ping in
comfort without a fire. That they dare not make, fearing it would
prove a warning signal to the savages. Having worried through the
remainder of this cold and cheerless night, they arose early in the
morning and went to the bottom of a deep ravine where they kindled
a small fire and succeeded in warming themselves. At daybreak they
re-saddled their jaded horses and once more started upon the trail.
Just as the sun was rising they discovered the Indians. When first
seen they were encamped two miles in advance, and were enjoying a
breakfast on horse steaks, having already killed five of the stolen
animals. Kit Carson and his friend dismounted, and, concealing their
horses near by, held a council of war. They decided to crawl in among
the herd of stolen animals which were grazing, without guard, at a
short distance from the camp of the savages. Upon reaching the horses,
they agreed to be guided by circumstances. First divesting themselves
of all useless apparel, they commenced their task. After much cautious
labor they gained their point and stood among the animals. As soon,
however, as they arrived, one of the young horses of the band became
frightened at the grotesque figures cut by the two creeping men and
exhibited his fear by snorting and kicking up his heels. This alarmed
the remainder of the horses and caused quite a commotion among them,
which had the effect to alarm the savages, who sprang for their arms.
With a yell, Carson and Godey instantly turned towards the savages. As
soon as they were all fairly in view the two white men saw that they
had thirty warriors before them to deal with. When they had advanced
within rifle range Kit Carson halted and, aiming his rifle at the
stoutest looking brave, fired. The fierce savage fell with a cry
of anguish. Godey had also halted and fired, but he missed his aim.
Instantly reloading, he made the second attempt and this time brought
down a warrior. While these events were taking place the red men were
running about in great confusion. Occasionally they returned a few
arrows, but they all proved but harmless missiles. The fact was the
Indians were puzzled what to think of the audacity of the two men.
Evidently they considered them to be an advance party of some strong
force, acting with a view of decoying them into a close fight. Acting
upon this they began to fly in every direction except that from which
danger impended. Kit and Godey, as they had calculated, were t