The death screech of the savage rang out, as he leaped in the air
and tumbled prostrate to the earth, killed by the shot that was
unerring in its accuracy. The Indian himself was so near firing
his gun, that his piece was also discharged, the ball whizzing
harmlessly above the head of his pursuer. A couple of seconds delay
on the part of Carson must have proved fatal to him, for the savage
was a good marksman, and was standing still, with such a brief space
intervening, that he could not have missed. It is hard to conceive
of any escape more narrow than that of the daring mountaineer.



CHAPTER X.


Carson Returns with the Recovered Property -- Journey to Snake
River -- Starts on a Trapping Expedition with Three Companions --
Carson's Stirring Adventure with Two Grizzly Bears.

Carson gathered the horses together and set out on his return.
The distance was considerable and he was compelled to encamp more
than once on the road, while he was continually exposed to attack
from Indians, but with that remarkable skill and foresight which
distinguished him when a boy, he reached home without the slightest
mishap and turned over the recovered animals to their owner. Some
days later, several trappers entered camp with the statement that
a large body of hunters were on Snake River, a fortnight's journey
distant. Captain Lee at once set out with his men and found the
company who gave them a warm welcome. They purchased all the supplies