They were a long distance from home and camp, but in spite of the speed of the fugitive, Carson was confident they had gained considerably upon him.

If everything went well, they ought to catch sight of him on the morrow.

At this juncture, when the prospect was so encouraging, an unlooked for calamity occurred.
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.