need of horses with which to transport their furs and peltries,
that had become numerous and bulky. While in this neighborhood,
they discovered a large herd of horses and mules in the possession
of a few Indians. According to the morality of the border this
property was legitimate prey, but in point of fact when the trappers
determined to take the animals from the aborigines, they became
thieves and robbers. However, it is not to be hoped that a single
member of the company felt the slightest twinge of conscience when
he rode at full speed, yelling to the highest bent, and helped
scatter the terrified red men to the winds. The entire herd fell
into the hands of the whites, and, congratulating themselves on
their good fortune, they kindled a huge fire and encamped for the
night.

Most of the men had lain down with the intention of sleeping until
morning, and Kit sat looking in the fire, when his trained ear
caught a peculiar sound. At first, it seemed to be the faint roll
of distant thunder, but he knew it was not. He listened carefully
and was able to tell the direction whence came the singular noise,
but remained uncertain as to its cause. Then, as he had done many
a time, he leaned over and pressed his ear to the solid earth.
Immediately the rumbling became more distinct and he recognized
what it meant: it was the tramp of numerous hoofs galloping forward.

Carson and several of his men stole noiselessly out to reconnaissance
and found a half dozen warriors hurrying along a drove of more
than a hundred horses. They had been on a raid among the Mexican
settlements in Sonora and were now returning home with their plunder.

The temptation was one which Carson and his companions could not