The cavalcade reached the Mission of San Gabriel in the afternoon. This mission was the most wonderful sight in the Californias of that period. It had farming land stretching for miles about, tilled by the thousand Indians which it maintained; over its ranges wandered seventy-five thousand head of cattle, also huge herds of horses, mules and sheep. Mr. Young had no difficulty in replacing the ponies sold to the boys; horse-flesh was low as he had said, and, especially at San Gabriel, very plenty. Kit Carson earned the friendship of a young Pueblo, loafing on the steps of the mission building, by presenting him with a small trinket. “Some Mexicans and Indians went through here yesterday,” said he. “Trap!” said the youthful savage, laconically. “Much hunt on Gila River.” “A man was with them--much cut on face,” and the trapper illustrated the character of the scar. The young Indian nodded. “Big cut!” agreed he. “Long time ago.” Kit nodded to the boys as they turned and rode after their party. “We’re right behind them! If we have good luck, Lopez, or Spotted Snake, as we called him in Taos, will be where we can get our hands on him by sundown to-morrow.” CHAPTER IV INDIAN SIGNS--AND INDIANS! That night the trappers camped upon the banks of a small stream; their supper was of game shot during the day and corn-cakes made from the meal in one of the packs. Both boys noticed that much care was taken as to the picketing of the horses, also a guard was placed over them. The camp was laid out with a plain regard for defense as well as for comfort. “You never can tell in the wilderness just what is going to happen,” said Kit Carson, in answer to a question of Joe’s. “The Pueblo Indians are mostly a mild lot, and never go upon the war-path; and the other redskins are too well fed around the mission to make trouble. But war parties of one nation or another are apt to be met with any time.” The trappers placed their saddle pads on the ground and threw their blankets over them; these, with saddles at one end for pillows, were their bed. The boys followed their example. “But keep yourself out of the firelight,” warned Kit. “It’s a dangerous habit to get into, this hanging around the camp-fire. And always keep your rifle where you can reach it the first grab. Seconds count in a night rush of these copper-colored varmints; so always fix yourself right before you go to sleep.”