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 do otherwise than lend their aid in the fight and cheerfully
did so.

There always existed such a feeling of brotherly love among the old
trappers of the Rocky Mountains, that the hour of peril was never the