The loss of any of these useful beasts of burden would terribly enhance their peril.

It might compel them to abandon, not only their traps, but also their rifles and their ammunition.

In this dreadful emergency they came across a band of Indians who proved to be friendly.
But the savages were also in an extremely destitute condition.
Fortunately for both parties there was water at hand, and the withered herbage furnished the animals with sustenance.

The Indians had a young horse which was respectably fat.

It required all of Kit Carson's diplomatic skill and knowledge of the Indian character to induce the Indians to part with the animal.