Scouting with Kit Carson

by Everett T. Tomlinson

The Indians, however, whom they met as they proceeded on their way, proved more and more friendly. The stories, too, which the redmen told of the marvels of the valley of the Sacramento increased the desire of Reuben and his companions to see the land which was declared to be not only marvellously beautiful and fertile, but also to abound in beaver.

To reach this land of promise, however, it was necessary for the little company to make its way across a country upon which neither grass nor trees grew, and where water was seldom found. Even the wild animals avoided these desert plains. Not a deer was likely to be found in the course of the journey, and the buffaloes were far behind the mountains, which now were in the rear of the advancing trappers.

Before entering upon the final stage of the journey it was decided that there should be a rest of several days. Accordingly the entire party went into camp. The horses were fed far better than had been the daily custom and were not compelled to carry any burdens. The trappers employed the time thus afforded in hunting. There was need of food in the party, and to supply this need Kit Carson and a half-dozen others, among whom was Reuben, devoted much of their time to hunting for animals that would provide meat.

On the second day, while Reuben, Kit Carson, and a man who was called Jack were about six miles from the place where the camp had been pitched, they discovered a herd of deer. The curious animals plainly were not familiar with the sight of men. They were discovered near a spring on the border of a grove that grew far down into the plains. At least a dozen of the creatures were seen by the keen-eyed leader.

“We mustn’t lose any of them,” said Kit Carson in a whisper, as he turned to his followers. “The best thing we can do is to spread out and come up to them in a semicircle.”

“They have seen us already,” suggested Jack.

“That’s true,” replied Kit Carson, “but the very fact that they have not run away will make it easier for us to get more of them, and we must have them. Our very lives may depend upon our aim. I hope every one will hit his target.”

In accordance with the directions of the hunter, the party spread out and prepared to creep nearer the spring, advancing in a semicircle. Even when they had come within fifty yards of the water the inquisitive animals were still standing, gazing almost stupidly at the approaching hunters. Indeed to Reuben it almost seemed as if the timid creatures were unable to flee. Even the fawns, with ears erect, stood gazing open-eyed at the men.

In this manner the trappers approached, as has been said, within fifty yards, and then at a given signal all arose and fired upon the timid animals. Two of the deer were seen to fall. Then with a loud summons to his followers, Kit Carson, after he had hastily reloaded his rifle, darted toward the spring from which even yet the startled deer had withdrawn only a few yards.

In a brief time the guns were reloaded and almost together the trappers once more fired at the graceful creatures that were still gazing at them. A third deer fell to the ground, but all its companions instantly fled from the spot.