source, they wisely judged the red men would be less apprehensive of
an attack. Their movements were made slowly and with great care in
order not to alarm the savages. Having obtained a position close
enough to observe the strength of their enemies, they stopped to
reconnoitre. The men then crept for a long distance on their hands and
knees until finally they obtained a full view of the Indians, which
showed them that the savages had erected two rough forts and that they
were now divided into two parties. A dance was in progress in honor of
the robbery so recently perpetrated, which proved conclusively, that
they were without even a suspicion of danger. Just outside one of the
forts, the nine stolen animals were securely tied. This sight did not
tend to allay the wrath of the trappers. They resolved that come what
might the attempt to regain their property and punish the Indians
should be made notwithstanding their strength. To insure success in
spite of their weakness, they determined to conceal themselves and
wait quietly until the Indians had lain down for sleep. During this
time of suspense the trappers were subjected to great suffering
for the weather was intensely cold and they possessed but a scanty
allowance of clothing fit for such work. But as there is an end to all
things, there was an end to the dance and other festivities and the
savages sought their rest. At last the time for action arrived. Kit
Carson and five of his companions commenced crawling towards the
stolen horses, which, on reaching, were easily set free by cutting
their halters. They then threw snow-balls at them and by this means
drove them away without disturbing the sleeping Indians. The trappers
who acted as a reserve party soon after joined Kit and his companions;
and, after retreating some distance in order to be out of the hearing
of the enemy, they held a council to obtain the views of each member
of the party as to their next step. It appeared that a difference of
opinion existed; some of the men were in favor of returning, having
recovered their property and sustained no damage. The remainder,
those who had lost no animals, wanted satisfaction for the trouble
and hardship they had undergone while in pursuit of the thieves.
Kit Carson and two others composed this latter party and thus were
determined to punish the thieves, let the consequences of the attempt
be ever so fatal. The more peaceful party, seeing this earnestness,
could not