154 ALAMO MUCHO TO 
overtaking the Indians and recovering our property, 
but with the hope that, in the hurry of escape, some of 
the mules might have got away, which we might 
recover. But the pursuit was not attended with suc- 
cess. The parties returned after following the trail 
six or eight miles, which was as far as they could go 
with safety ; as the enemy might be lying in ambush, 
and overcome their pursuers when little expected. 
Experience has shown the utter futility of pursuing 
well mounted Indians on such an occasion, after 
they have got three or four hours the start; for they 
urge on their animals to the utmost speed. Mr. Leroux, 
who is an old trapper, guide, and hunter, and whose 
life for twenty-five years has been spent in New Mexico, 
has been often engaged in fights with the Indians, 4 
well as in pursuing them to recover stolen animals. 
He says the only way to overtake them in such cases 
is, to take provisions for several days, and on first set- 
ting out in pursuit, not to hurry the animals, but follow 
the trail at a steady and moderate pace while daylight 
lasts. At night stop and rest; and as soon as daylight 
appears, continue the pursuit in the same manner, 
taking care not to overwork the animals. By thus 
continuing the chase, the third day will in most cases 
bring you up with the enemy; whose proximity ca? 
be ascertained by any experienced hunter, from the 
freshness of the trail, the manure of the animals, etc 
It then becomes necessary to proceed with caution, 
and with scouts ahead. When the Indians are dis 
covered, the pursuers keep at a distance concealed, 
and govern themselves by circumstances, whether 10 
make an open attack, or wait until they have encam 
