the place. The act threw the Mexicans into a panic of terror, and
they fled from the presence of the dreaded Americans who seemed
eager for any sanguinary deed.

The employer was wise enough to take advantage of the occurrence
and he succeeded, after much labor, in getting his half intoxicated
men together and out of the place. The horses were forced to their
utmost and the same night they overtook Carson and his anxious
companions. All danger from that source was ended.



CHAPTER IV.


An Alarming Visit -- Carson's Resources -- On the Colorado and Gila
-- Capturing a Herd of Horses and Mules -- The Raiders -- Turning
the Tables -- Caching their Peltries -- Return to Santa Fe --
Carson Goes upon a Second Trapping Expedition -- Hunting with an
Old Mountaineer -- A Visit from Crow Indians.

A week or more later, the trappers again reached the Colorado River.
They had traveled at a leisurely pace and once more they went into
camp, where they were familiar with the country. Men leading such
lives as they, were accustomed to all kinds of surprises, but it
may be doubted whether the trappers were more amazed in all their
existence than when five hundred Indian warriors made their appearance
and with signs of friendship overran the camp before they could be
prevented or checked.