“Well, that’s a drove of ponies. The only thing for us to do is to put out for it and find out whether or not the horse we are after is still there. It may be some other drove. You know they are likely to break up into smaller bands when they get too many together.” Swiftly the trappers rode forward, and their disappointment was keen when they discovered that the horses before them were not those for which they were seeking. Apparently still as confident as before that he would capture the animal he was so eager to have, Kit Carson either alone or in the company of Reuben daily returned to the valley until more than a week had elapsed. Their efforts were rewarded at last when late one afternoon they discovered the horses making for the same valley in which they had sought shelter when first they had been seen. There was no elation displayed in the manner of the scout, but the determination expressed in his face was so plain that Reuben was deeply impressed. “Give up? Give up?” said Kit Carson in response to a suggestion of his friend. “I never learned to do that and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I simply am going to have that black rascal. It’s too bad that Jack isn’t here, for we’ll need him, but we’ll go ahead without him and do the best we can.” Together the two horsemen rode swiftly forward, doing their utmost to gain a point nearer the valley than the one where the horses were first seen grazing. Apparently they had succeeded, when the startled leader lifted his head, neighed sharply, and instantly warned his family of the danger that was near. “Come on, Reuben! Come on!” shouted Kit Carson, as putting his horse into its swiftest paces he advanced far into the entrance of the valley. The efforts, however, of the trappers were doomed to failure. With a disregard of their attempt to head him off that was almost ludicrous, the swift horse led his followers almost directly into the entrance and in a brief time all, including the colts, had disappeared from sight among the boulders of the ravine. “No use, Reuben. No use trying to do any more to-night. We have got to think up some other way of trapping that black rascal. Did you ever see such a handsome animal in your life?” “I never did.” “Nor I. And every time I see him I simply am more determined than ever to get him. I am going to catch him just as sure as the sun rises!” Several days later it seemed as if the words of the scout were about to be fulfilled. Accompanied by Reuben and Jack and two others of the campers, Kit Carson succeeded in locating the drove and immediately attempted the plan which he had already formed for capturing the daring leader. CHAPTER XXIV—A FRESH ATTEMPT