CHAPTER IX


A Hot Pursuit -- An Unexpected Calamity -- Carson Continues the
Chase Alone -- The Result.

Everything now depended on speed. Not only was the dusky thief
pushing his animals to the utmost, but Kit Carson knew he would
give them little rest night or day. He was familiar with the route
to California and the pursuit would be no child's play.

There could be no doubt, however, of the destination of the redskin,
and Carson and his brave warrior were equally persistent with their
horses. The ground flew beneath their hoofs. Across the stretch of
prairie, along the bank of the rushing streams, around the rocks,
over mountains, through torrents, they forced their way, with no
thought of turning back or checking the speed of their animals.
Occasionally the bright eyes of the pursuers glanced at the ground
in front, when the displaced gravel or the indentation in the soft
earth showed they had not lost the trail.

In this headlong fashion the friends galloped forward until they had
placed a full hundred miles behind them. They were a long distance
from home and camp, but in spite of the speed of the fugitive, Carson
was confident they had gained considerably upon him. If everything
went well, they ought to catch sight of him on the morrow. At this
juncture, when the prospect was so encouraging, an unlooked for
calamity occurred.