“But we don’t want to leave you here with that black demon,” suggested Jack. “I’m going to stay here alone,” said Kit Carson quietly. “You need not have any fears that I shall be hurt, and it will not be long before I shall come to the camp myself.” Reuben glanced appealingly at the scout, seeking permission to remain without voicing his wish. Kit Carson, however, smiled and shook his head. Reuben was to go back with the other trappers. Reluctantly the half-dozen men rode slowly out of the opening in the enclosure and started toward the camp. “I don’t like to leave him there,” said Jack, slowly shaking his head as he spoke. “That horse is as dangerous as a grizzly and twice as powerful.” “That may be so,” admitted one of the men, “but I don’t care how strong it is Kit Carson has a way of taking all that out of it.” “I knew a man once who had his head bitten off by a horse,” suggested one of the trappers. “I reckon his head must have been about the size of a walnut,” laughed the trapper. “Never you mind,” said the first speaker; “a horse has a powerful big mouth and its teeth are strong. Did you ever see two horses fight?” “Yes.” “Well, there’s no sight like it in the world. They make you think of two demons. A good many times they’ll fight until one or the other is killed, and sometimes neither one comes out of the fight alive.” “Well, I would rather have them fight one another than to fight me,” said the first trapper. “I don’t envy Kit his job back yonder.” Reuben had been silent throughout the conversation, and his fears for his friend were greatly increased in consequence of it. He was becoming alarmed for the safety of the lithe little scout, but there was nothing to be done except to carry out his desires, and in silence he proceeded on his way to the camp. When the men arrived they found their companions eager listeners to the story they had to tell of the capture of the black horse. Others of the men also were concerned now for the safety of the scout, but against the suggestion that they should go to his relief the strong protests made by the men who had accompanied Carson in the chase at last prevailed, and no one departed from the camp. Meanwhile, although it was seldom that reference was made to the fear in the heart of every one, the anxiety among the trappers increased as the slow moments passed. When an hour had elapsed the suggestion was renewed by Reuben that the men should go to the aid of their leader. But the suggestion was again refused. Another hour passed, and still there were no signs of the coming of the missing trapper.