sufficient ground and opposed an almost insuperable obstacle to
the success of the dusky thieves prowling around.

It was yet early in the evening when one of the dogs belonging to
the camp began barking. A score of causes might have caused this
but Carson believed the incitement in that instance was the one
most dreaded. Several men were added to the guard and the rest lay
down, too uneasy to gain much slumber, however.

The trappers were right in their suspicion that savages were near
but they could not have failed to note what precautions had been
taken by the whites against surprise and they withdrew without
molesting them. The party were in a beaver country, and Carson and
three of his men went up the stream some distance to learn whether
it was worth their while to set the traps.

They had not been gone long when a party of Indians, who were probably
awaiting such an opportunity, charged upon the camp and drove off
all the loose horses. Four of the hunters instantly saddled the
swiftest of those remaining and started in hot pursuit. So hot indeed
was the pursuit that they speedily came up with the marauders and
opened a running fight. One of the hunters was badly wounded, while
a warrior was shot from his horse pitching headlong to the earth
with a screech of agony. The remaining ones were pressed so hard
that they were glad enough to abandon the property which came
back to the rightful owners, probably before an animal was able to
comprehend what had taken place.

The promptness and daring of the hunters had prevented a serious
loss, and though one of their number was severely hurt, his wound