CHAPTER XXXVI.
Discovery of the Trail--Prairie Detectives.
Meanwhile, Kit Carson, who was with Major Carleton, had discovered a trail made by three of the enemy.

Carefully following it up, it was found to join the principal path, a short distance away.

When Quinn arrived he had also some discoveries to report, and the scouts held a consultation over the question.

It was agreed by all that they were on the track of the enemy they were seeking.
The general reader is not apt to appreciate the skill, patience and intelligence shown by the scouts and hunters in tracing the flight of an enemy through a wild and desolate country.

As an evidence of the wonderful attainments of border men in woodcraft, the following letter may be given, written by the surgeon at Fort Randall in Dacotah in 1869: "The most extraordinary skill that is exhibited in this part of the country, either by the white man, or red native, is in the practice of trailing.