harge for the
coveted plunder. The final result, however, which led to their losing
the stolen property, and the life of one of their braves, had caused
them to think of an attack upon Kit's party; thus, obtaining by its
massacre, revenge for their dead companion; and, the horses which Kit
and his comrades rode would have been a consolation for their failure
to retain the horses obtained at the camp. The attack was skillfully
planned and would undoubtedly have succeeded, but for the unexpected
daring and promptitude displayed by Kit and his comrades. The Indians
had not looked for the bold charge upon their advance party; but,
on the contrary, they had been prepared for a chase and fight in the
opposite direction. Had such a skirmish taken place, nothing beyond
an absolute miracle, or change of the laws of nature, could have saved
the little band. Kit and his friends had reason, therefore, to be very
thankful for their safety. They all felt that they had retained their
scalps by a very close shave. To use the expressive language of Carson
employed in narrating the event "The red skins made a good attempt
but, thank God, failed."

Two of the trappers had received, in this affray, wounds; which proved
to be of a serious nature: much more so than they or their companions
thought on the first examination given them. In consequence, the whole
party was obliged to halt and again go into camp, having accomplished
but a very short remove from their savage foes. It became necessary
to maintain a strong and careful guard during the succeeding night,
notwithstanding the labors of the past day and night had been more
than usually arduous. However, they succeeded in passing the night
without further molestation. The next morning, it was found necessary
to make a litter for one of the wounded men whose condition had grown
to be much worse.

The method which the mountaineers adopt for making a litter, they have
taken from the Indians, and is as follows. Take two strong poles, six
feet of which, at either extremity, is allowed for shafts, or handles,
while the patient lies in the intermediate space on a buffalo robe, or
strong sacking, which-ever is most convenient. Two mules or horses
of the same size are then selected; and, to saddles upon each of the
animals, the poles, at their extremities, are fastened. Another and
simpler plan, but one not so comfortable to the patient, is to take
the two poles as before and attach them strongl