be set upon by others as savage as themselves, and they had every
cause, therefore, to get out of the country with the least possible
delay.

The three were riding in this furious fashion, when most unexpectedly
the steed of the Mexican gave out. A minute's examination showed
he was as thoroughly used up and useless as the horse of the Ute
Indian, years before, who started out with Kit to pursue the thief
that was running off with the animals. There was no course but to
leave the Mexican behind, for time was too precious to ride back
to camp after another horse. He, therefore was told to go back to
Fremont's camp and await their return.

The exploit of Carson and Godey, when calmly told, seems incredible.
There was no one in Fremont's command who would go with them, and
though they knew there were a score and a half of savage wild men
to encounter, they did not hesitate, but pressed their steeds to
the utmost, eager to join in the fierce hand to hand conflict.

When night shut in upon them, the Indians were not in sight and
the signs indicated they were a good many miles ahead. There was
no moon or stars and they could see only a few feet in advance of
their horses' ears, but it would not do to linger. If they should
go into camp, they would lose so much ground that pursuit was likely
to be hopeless.

Accordingly, they dismounted and leading their steeds, continued
the pursuit on foot. Where it was impossible to see the ground,
they depended on the sense of feeling. Quite certain of the general
direction taken by the red men, they occasionally stooped down and