He had not counted on anything like this, and the help of the Indian was beyond all price to him.

He was unusually strong, active and experienced, and would not hesitate to attack any person single handed.
Seeing the condition of the exhausted steed, Kit proposed to his dusky companion that he should abandon him and continue the pursuit on foot, but the brave shook his head.

He was equal to the exploit of running ten or twenty 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 thief, tried to dissuade Carson from going further.
They had certainly done all that could be asked of them and no one could find fault if, in the face of such difficulty, they should withdraw and return to their friends.
"No," said Carson, "I have set out to recover those horses and nothing shall turn me back.

I am sorry to lose you, but it can't be helped; so good bye and good luck attend you." And putting spurs to his steed, he dashed over the trail with compressed lips and flashing eye, determined on running down the fugitive if he had to follow him to the bank of the Pacific itself.