They had stolen several thousand dollars worth of furs and departed.
Carson was more anxious than ever to overtake the scoundrels.

He and his companion made diligent search, but failed utterly to find them.

They were never seen or heard of again, and Carson was convinced they had fallen victims to the Indians who in turn made off with the stolen peltries.
It will be borne in mind that Kit and his friend were several hundred miles from the main body of hunters, and in one of the most dangerous countries they had ever visited.

So dangerous, indeed, did they consider an attempt to return to them, that they decided not to make it, but to stay in the old camp.

Inasmuch as it would be impossible to keep their presence from the knowledge of the Indians, they threw up some rude fortifications and never relaxed their vigilance.