the Green River.  This fact made Carson conclude that California was the destination aimed at in the deserter’s calculations.  Kit and his Indian brave had accomplished about one hundred miles, having, not once, lost sight of the trail, when, most unfortunately for Kit, the horse of the Indian was suddenly taken sick and his strength gave out completely.  The Indian could go no further except on foot, and this mode of travel he was unwilling to adopt, refusing absolutely Carson’s request made to him to do so.  This was an unpleasant predicament, especially as the rascal, who formed the chase, was a dangerous antagonist even to an experienced fighter and in an honest cause.  Goaded on by the fear of punishment for theft, Carson well knew that he would require all of his own address to purchase success; for, the rascal would not fail to make a most desperate resistance.  But Kit Carson’s courage arose, as the difficulties of the adventure seemed to multiply.  With a farewell word to his Indian companion, he put spurs to his horse and entered boldly upon the trail alone, being determined to run every hazard, which the unhappy accident to the Indian’s horse seemed to require at his hands.  The spectacle here presented to the reader, is one which exhibits Kit Carson in his true character both as a faithful and earnest friend, and a determined and dangerous adversary.  Such is his character.  A life of most singular events has never yet found him false to his friend or his manhood.  While he is not rash in judgment, he is consummately skillful, quick and brave.  Onward he dashed, never for an instant taking his eagle eye from the tracks which formed his compass.  Think not that such tracks are easily traced.  None but a practised and ready eye can follow them to any advantageous end.  To trace them even at a snail’s pace, for an unpractised eye, is like the child putting pen and ink to paper through his first copy-book of penmanship.  Many and many an awful blot and horribly crooked line will doubtless carry the simile fully and strikingly to the mind.  But the result which crowned Kit’s effort showed conclusively that, notwithstanding he had followed the trail for over one hundred and thirty miles, he had made no blots or crooked lines.  At the distance of thirty miles from the place where he parted with his Indian companion, Kit discovered the chase.  His pace now became tremendous.  The wily savage had descried him almost at the same instant that he was discovered by Kit, and instantly prepared for a desperate encounter.  With this object in view, the savage turned to seek a cover from whence he could fire upon his adversary and reload long before he should himself become exposed to a shot.  The rascal’s plan was good enough, but he was too slow in its execution to overcome Kit’s activity.  Kit had unslung his rifle as soon as he saw his enemy.  Anticipating the object of the savage, he, instantly, covered him with his rifle.  His horse was now at full speed and he was rapidly