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The Life of Kit Carson - Hunter, Trapper, Guide, Indian Agent and Colonel U.S.A. by Edward S. (Edward Sylvester) Ellis
page 27 of 221 (12%)
that nothing threatened, that they became less vigilant than usual.

"Sh! now is the time," whispered the youthful leader. They had
decided long before upon their plan of action, so that no time
was now lost in consultation. Kit and five of his men began slowly
creeping toward their horses. This was anything but a pleasant
occupation, for the snow, it will be remembered, was deep on the
ground; but such veterans cared nothing for a trifle like that,
and they speedily reached their animals.

Such an attempt is always a dangerous one, for the horse of the
Indian or white hunter often proves his most skilful sentinel. He
is able to detect the stealthy approach of a scout, long before
the straining ear of his master can catch the slightest sound. If
the beasts should become frightened by the shadowy figures crawling
over the snow, they would be likely to alarm the camp; but Carson
and his companions managed it so well that there was not a single
neigh or stamp of a hoof.

Silently rising to their feet, they cut the halters which held the
horses fast, and then, withdrawing a slight distance, began throwing
snowballs at them. These feathery missiles fell among and struck
against them, until, to escape the mimic bombardment they moved
out the wood altogether, where they were taken charge by the others
who were waiting. All this was accomplished without attracting the
attention of a single Indian.

Having met with such success, common prudence and sense suggested
that the trappers should make all haste to their own comfortable
quarters, so many long miles away; but they had scarcely joined
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