e frequently measured the distance between them and the
hostile savages. The bullets from the rifles of the Indians flew about
their ears thick and fast, for a heavy fire was opened upon them,
as they passed, and incessantly kept up until they were out of their
reach. The trappers did not return a shot. It would not have been
according to their custom. There is no one thing Simon-pure trappers
consider to be a greater folly than firing their rifles on such an
occasion as is here described. There is nothing they so much dread as
being left on foot with an empty gun and no time to load, when perhaps
a single shot might change defeat into victory; sure captivity into
freedom, or a dead companion into a laughing, jolly and lovable
help-mate, ready for setting a trap or to engage in the next bloody
skirmish. This must inevitably happen if, after the rider has fired,
among the score or so of passing bullets, one of them, perchance, took
a peculiar fancy for a vital organ of his horse. The mortally wounded
animal would make no account of dismounting his master and leaving
him to the tender mercies of the refined savages. In every close and
unequal contest, such as above detailed, they only think of the surest
and speediest method of escape, leaving revenge to be obtained on some
more fitting and favorable occasion. For some unaccountable reason the
savages did not give chase.

As soon as Carson and his comrades had got out of the reach of the
Indians they began to recall the suspicions concerning signs of
Indians which their faithful dog had aroused. Fears for the safety of
their companions arose accordingly. Therefore, giving spurs to their
horses they pushed on with vigor to know the worst. The facts that
awaited them at camp concerning the attack by the Indians, stealing
and rescue of the horses gave them therefore but little surprise. They
had already surmised the reason why the Indians had thus set a trap
for them. Having been watching the camp during the night and finding
the white men fully on the alert and carefully guarding against any
surprise, they had quietly waited until suspicion of their proximity
had been entirely laid aside. The departure of Carson and his
companions from camp was doubtless seen by the savages and afforded
them a clear proof that the white men had forgotten their fears. As
Kit's departure with the men weakened the camp party the Indians had
gathered together sufficient courage to make a bold c