Chapter I: Preface

Perhaps it is unnecessary to explain that the purpose of the author primarily has been to write a story, not a biography. And yet behind the story stands the romantic character of the great trapper, scout, guide, messenger, and soldier—Kit Carson. In every way the aim has been to portray him in a manner that should be true to his unique personality and his adventurous life. There is a basis of truth for the incidents incorporated in the tale. Although exact chronology has been impossible, still an attempt has been made in a general way, to present in order, various phases of Kit Carson’s stirring life. The courage and truthfulness of the famous scout, his modesty and determination, as well as his fidelity and his friendliness are qualities of life never more in demand than to-day. Where can our boys and girls learn of their value better than in becoming familiar with a life which, whatever its limitations may have been, surely possessed these valuable qualities. Is it not high time, too, for young Americans to be taught that in the romance and adventure of the early days of our own country there are heroes as deserving of recognition as the semi-fabulous characters in the early life of nations across the sea? Whatever may be taught of the latter, surely American boys and girls ought not to be ignorant of the early heroes of their own land.

Everett T. Tomlinson.
Elizabeth, New Jersey.

CONTENTS
CHAPTER I—THE CAMP ON THE PLAINS
CHAPTER II—IN PURSUIT OF A HERD
CHAPTER III—THREE CHEYENNES
CHAPTER IV—RAT TRUE
CHAPTER V—THE FAME OF THE TRAPPER
CHAPTER VI—ALONE
CHAPTER VII—MOUNTAIN TROUT
CHAPTER VIII—AN UNEXPECTED MEETING
CHAPTER IX—WOLF’S CLOTHING
CHAPTER X—ATTACKED
CHAPTER XI—A TRYING EXPERIENCE
CHAPTER XII—A PUZZLING MESSENGER
CHAPTER XIII—PURSUIT
CHAPTER XIV—CAPTURED
CHAPTER XV—A LONELY RIDE
CHAPTER XVI—A MOUNTAIN LION
CHAPTER XVII—THE COMING OF RAT
CHAPTER XVIII—A FIGHT
CHAPTER XIX—TRAPPED
CHAPTER XX—WILD HORSES
CHAPTER XXI—THE CHASE OF THE LEADER
CHAPTER XXII—A WHITE MAN IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE
CHAPTER XXIII—BAFFLED
CHAPTER XXIV—A FRESH ATTEMPT
CHAPTER XXV—THE CAPTIVE LEADER
CHAPTER XXVI—THE RETURN OF RAT
CHAPTER XXVII—THE THEFT
CHAPTER XXVIII—THE RETURN
CHAPTER XXIX—THE GREAT SCOUT AND THE GREAT EXPLORER
CHAPTER XXX—CONCLUSION

ILLUSTRATIONS

“‘Here I am, Kit! Don’t shoot!’”

“Several Indians seated themselves before the mouth of the cave”

“The trembling boy was able to see the scout as he drew his knife”

“Instantly Kit Carson struck the treacherous redskin a blow between his eyes with his fist”

SCOUTING WITH KIT CARSON