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 charge 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.”