The Life of Kit Carson

pected Calamity-Carso

-The

to the utmost, but Kit Carson knew he would give them little rest night or day. He

e 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 o

home and camp, but in spite of the speed of the fugitive, Carson was confident they had gained considerably upon him. If everything went we

ackened his pace, staggered and trembled so violently, that, when the warrior leaped from his back, he saw he

his, and the help of the Indian was beyond all price to him. He was unusually strong

nty 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

and nothing shall turn me back. I am sorry to lose you, but

eye, determined on running down the fugitive if he had to follow him to the bank of the Pac

l, though none was so quick and active in his movements. His wonderful success lay in his coolness, agility, skill and bravery, which never "overleaped itself." As we h

had left. He would expect pursuit and would be on the watch for it. Whenever he caught sight of those who were seeking him, he would not abandon the horses and flee. Far from it: he would stand his ground, and if his booty

task he undertook. Where scarcely one man in a multitude would have pushed forward, he advanced without hesitation. He deliberately resolved to

to force matters to an issue before night. Among the horses the Indian was running off were one or two whose endurance was less than the

nts were fresh and the scout knew he was closer to him than at any time since the chase began. The flanks of his steed shone

perado, who doubtless was continually glancing backward in quest of pursuers; but the keen vi

closely than ever. The eagle eye continually glanced from the ground to the country in front, and then to the right and left.

thought of Carson, "I'm bound

scovered. Quick as a flash, he leaped from the back of his horses and started on a swift run for a clump of trees between him and his pursuer. The latter understood his purpose on the instant. If the Indian could secure the shelter of

of his high spirited steed, charged at full speed for the sa

ides, that while the horseman was still some distance away, he plunged in among the trees; but for the last few seconds t

tree from behind which he meant to shoot his enemy; but in the very act of doing so, he was sm

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 w