The only thing I see now is to get them down to water and food." The young officer glanced swiftly about him across that dreary picture of sun-burnt, desolate prairie stretching in every direction, his eyes pausing slightly as they surveyed the tops of the distant cottonwoods.
"Sling blankets between your horses," he commanded, decisively.

"Move quickly, lads, and we may save one of these lives yet." He led in the preparation himself, his cheeks flushed, his movements prompt, decisive.

As if by some magic discipline the rude, effective litters were rapidly made ready, and the two seemingly lifeless bodies gently lifted from off the ground and deposited carefully within.

Down the long, brown slope they advanced slowly, a soldier grasping the rein and walking at each horse's head, the supporting blankets, securely fastened about the saddle pommels, swaying gently to the measured tread of the trained animals.

The lieutenant directed every movement, while Carson rode ahead, picking out the safest route through the short grass.