. They were used with such
effect, that the fierce warriors were compelled once more to retreat.

But the courageous red men recoiled a short distance only, when they
halted and then, with exultant yells, dashed toward the trappers, who
despite all they could do, were forced back until it looked as if the
whole party would be overwhelmed and destroyed.

On this retreat, one of the horses belonging to the hunters was shot,
and plunged to the ground so suddenly that his rider was caught before
he could spring from the saddle. Several of the warriors were quick to
perceive his sore straits, and dashed toward him, eager to secure his
scalp. The poor fellow struggled desperately, but could not extricate
himself, and his expression of horrified despair when he perceived the
fierce red men running a race with each other to reach him, would have
melted the heart of almost any one.

Carson was several rods distant, but seeing the danger of his friend,
he bounded out of his saddle, and shouted to the others to rally to the
defence of their imperilled comrade. Kit raised his rifle while on the
run and shot the leading warrior dead. The other whites were so close
behind that the remaining Blackfeet whirled and ran for their lives.
Several of them were shot down before they could reach the shelter of
the rocks from behind which they sprang after the fallen white man.

Carson's devotion to his friend now placed him in an unpleasant if not
dangerous situation. His steed being without restraint, galloped off
beyond his reach, and the commander was thus left on foot, when there
was urgent need that he should be mounted.

Meanwhile the mountaineer who was caught under the body of his horse,
was struggling desperately to withdraw his imprisoned leg, for there was
no saying when the Blackfeet would be upon him again. He succeeded at
last, and, standing upon his feet, shook himself together, as may be
said, and he found that though pretty badly bruised, no bones were
broken, and he was able to do his full part in the serious duty before
him.

The exciting episode benefited the trappers in one respect: it served to
check the seemingly resistless rush of the Blackfeet and gave the others
a chance to rally and fix upon some course of action.

Carson ran rapidly toward the nearest horseman and sprang upon the back
of his animal behind him. The steed was forced to his best and speedily
joined the main body a short distance off. It was for