Scouting with Kit Carson

e are going

The boy ees

een in the saddle since before sun-up. Sometimes it s

d then danced about in a manner not in the least suggestive of weariness. The action, however, was not so much to

the Rocky Mountains. For many days the two weary travellers had steadily ridden across the arid plains. In certain places they had forded rivers or had crossed on boats or rafts, that now were left far behind th

ey were aware that these great defiles among the giant hills might be the hiding-places of savage beasts or of no less savage Indians. Indeed, the latter were much more to be feared, for recently there had been an increasing hatred of the whites manifested by all the tribes of the prairies and the mountains beyond. Not that many white men as yet had ventured into the wilderness, but the few that had done so had aroused feelings of fear and

ere any unusual anxiety betrayed by either. The horses now were hobbled, blankets were spread on the sandy soil, and a few cooking u

Even after the long ride of the day was ended, there still was a flash in the eyes of Proveau, as Jean c

ose of his companion's mount, still was manifestly fleet and strong. Four other ponies also were in the little carava

arly days: both men were trappers. Indeed, numerous traps tied together were seen among the burdens carried by the patient animals. Powder

ulders indicated that he was French. Whether he had come from St. Louis or Montreal, or even from France itself, he had not explained to his companion. It was in St. Louis, howe

also planning to go to the same country, Jean decided that their opportunities would be better and their chances of success much more if they

neck and shoulders indicated his great physical strength. His heavy ch

han to its original colouring. His eyes were expressive of the kindness of his heart, and it was clear that Reuben was not one that easily lost his temper or self-possession. Perhaps it was for this reason that Jean, whose success as a hunte

must depend for supplies upon their own skill with their rifles. However, as game was plentiful in the region, neither was anxious concerning the outlook for their immediate fu

entured to start with only two in the party. Whether or not they were wise in their

horses had been hobbled, and Jean had taken his flint and tinder and after two quick attempts had started a fire in t

, "that we start on Friday.

ved by the superstitious fears of his companion. "Do you th

mooch the b

am of talk he maintained, whether Reuben heeded his words or not, that he was unaware of what was occurring in the vicinity of the camp. It

out!" suddenly

left upon the sand nearby, and hastily turned in the direction indicated by Reuben. In

mp, evidently exerting itself to the utmost of its strength. B

sted, "that it probably has tak

ered its mistake, but with undiminished speed it w

cured a slight gain on its enemies, and in a moment was straining every nerve to reach a

shoot, Jean?"

s head as he replied

t pieces of work you can do! Look yonder! It almost seems as if they had come up out of the

eased to twenty or more. Indeed, the helpless victim was overtaken long before it could find a refuge among its

shot heem,"

out the little beggar. I wonder why it is that one always f

d his task over the fire. Silence rested over the region, for Reuben

ight mooch," said

. Looking in the direction indicated by Jean, he saw that four or five buffaloes had advanced from the herd, keeping we

euben, "but they are going to do

n the great herd, forming as if some one had been giving directions which they understood, began to move in such a manner that for a moment it appeared as if the prowling wolves would be surrounded. In a brief time, however, the savage animals were aware of the threatening danger,

and it was plain that Jean was anxious or alarmed. Not many minutes elapsed, however, before

, with steadily increasing speed was directly approaching the ve