tention
to the rest of the men. It was high time that he did so, for they were
fast succumbing to their appetites. Despite the indignant protests and
efforts of the employer they would have undoubtedly fallen victims but
for an unlooked for occurrence.

One of the trappers who was so much under the influence of liquor as to
become reckless, fired upon and slightly wounded a native of the place.
The act threw the Mexicans into a panic of terror, and they fled
from the presence of the dreaded Americans who seemed eager for any
sanguinary deed.

The employer was wise enough to take advantage of the occurrence and
he succeeded, after much labor, in getting his half intoxicated men
together and out of the place. The horses were forced to their utmost
and the same night they overtook Carson and his anxious companions. All
danger from that source was ended.

CHAPTER IV.

An Alarming Visit--Carson's Resources--On the Colorado and
Gila--Capturing a Herd of Horses and Mules--The Raiders--Turning the
Tables--Caching their Peltries--Return to Santa Fe--Carson Goes upon
a Second Trapping Expedition--Hunting with an Old Mountaineer--A Visit
from Crow Indians.

A week or more later, the trappers again reached the Colorado River.
They had traveled at a leisurely pace and once more they went into camp,
where they were familiar with the country. Men leading such lives as
they, were accustomed to all kinds of surprises, but it may be doubted
whether the trappers were more amazed in all their existence than when
five hundred Indian warriors made their appearance and with signs of
friendship overran the camp before they could be prevented or checked.

The hunters did not know what to make of the proceeding, and looked to
Carson for advice. He had already discovered that the situation was one
of the gravest danger. Despite the professions of friendship, Kit saw
that each warrior had his weapons under his dress, where he hoped they
were not noticed by the whites. Still worse, most of the hunters were
absent visiting their traps, only Kit and a few of his companions being
in camp. The occasion was where it was necessary to decide at once what
to do and then to do it without flinching.

Among the red men was one who spoke Spanish and to him Carson addressed
himself:

"You must leave the camp at once; if you don't do so without a minute's
delay, we shall attack you and each of us is sure to kill one warrior if
not more."