Carson's steed stood the great strain admirably, but the one
bestrode by the Indian succumbed. He suddenly slackened his pace,
staggered and trembled so violently, that, when the warrior leaped
from his back, he saw he was fearfully ill. If he did not die, he
would not recover for hours and even then could not be forced hard.

Carson contemplated the situation with dismay. He had not counted
on anything like this, and the help of the Indian was beyond all
price to him. He was unusually strong, active and experienced, and
would not hesitate to attack any person single handed.

Seeing the condition of the exhausted steed, Kit proposed to his
dusky companion that he should abandon him and continue the pursuit
on foot, but the brave shook his head. He was equal to the exploit
of running ten or twenty miles at a high pace, but a great deal
more was likely to be required and he needed all his powers when the
shock of the battle should come. He not only refused to continue the
chase, but, knowing the character of the thief, tried to dissuade
Carson from going further. They had certainly done all that could
be asked of them and no one could find fault if, in the face of
such difficulty, they should withdraw and return to their friends.

"No," said Carson, "I have set out to recover those horses and
nothing shall turn me back. I am sorry to lose you, but it can't
be helped; so good bye and good luck attend you."

And putting spurs to his steed, he dashed over the trail with
compressed lips and flashing eye, determined on running down the
fugitive if he had to follow him to the bank of the Pacific itself.
This single act of the famous mountaineer shows his character in