp says. They would like to be friends with you, but you -won't let them." - -"Why won't I let them? I would like to be on good terms with -everybody." - -"With Kit Carson?" inquired Reuben. - -"Yes, even with Kit Carson." As Rat spoke, Reuben was conscious for an -instant of a deep scowl that appeared on the face of the trapper, but -it disappeared so quickly that he was not even positive that it had -been there at all. "What would Kit Carson say if I came back to camp?" -inquired Rat at last. - -"That would depend very much upon what you yourself said, I reckon. If -I remember right, that's the way it was before, wasn't it? If you had -kept quiet Kit Carson would have been quiet, too." - -"I hear he has married a squaw," suggested Rat. - -"You can hear all sorts of things." - -"Did he?" - -"Yes. He's not ashamed of it." - -"Perhaps she'll be when he runs off and leaves her." - -"I advise you not to suggest that thing to Kit Carson the next time you -see him. You'll have more than a lame wrist to show for it if you do." - -"He took me off my guard," protested Rat. "I wasn't ready for him." - -"That wasn't any fault of yours. He caught you before you could get -ready. You were doing your best to get the drop on him." - -"That's a lie!" shouted Rat. "I wasn't doing anything of the kind! But -then," he added a moment later, his voice becoming lower, though it was -plain that he had regained his self-control only by a great effort, -"but then I have no desire to quarrel with Kit Carson nor any one in -the camp. I would like to be friends with all, if they'd let me." - -"Do you mean you want to come back to camp?" inquired Reuben. - -"Yes." - -The lad whistled and made no response until Rat said: "Don't you think -they would let me come?" - -"If you will promise to be on your good behaviour, they'll be glad to -have you come. They wouldn't have you there a minute, though, if you -tried the trick you did before." - -"I haven't any trick to try. I'm hungry and I'm tired. If they'll give -me some supper and let me spend the night in camp, that's all I want. -I'll leave to-morrow morning if they want me to. If they will let me, -though, I'll stay and do my share, and be glad to do it." - -"I can't say what they'll do. The only thing for you to do is to try -it." - -"Maybe you'll go ahead and find out for me?" suggested Rat, his voice -becoming almost a whine in his eagerness. - -"No, come along. Go back up the stream about a mile and you'll find a -place where you can jump across. If you want to you can come over on -this bank now." - -"I don't want to," said Rat quickly, glancing at the rushing torrent, -as if it was threatening him. "I'll walk back up the bank and wait for -you. How long will you be?" - -"I don't know," said Reuben. "I wasn't coming back this way anyway. I'm -going to visit the traps and set them. I have brought bait with me and -I'll fix every trap before I leave." - -"Would you like to have me help you?" inquired Rat, striving to speak -pleasantly. - -Reuben hesitated a moment and then said: "Yes. You had better come -across here, though, and not wait to go back up the stream." - -In response to the suggestion the huge man, with many groans and -protestations, finally entered the stream, and as the depth of the -water increased he held high above his head the two pistols with which -he was armed. The sight was ludicrous and Reuben laughed heartily. As -the man came nearer the bank on which he was standing Reuben's heart -almost misgave him for the invitation he had given. Nor was it long -before Reuben had greater cause for regret that he had been willing for -the huge Rat to join him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII--THE THEFT - - -The dripping body of the huge trapper when he stepped at last upon the -shore made Reuben once more aware of the immense size and strength of -the man. As he recalled the contest between Kit Carson and the giant -before him, and was reminded of the slight, almost delicate form of the -scout, he was amazed at the courage of the latter in accepting the -challenge of the braggart. - -At present, however, there did not appear to be anything to fear from -Rat, and it was manifest that his thoughts were mostly concerned with -his own condition. The cold water perhaps had cooled any heated -tendencies he may have had. At all events, he was subdued in his manner -and even tried to laugh at the sight he declared he must present. - -"I'll help you, lad," said Rat, at the same time stooping and assuming -a part of the burden. "You're going back to camp now, aren't you?" - -"Yes." - -"I'll go along with you." - -Reuben glanced in fresh surprise at the man, for the camp of the -trappers, and especially Kit Carson, he was positive Rat had no real -desire to see. Indeed, he wondered at the temerity of the man in daring -to return, knowing as he did the feeling against him when he had fled -from the place. - -"I suppose you've got the same trappers as ever, haven't you, Reuben?" -inquired Rat. - -"Yes," replied Reuben in a low voice. - -"Kit Carson still at the head?" - -"Yes." - -"He's a great little Kit. He was too quick for me," said Rat, striving -to laugh as he spoke. - -"He always is," suggested Reuben. - -"That don't mean that he always will be, does it?" - -"I think it does." - -"He certainly has a good friend in you, Reuben. He makes every one bow -down to him." - -"If they do, it's not because he makes them, but because they want to." - -"It's all the same, it's all the same." - -Silence followed, and steadily Reuben led the way back to the place -where he had left his comrades. Occasionally he glanced keenly at his -companion, but he was unable to discover any signs of fear or even of -shame. Apparently Rat was returning to the trappers as a matter of -course and expecting that he would be received in the same spirit with -which he came. And yet in spite of his manner Reuben was keenly -suspicious of the huge boaster. The very fact that he had suffered at -the hands of the boyish scout doubtless had aroused a feeling of -resentment which could not be quieted until Rat had obtained -satisfaction. - -To the surprise of Reuben, however, when they entered the camp Rat was -greeted without any protest, though it could not be said that there was -manifest any feeling of special pleasure at his return. Apparently -accepting the condition as one which he had expected, Rat soon made -himself at home in response to the quiet invitation of Kit Carson. It -was plain, however, within a few days that the prejudices of the -trappers were still keen. Indeed there was not one who was not -suspicious of him, though there was none as yet who had shown any -unfriendly attitude. - -Why had the man come back to camp? What had he expected? If he had -returned to take vengeance upon Kit Carson, why did he postpone his -attack? These questions and others like them were frequently in the -mind of Reuben, but when several days had elapsed and no answer had -been found, he concluded that the boaster had been taught a much-needed -lesson and that now he was cured of his overbearing ways. - -On the fourth day after his arrival Rat suggested to Reuben that they -should visit their traps together. Unwilling though he was, Reuben -nevertheless quietly assented, and not long afterward the two men set -forth on their rounds. - -The season had been wonderfully successful. Never in their experience -had so many skins been secured as the trappers had taken within the -preceding few weeks. The noisy Rat was loud in his declaration that Kit -Carson knew better than any one the streams where the beaver lived. -Whether his statement was true or not, beaver, otter, mink, and other -animals were caught in great numbers, and many of the skins, as has -been said, had been cached. - -It was when Reuben and his companion had halted in the middle of the -day for luncheon that Rat quietly said to the lad: "Where have you made -your caches this time?" - -Reuben laughed as he replied: "There's one within ten feet of you now." - -"What!" exclaimed Rat, glancing keenly about him as he spoke. - -"That's right," replied Reuben, "there's one within ten feet of you. I -don't know what Kit Carson would say, but I'm so sure you can't find it -that I would almost be willing to say you can have half the skins there -if you dig out the place." - -"That's all very well," replied Rat; "of course I can't find it." At -the same time he glanced all about him, and if Reuben had been more -experienced he would have discovered that the trapper was protesting -too much. Again and again he begged of Reuben to show him the place -where the skins were concealed, declaring that he was unable to -discover any trace that had been left. Reuben, however, refused to -disclose the location of the cache, and when at last they proceeded on -their rounds he was convinced that Rat had no suspicion as to its exact -location. - -"I'm wondering," suggested Rat as they moved down the stream, "if Kit -Carson would have any objection to letting me bring some of my furs and -putting them in the cache along with his." - -"You'll have to ask him." - -"I will just as soon as I go back to the camp," declared Rat. - -True to his word, that very evening the huge boaster, approaching the -scout, said: "Kit, have you any objection to letting me cache some of -my furs along with yours?" - -For a moment the scout glanced keenly at the face of the inquirer -before he spoke: "How many furs have you got?" he inquired at last. - -"Not very many just yet. I expect to have more, for I've never seen the -catch as good as it is now." - -"You come and talk to me when you get more and we'll see what can be -done," said Kit Carson quietly at last. - -Slight attention was paid to the conversation, and even Reuben had -almost forgotten it, as well as his own talk the preceding day with Rat -concerning the location of the cache near the stream on the bank of -which they were trapping. These things were brought strongly back to -his recollection, however, when on the following morning it was -discovered that the black horse was gone and that two other horses also -had disappeared. Nor was this all that the camp had lost, for Rat also -was missing. When the men assembled for breakfast, the discovery of the -loss of the black horse and the report also that two other animals were -gone caused them to declare that Rat had not fled from the place -without taking more than the horses. Just what he wanted of three -horses was not plain to the trappers. - -Suddenly, however, Reuben called Kit Carson to one side and said to -him: "Did Rat ask you to let him cache some of his furs?" - -"Yes," replied the scout, looking keenly into the face of his friend as -he spoke. - -"Well, he wanted me the other day, when we were trapping together, to -show him where our cache was. I told him there was one within ten feet -of the place where he was standing and that if he could find it he -might have half the skins. You don't suppose that he's found the place -and taken those horses to carry off some of the skins, do you?" - -For a moment Kit Carson was silent. Although he was aware that Reuben -was keenly mortified by the confession he had made, he did not speak -any word of reproach. Not many minutes had elapsed, however, before Kit -Carson, selecting two of the swiftest ponies in the camp, said to -Reuben: "Do you want to go with me?" - -"Yes. Where are you going?" - -"I'm glad you put your answers in that way," replied Kit Carson with a -smile. "I'm glad you're going, and you'll soon find out where I'm -going. First of all, take me to the place where you told Rat there was -one of our caches." - -Both trappers carried their rifles and mounting the swiftest ponies, -they speedily departed from the camp. Reuben easily led the way toward -the place where he and Rat had stopped for their noontime meal and -where also he had foolishly told the braggart that one of the caches -was not far away. - -Reuben was not surprised when an hour later, after they had arrived at -the place they were seeking, he discovered that the hiding-place had -been opened and that many furs had been removed. It was plain, too, -from the marks left by the feet of the horses nearby, as to what -disposition had been made of the stolen furs. The anger of Reuben was -intense, but to his noisy protests no response was made by Kit Carson, -whose quiet manner was still unchanged. - -"There's nothing for us to do, lad," suggested the scout, "except to go -after the rascal and get our skins." - -Already convinced that this was the purpose of the scout in coming, -Reuben made no response except to quicken the speed at which his horse -was moving and do his utmost to follow the scout when they set forth on -their journey. - -They already had taken the precaution of providing supplies sufficient -for two days, although Kit Carson was depending upon game to provide -much of their food. - -Occasionally the scout paused to examine the ground and try to discover -the imprints left by the feet of Rat's horses. Frequently the trail was -almost lost, but Kit Carson, after circling the spot and carefully -examining the ground, every time succeeded in discovering the signs for -which he was searching, and then with increased speed the pursuit was -renewed. - -Reuben was thinking of what would occur if the scout should overtake -the burly boaster. The quiet determination expressed in Kit's face -plainly indicated what was in his mind. And the thief would be -overtaken soon, Reuben was convinced, because when Rat had fled, -although he had taken Black Jack, swiftest of all the ponies in the -camp, the speed at which he was fleeing could not be greater than the -pace of the horses which were following him and carrying the stolen -furs on their backs. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII--THE RETURN - - -In spite of the efforts of the scout, two days elapsed before any signs -of the immediate presence of the thief were discovered. And even then -he was not positive that the huge Rat was near at hand. - -"I think he's gone," suggested Reuben. - -"Did you have any question about that?" laughed Kit Carson quietly. -"That he had 'gone' was the reason why we started after him." - -"Yes, but I think he's gone where we can't find him." - -Carson smiled as he shook his head, but made no response to the -discouraged lad. - -An Indian village was located in the valley not far ahead of them. The -signs which had aroused the interest of Kit Carson had been the -discovery of the bones and part of the hide of a horse which had been -left on the sands by its border. "That's one of our horses," said the -scout quietly to Reuben. - -"Is it?" inquired the younger scout as he quickly jumped from his horse -and began to investigate the remains of the unfortunate animal. "I -could not say," he said at last when he arose and resumed his seat in -the saddle. - -"I am sure it is," said Kit Carson in a low voice, "and we shall find -that the Indians either are having a feast on horseflesh, or that they -have just finished one. The best plan, Reuben, will be for you to stay -here while I go alone into the village." - -Reuben glanced nervously about him, for his confidence in his own -ability to protect himself in case he should be attacked was not -strong. However, he made no reference to his own feelings and watched -his companion as he slowly rode toward the wigwams, the tops of which -could be seen in the distance. - -Two hours passed before Kit Carson returned to his companion. At first -the scout was not inclined to relate what had befallen him in his -visit. In a brief time, however, he said: "I found the Indians all -friendly." - -"Did you?" inquired Reuben. "Were they having a feast?" - -"Yes." - -"Didn't they object to your interrupting them?" - -"No. I found them all friendly, as I said. Indeed, the chief of the -village is a cousin of my wife. What horse do you suppose they have -been eating?" - -"Not Black Jack?" demanded Reuben, startled by the suggested question. - -Kit Carson nodded his head to indicate that the beautiful animal had -indeed been the one which had provided the feast for the Indians. - -"Why did they do that? How did it happen?" - -"It seems that when Rat came into the village the black horse had -broken a leg. It was just able to drag itself along." - -"Was Rat there?" - -"He was, but he isn't now." - -"What has happened to him?" - -Kit Carson smiled slightly as he looked keenly into the face of his -angry friend, and then he said: "I advised him to leave." - -"And he left?" - -"He did." - -"Did you do anything to him?" - -"Nothing except to advise him to depart. I am glad to say that to all -appearances he seemed to be willing to follow my advice. He decided, -however, to leave our furs behind him." - -"Where are they now?" - -"They are in the village and I can get them any time I want them." - -"What did Rat have to say for himself?" - -"Nothing much. He tried at first to explain that it was all a mistake, -that he didn't know the skins belonged to us, and when he found them he -thought it was a great find and he would make away with them himself." - -"What did he have to say about Black Jack?" - -"He claimed that Black Jack was outside the camp and that he didn't -intend to run away with him. He was going to bring him back just as -soon as he disposed of the furs. I have just come back to tell you, -Reuben, that I'm not going back to camp just now. Do you think you can -find your way alone?" - -"Yes. Why don't you want me to stay with you?" - -Kit Carson shook his head as he said in a low voice: "It will be -better, Reuben, for you to go back to camp. Tell the men that I shall -be there some time to-morrow." - -Reuben looked suspiciously into the face of the scout, but there was -nothing in his expression to betray what his intentions were. Convinced -that there was nothing more to be said, Reuben reluctantly spoke to his -horse and started on his journey back to the camp. Occasionally he -glanced behind him, but after a few minutes had elapsed he was unable -to discover the scout anywhere on the plains. Doubtless he had returned -to the village, though just what his purpose in doing so Reuben was -unable to conjecture. - -Steadily Reuben continued on his way, and the return, inasmuch as he -was able to proceed directly and was not compelled to stop in order to -study the signs in the sand as to the course which Rat had followed, -did not require as much time as had been consumed in the journey in -pursuit of the thief. - -Near noon of the day following that on which he had left his companion -Reuben entered the camp. In response to the eager questions of his -friends he related what had befallen him and Kit Carson in their -efforts to overtake Rat. There were exclamations of anger over the fate -which had befallen Black Jack and many expressions of wonder as to why -Kit had permitted the braggart to depart from the Indian village before -severe punishment had been inflicted upon him. Nor did Kit Carson offer -any explanation when he returned two days later. - -The steady routine of the camp life continued during the weeks that -followed, and when at last the entire party once more made its way back -to Taos every one was well satisfied with the success which had -attended their combined labours. - -With Kit Carson now went the young Indian girl who was his wife. The -long journey at last was completed and preparations were made for the -quiet weeks that must ensue at the little Spanish settlement. The weeks -ran into months, and a baby girl that had been born to Kit Carson and -his wife had grown into a laughing, though quiet, dark-eyed little -beauty. She was the pet of every one in the settlement, and the pride -of Kit Carson in the little maid was apparent to all his friends. -Indeed the unusual demonstration of affection which the scout displayed -as he played with the little girl was the cause of much comment among -his friends. - -One day, however, there came a sadness upon all who knew the scout. His -young Indian wife had been taken ill, and despite all the efforts of -the people in the little settlement to help her, their work proved -unavailing. In a brief time the dark-eyed wife of Kit Carson was dead. -Not long after her death the scout came to Reuben and said: "I'm going -to start for Pain Court. Do you want to go with me?" - -For a moment Reuben was silent. He recalled the circumstances under -which he had departed from the place years ago. His mother was dead and -his father, either made unfeeling by the death of his wife or hardened -by the conditions of his life, had become indifferent to Reuben. He had -insisted that he would no longer be responsible for the care of the -lad, and it was partly because of the hardships which in this manner -were thrust upon him that Reuben had started with Jean Badeau across -the long plains. - -Not a word in all the months that had intervened had been heard from -his father. Whether or not he was living now he had no means of -knowing. And as for Jean, he had strangely disappeared, as we know, and -whether or not the harmless insane man whom Reuben had seen at San -Gabriel and in the Indian village, where Kit Carson had found his wife, -really was the lost trapper he had no means of fully knowing. - -These thoughts passed quickly through Reuben's mind, but he was -accustomed to quick decisions, and in a moment he said: "Yes, I will -go." - -"I am going to take my baby with me," said the scout. - -"What?" - -"I am going to take the baby with me. I don't dare leave her here to be -brought up by the squaws. I am going to take her back among my own -people and have her looked after as the daughter of her father ought to -be, for I am a man of means now," added Kit Carson quietly, smiling as -he spoke. "A few more skins and I shall have enough to make me rich, or -at least some time ago I would have thought I was rich if I had had any -such amount of money." - -"She'll die on the way," protested Reuben. - -"Well, she will have to die some time. It's no worse to die on the -plains than it is in a town. I think she would die here at Taos if I -left her, and I'm going to take my chances and see if I cannot take her -back with me." - -"But she'll starve. You cannot get any milk for her." - -Kit Carson smiled, but said no more, and Reuben was surprised when two -days later, after arrangements had been completed for the departure, he -discovered that an Indian brave and his wife whose baby had died two -days before were to accompany them. - -Of the long journey that followed Reuben retained many vivid -recollections. There were nights when their camp was surrounded by the -howling coyotes; there were times when they were unable to see far -before them because of clouds of dust which passing herds of buffaloes -had raised. Several times, too, they were visited by Indians from the -various tribes. Twice there were delays of two or three days each -because Kit Carson was fearful that his little girl was becoming weaker -under the stress of the long journey. - -At last the scout insisted on turning aside from the immigrant road for -a visit to the old settlement on the borders of Missouri where he had -been born. His visit, however, was not prolonged. He found that the old -cabin in which his family had lived was now a deserted ruin. As he -recalled the place it had been filled to overflowing with the large -family which had made it its home. Now, not one member of his family -was to be found in the region. Whither they all had gone or what had -become of them he was unable to discover. - -Disappointed by the results of his visit, the scout renewed his journey -to Pain Court, and at last the travellers found themselves within the -limits of the place they were seeking. - -But what a change had come over all things there. The little -trading-post had become a large town. Streets had been laid out which -to the trappers seemed to be crowded with people passing to and fro. In -amazement the strangers looked all about them as they entered, unable -to recognize any familiar faces. - -It was not long, however, before Reuben decided that he would leave his -companions for a time and do his utmost to discover whether or not his -father was still living. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX--THE GREAT SCOUT AND THE GREAT EXPLORER - - -Several days elapsed before the young trapper obtained any definite -clue concerning his father. At that time, however, he was informed by -the woman with whom he was boarding that she also had been making -inquiries for him, as she had become greatly interested in her young -boarder. She had been informed by a woman who occasionally visited her -place with vegetables for sale that she had heard of a man named Benton -who was in the poorhouse in a nearby town. - -Faint as the clue was, Reuben decided to follow it. When at last he was -admitted into the room in which the man who bore the same name as he -was found, he said quickly: "That's not the man. He isn't my father." - -"Better look again," suggested the keeper of the place. "You say it has -been a good many years since you saw him." - -"Yes, it has been a long time," replied Reuben slowly, as again he -looked keenly at the old and decrepit man before him. The man's hair -was long, his clothing unkempt, but what appealed most strongly to -Reuben was the fact that the man was totally blind. - -At the sound of his voice there had been a strange and sudden movement -on the part of the blind man. He turned his sightless face in the -direction from which Reuben's voice had been heard and a change in his -expression quickly came over his countenance. There was a change, too, -in Reuben at the same moment, for in the face upon which he was looking -there now were certain features that somehow dimly reminded him of the -father he had known in the years long gone. - -"Your voice sounds like the voice of a boy of mine," suggested the old -man in trembling tones. - -"What was his name?" inquired Reuben. - -"Reuben Benton." - -"And what is your name?" - -"My name is William Benton." - -"How long have you been here?" inquired the young trapper. - -"I don't know. It seems like many years." - -"Do you like it here?" - -"Do I like it? I wish I was dead." - -Reuben's face was glowing with a more tender expression than had been -seen upon it in many a day. "We'll try to arrange it so that you won't -have to stay here much longer," he said. - -"What do you mean?" demanded his father so eagerly that Reuben's heart -smote him again. - -"I mean that I am your son and that I have come here to make -arrangements to take you out of this place." - -Abruptly, and to Reuben's intense surprise, his father suddenly buried -his face in his hands and cried and sobbed as a little child might have -done. It was long before Reuben could comfort him, but when at last the -sightless old man was convinced that Reuben had in reality returned and -that he was able to provide for his wants in his declining years, the -countenance of William Benton was lighter than it had been for many -days. - -Nor was Reuben disappointed. In a brief time he was able to obtain the -release of his father and also to purchase a little house in which they -both might live. Reuben's share in the furs which had been secured, as -we know, had brought him no small amount of money, and through the -influence of Kit Carson he had been able to save most of that which he -had received. Because of this he was now able to provide for his -father, and there was no hesitation on the part of the young trapper in -deciding to remain at Pain Court, or St. Louis, as the place now was -commonly called. - -With Kit Carson, however, the case was radically different. He had not -found any trace of his own family, and when a few days had elapsed his -stay in St. Louis was ended. The strange sights of the life in the city -and the activities of the busy city people were all interesting, but as -Kit explained to Reuben, he wanted to be where there weren't so many -others, where there wasn't so much noise, where he could have all the -air he wanted to breathe and all the sky there was to be seen. -Accordingly on the first steamboat that departed westward on the -Missouri River, Kit Carson was a passenger. - -Among those who were also on board was a man to whom Kit Carson felt -drawn almost instinctively when first he discovered him. It was not -long before he learned that the name of the stranger was Lieutenant -John C. Fremont, who at that time was conducting a band of men to -explore and survey certain regions of the great West. - -When at last young Lieutenant Fremont found himself talking to the -famous scout he explained that the guide whom he had expected to meet -him had not appeared and that it was now necessary for him to find -another. Kit Carson, in his quiet manner and smiling as he spoke, -explained that he himself had had considerable experience in the -western country and that he would be willing to accompany the party as -its guide. Somewhat suspicious at first, Lieutenant Fremont's fears -soon were allayed, and Kit Carson became the guide of the expedition. - -As they proceeded on their way more and more the daring young -lieutenant became interested in the modest story which Kit Carson had -to tell of his experiences in the great West; more and more convinced -was Fremont that he had secured a man who was certain to be very -valuable in the perilous expedition in which he was engaged. At last -the party left the boat when it arrived at the mouth of the Kansas -River, and at once the explorers set forth on their pathless journey. - -To the men it seemed as if the necessities of life which they were -taking with them had been reduced to the smallest possible number, but -the scout looked on their equipment with amazement. It had never been -his privilege to sleep under canvas tents or cross streams in rubber -boots. We may be sure, however, that simple as were the tastes of Kit -Carson, he found the conveniences which his new friends were carrying a -source of comfort before many days had elapsed. - -Steadily the party pushed forward on its journey westward. All day long -the great stretches of level plains extended in every direction. The -herds of buffalo were so many that only the choice bits of those that -were shot were eaten. Indeed, some of the men saved for cooking only -the marrow-bones and the tongues of the buffalo. - -Then came the first sight which many of the explorers had ever had of -the wonderful Rocky Mountains. And what a sight they were and are. Some -of them stood with their summits hidden above the clouds and with great -chasms cut into their sides. Some had heavy borders of trees as far up -their sloping sides as the timberline, and others had rushing, noisy, -clattering streams dashing down their sides from the fields of melting -snow near the summits. - -And now Kit Carson's experience became of steadily increasing value to -the young lieutenant. More and more the friendship between the two men -became close. Kit Carson, who knew all about the buffalo and the other -animals of the plains, who was modest in his manner and yet wonderfully -well informed concerning most of the points about which Fremont wished -to learn, his skill as a hunter and his knowledge and friendship of the -Indians, daily became of greater help to the explorers. - -Indeed, it was not long after this time, when Kit Carson was carrying a -message to Santa Fe, that the great scout showed his fearlessness even -among the most hostile Indians. At that time all the tribes in the -vicinity were on the warpath, and Kit Carson was compelled to go alone -on his long ride to Santa Fe, because most of the white men were afraid -of the painted savages. The scout, however, selecting a different route -from that which he had followed before, confidently continued on his -way. Suddenly a band of braves were seen not far before him. Slipping -to one side of his horse and clinging by one arm and one leg to the -animal, which was running at its swiftest paces, he passed directly in -front of the band of warriors without exciting any suspicion that they -beheld anything more than a stray pony, which was fleeing in terror at -the sight of the red-skinned warriors. - -When Kit Carson returned from his long journey, his friendship with the -daring explorer had become very strong. Fremont had come to value not -merely the immense fund of information which the scout possessed, but -also the traits of character which had endeared him to almost all his -acquaintances. - -When the scout was returning, accompanied only by a young Mexican, they -met a party of four Indians. Although Kit Carson was suspicious of the -men, for he was aware of the discontent among the tribes, he -nevertheless disguised his feelings, and when one of the Indians -advanced toward him with outstretched hand Kit Carson approached him in -the same manner. When the brave was about to grasp his hand as a token -of friendship he suddenly changed his tactics and tried to seize and -obtain the gun which the scout was carrying. - -Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a blow between his -eyes with his fist. The Indian fell to the ground, but he instantly -leaped to his feet and ran back to his friends as swiftly as he was -able. Immediately all four Indians turned and fled from the place. They -were not accustomed to that method of fighting. - -When at last Carson and his young companion arrived at the place they -were seeking, it was to learn that Fremont already had gone on his -westward journey. - -Determined to overtake him, the scout quickly set forth from the fort. -It was not difficult for him to rejoin the party which was moving in -advance of him, and plans were quickly made by which he was once more -to become the guide of the explorers. He explained, however, to Fremont -that he wished to return to Fort Bent to secure mules which would be -necessary to carry their burdens when they were journeying over the -mountains. - -It was not long before Kit Carson had secured the animals for which he -had left his companions, and in a brief time he rejoined the men on -their march. After they had failed to find a better route for the -wagons through South Pass they decided to go to Salt Lake, of which -they all had heard but which none had seen. - -[Illustration: "Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a -blow between his eyes with his fist"] - -On that difficult journey across the plains it is impossible to -describe all the sufferings through which the men passed and the -hardships they were compelled to endure. Throughout them all, however, -it was Kit Carson who proved to the lieutenant that he was equal to -every emergency. When the men were near starvation it was his prowess -as a hunter that secured meat for them. When their horses nearly -dropped upon the sands through exhaustion and hunger again it was the -scout who discovered the place where grass was to be found. When the -leader one day fell into the depths of a rushing torrent it was Kit -Carson who saved him from drowning. When they were threatened by the -Indians, again the scout was the one upon whom all depended to obtain -their friendship and secure permission to pass through the country -without molestation. - -Again Fremont decided to explore the region of the Oregon or the -Columbia River. When their work was ended the explorer decided to go -southward to California. This was a difficult journey and compelled the -band to cross the lofty range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snows -that were so deep that a man might be buried in them had to be crossed. -Paths for the mules and horses had to be made. Sometimes it was -necessary for the men to set fire to the fallen trees so that the snow -nearby would be melted and they might obtain places where their -blankets might be spread for the night. - -The determination of the leaders was shared by their followers, and at -last they arrived at Fort Sutter, where, with an abundance of food and -other fresh supplies, they soon regained their strength and spirits. - -While they were returning from this expedition Kit Carson, who had been -the life and inspiration of all the men, chanced to meet a Mexican and -his little boy, who apparently were in great sorrow. As Kit Carson -spoke Spanish fluently he entered into conversation with the man and -soon learned that the Indians had stolen his horses and carried away -his friends. Without stopping to consult Lieutenant Fremont, Kit Carson -succeeded in inducing one of the explorers to accompany him, and -together the two men set forth in their endeavour to regain the lost -horses for the Mexican. - -There was swift riding that night for the two men. Nor did they stop -until the sun peered above the eastern horizon, and then they stopped -only because they had discovered not far before them the camp of the -Indians which they were seeking. Instantly Kit Carson and his companion -urged their tired horses forward, and yelling as loudly as their lungs -permitted, the riders dashed into the camp. - -At that time the Indians were busy in their preparations for their -breakfast. Before they were fully aware of what was occurring the -Indian chief fell before the sure aim of Kit Carson. Without -retreating, although they were two against thirty or more, the two -hardy men seized their pistols and continued the attack. - -The astonished redmen turned and fled from the place. Doubtless if they -had known how many were in the attacking party that would have been the -last we ever should have heard of Kit Carson and his deeds. As it was, -however, the redmen, without waiting to discover the numbers of their -enemies, fled from the spot, leaving behind them the horses which they -had stolen. These were secured by the scout, and with them he returned -to the camp and gave back to the heart-broken Mexican the ponies which -he had lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX--CONCLUSION - - -Meanwhile Reuben Benton was highly prosperous in St. Louis. With the -money which he had saved from the sale of his skins he had been able in -a modest way to go into the business of buying furs when they were -brought to the trading-post by the trappers. In this way he had been -able to maintain a home of his own, in which his father remained a -member as long as he lived. - -Whenever Kit Carson returned to St. Louis, although there were -occasions when he was highly honoured by people of the highest -standing, he did not forget the man who had been with him as a boy on -his trapping expeditions in the Far West. The friendship between the -two deepened with the years, and among those who were loudest in their -praises of the scout when he had become most famous was Reuben Benton -of St. Louis. - -There came a time in the life of Kit Carson, after he had left -Lieutenant Fremont, when he thought he would be able to settle down and -become a farmer. Not long before this time he had married a Spanish -girl, whose beauty was famous all along the border. On the great ranch -which he purchased he erected a house in which his wife was to make her -home, and there he was busily engaged in building barns that would be -adequate for the stock he expected to raise. - -Abruptly, however, there came a message from Fremont urging Carson to -rejoin him at once; and the scout was unable to decline. Perhaps he did -not wish to. At all events, he sold his farm, provided for his wife -during his absence, and then set forth with one companion to join -Fremont's expedition. - -The Indians had told many stories of the region known as the Great -Basin, a desert so bleak and perilous that no human being might expect -to cross it safely. This was the region now to be explored by Fremont -and his followers. Fortunately they discovered that the reports had -exaggerated the difficulties as well as the desert nature of the -region. - -All this, however, was not known until after the work of the explorers -had been completed. So fearful were the men that the reports they had -heard were well founded that they were extremely cautious in all their -movements. - -Kit Carson, with a few men as hardy as he, kept well in advance of the -main party. Whenever they discovered a place where water was to be had -and there was grass for the horses, there they built fires, the smoke -of which served as an invitation to the other members of the party -behind them to advance. - -At last they made their way into northern California and there -encountered their first serious difficulty with the Indians. The little -band was attacked by one thousand of the savages, but fortunately the -redmen were ignorant of the use of rifles, and as soon as the guns were -discharged they fled in wild confusion. - -About this time the object of the expedition speedily changed. There -was war declared upon Mexico and immediately Fremont and his followers -enrolled themselves as soldiers of their country. Other men joined them -and soon there were sufficient soldiers to form a regiment. Lieutenant -Fremont was extremely eager that the President should be informed -concerning his plans and work. The only way by which word could be sent -him was by messenger, and there was no messenger like Kit Carson. -Accordingly in response to the fresh appeal of Fremont, Carson set -forth as a messenger to carry the dispatches to the capital of the -nation. His letters, however, were very brief, for Fremont relied upon -Kit Carson's own ability to explain conditions as they existed on the -Pacific Coast. - -Before the scout had completed his journey he met a body of soldiers on -their way to California. General Kearny was in command of them, and as -soon as he was informed of the purpose of Kit Carson he at once urged -him to permit some one else to carry the dispatches to the President -while the scout himself should return with the men. Kit Carson, -however, was a man who did not consider any task completed until he -himself had personally done all that had been assigned to him. When, at -last, General Kearny ordered him to do as he had suggested there was no -other course but to obey, and accordingly the scout returned with the -men. It was not the last time, however, that he was sent over the -perilous way with messages for the men at Washington. - -On his arrival he was amazed to find that the people of the capital -already knew of his life in the West. To the modest scout this was a -great surprise. He did not understand how any one could have heard of -his work among the fur-bearing animals and the Indians of the West. -Perhaps he was more surprised than any of his friends to find himself -so much in demand. When one of the United States Senators said: "To me -Kit Carson and truth mean the same," we may be sure the modest scout -was almost overwhelmed by the words of praise. - -When his last journey to Washington was ended the scout was glad to -return to his family at Taos. There he had a house built of adobe, in -which there was always a welcome for his friends. Even the Indians came -and went with more freedom than they visited any of the homes of the -white men. Affectionately the redmen called him "Father Kit," and the -confidence of the good Indian was as strong as was the fear of the -Indian who had done wrong. About forty miles distant from Taos Kit -Carson had his ranch. There his family spent much of their time and -there, too, there was always a welcome not only for his old friends, -but for visitors as well. - -Lieutenant Fremont had now become a colonel and his name was famous -throughout the United States. He, too, visited the scout of whom he had -been so fond, and in his letters, which are still in existence, he -relates what a good time he had at the home of Kit Carson, the famous -scout, trapper, guide, and messenger. - -Kit Carson looked well to his farm, but his love of hunting was still -strong. Indeed, it is said that his table was kept well supplied by the -aid of his own rifle with game throughout most of the year. - -If Kit Carson believed that his roving days were ended now, he was soon -to learn of his mistake. Of all his expeditions, however, only two can -be mentioned here. On one of these, with some other men, mostly -Mexicans, he drove nearly seven thousand sheep from Taos to California. -Across the desert, through the lofty mountain ranges, the strange -procession led by Kit Carson slowly made its way. At last, when the -drovers arrived at their destination, they were able to sell their -sheep for such high prices that every man received an ample reward for -his labours. It was at this time that Kit Carson insisted upon going -down the Sacramento to San Francisco. It had been many years since he -had seen the settlement, and meanwhile the gold fever had drawn men of -all kinds to the little place until it had increased very rapidly in -its population. - -The scout, after his arrival, looked about him in amazement. -Thirty-five thousand people were living in the place, which he had -known only as a little hamlet. Even here his fame had preceded him and -there were many of the reckless men who tried to induce the famous -scout to join them in their wild dissipations. With the same quiet -strength which he had shown in his early life, Kit Carson steadfastly -refused the invitations, and when he departed, his record was as clean -as when he had first come. - -Another time Carson with a large band of the men who once had trapped -with him returned to the scenes of their early experiences. Again the -men were trapping the beaver, and their success amazed even themselves. -Many of the trappers had become so possessed with the desire to find -gold that they had neglected or forgotten the wealth to be won by -trapping. As a consequence the success of Kit Carson's band was -marvellous, and when they returned they felt more than repaid for their -labours. - -It was on this expedition that Kit Carson lassoed a huge grizzly bear. -The lasso, however, was not sufficiently strong to tame the savage -beast, and at last the men, for the sake of their own safety, killed -the grizzly. The following day, which was the Fourth of July, there was -a great feast in which bear-steak was one of the chief articles of -food. - -It was not long before the war between the States broke out. And again -Kit Carson found that it was impossible for him to remain quietly in -his home on the ranch near Taos. In response to the call of the men who -knew and loved him he consented to serve as the colonel of a regiment -which was raised in New Mexico. - -In the campaign which followed there is a quaint statement that perhaps -the most striking service rendered by the brave colonel was when his -regiment one time was ordered to attack the Navajo Indians, who had -thought the time was fitting for them to rebel against the white men. -It is related that with a few of his chosen men Colonel Kit departed -from his camp early one morning and attacked and scattered the warring -Indians and then returned to the camp before the soldiers who had been -left there under the command of the lieutenant-colonel were aware that -there was any fighting to be done. - -There are some who believe that the best work Kit Carson ever did was -later, when he became an Indian agent. His knowledge of the Indians and -his understanding of their character enabled him to deal with them as -few white men could have done. There were times when alone he entered -the councils of the tribes when they were planning war and by his quiet -and earnest appeals he induced them to abandon their warlike plans. But -even his efforts were unavailing at times and with certain of the more -blood-thirsty Indians. His activity and knowledge, however, were felt -most when there were uprisings that sometimes were terrible in their -effects upon the scattered settlers. - -Even to the last of his life he insisted upon occasional vacations. At -such times he would return with some of his chosen friends to his old -occupations and the places which had known him when he was only a boy -scout. - -It is reported that when at last Kit Carson became ill with the -sickness that ended his life, the doctor who was attending his case, -and who was one of his warmest friends, spent much time reading to the -old scout the story of his life which had recently been published. -There is no doubt that Carson keenly enjoyed the narrative, although in -his modesty he declared that he did not see why any one should ever -have considered it worth while to write in a book an account of his -experiences and adventures. - -It was May 23, 1868 when Kit Carson breathed his last. To-day, however, -if you visit the region in which his scouting was done you will find -many men who claim that they knew the famous scout, and if you are -willing to listen they will tell you many marvellous tales of his -bravery and his adventures. It is also quite likely that some of these -stories are true. - -THE END - - - - -NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - -BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - -THE FIFTH AVENUE BUILDING, 200 FIFTH AVENUE - -TELEPHONE GRAMERCY 545 - -NEW YORK CITY - -OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL - -Honorary President, THE HON. WOODROW WILSON -Honorary Vice-President, HON. WILLIAM H. TAFT -Honorary Vice-President, COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT -President, COLIN H. LIVINGSTONE, Washington, D. C. -Vice-President, B. L. DULANEY, Bristol, Tenn. -Vice-President, MILTON A. McRAE, Detroit, Mich. -Vice-President, DAVID STARR JORDAN, Stanford University, Cal. -Vice-President, F. L. SEELY, Asheville, N. C. -Vice-President, A. STAMFORD WHITE, Chicago, Ill. -Chief Scout, ERNEST THOMPSON SETON, Greenwich, Connecticut -National Scout Commissioner, DANIEL CARTER BEARD, Flushing, N. Y. - -FINANCE COMMITTEE - -John Sherman Hoyt, Chairman -August Belmont -George D. Pratt -Mortimer L. Schiff -H. Rogers Winthrop - -GEORGE D. PRATT, Treasurer - -JAMES E. WEST, Chief Scout Executive - -ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD - -Ernest P. Bicknell -Robert Garrett -Lee F. Hanmer -John Sherman Hoyt -Charles C. Jackson -Prof. Jeremiah W. Jenke -William D. Murray -Dr. Charles P. Neill -George D. Porter -Frank Presbrey -Edgar M. Robinson -Mortimer L. Schiff -Lorillard Spencer -Seth Sprague Terry - - July 31st, 1913. - -TO THE PUBLIC:-- - -In the execution of its purpose to give educational value and moral -worth to the recreational activities of the boyhood of America, the -leaders of the Boy Scout Movement quickly learned that to effectively -carry out its program, the boy must be influenced not only in his -out-of-door life but also in the diversions of his other leisure -moments. It is at such times that the boy is captured by the tales of -daring enterprises and adventurous good times. What now is needful is -not that his taste should be thwarted but trained. There should -constantly be presented to him the books the boy likes best, yet always -the books that will be best for the boy. As a matter of fact, however, -the boy's taste is being constantly vitiated and exploited by the great -mass of cheap Juvenile literature. - -To help anxiously concerned parents and educators to meet this grave -peril, the Library Commission of the Boy Scouts of America has been -organized. EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY is the result of their labors. All the -books chosen have been approved by them. The Commission is composed of -the following members: George F. Bowerman, Librarian, Public Library of -the District of Columbia, Washington, D. C.; Harrison T. Graver, -Librarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Claude G. Leland, -Superintendent, Bureau of Libraries, Board of Education, New York City; -Edward P. Stevens, Librarian, Pratt Institute Free Library, Brooklyn, -New York; together with the Editorial Board of our Movement, William D. -Murray, George D. Pratt and Frank Presbrey, with Franklin K. Mathiews, -Chief Scout Librarian, as Secretary. - -In selecting the books, the Commission has chosen only such as are of -interest to boys, the first twenty-five being either works of fiction -or stirring stories of adventurous experiences. In later lists, books -of a more serious sort will be included. It is hoped that as many as -twenty-five may be added to the Library each year. - -Thanks are due the several publishers who have helped to inaugurate -this new department of our work. Without their co-operation in making -available for popular priced editions some of the best books ever -published for boys, the promotion of EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY would have -been impossible. - -We wish, too, to express our heartiest gratitude to the Library -Commission, who, without compensation, have placed their vast -experience and immense resources at the service of our Movement. - -The Commission invites suggestions as to future books to be included in -the Library. Librarians, teachers, parents, and all others interested -in welfare work for boys, can render a unique service by forwarding to -National Headquarters lists of such books as in their judgment would be -suitable for EVERY BOY'S LIBRARY. - - Signed - James E. West - Chief Scout Executive. - -"DO A GOOD TURN DAILY." - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Scouting with Kit Carson, by Everett T. 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