adversary; but, in thus saving the life of his friend, he was obliged,
for the instant, to neglect his own adversary. A quick glance showed
him the fellow sighting over his rifle and that the mouth of the
Indian's gun covered his breast. Upon the instant he endeavored to
dodge the bullet, but he was unsuccessful in doing so completely. It
struck him in such a way that, first cutting the skin of his neck and
glancing, it passed through his left shoulder. The head of the bone,
of the arm in the shoulder was shattered; but, fortunately, the
main artery of the arm escaped injury. Notwithstanding his wound Kit
immediately endeavored to reload his rifle. In this effort he was
unsuccessful, for his left arm hung powerless by his side. He was
obliged, therefore, to remain a mere spectator during the remainder
of the fight; when, being overcome by the loss of blood and the
consequent fast increasing weakness, he threw himself upon the ground.
The fight continued to be hotly contested by both the trappers and
Indians until, gradually, the firing ceased, when the trappers drew
off and went into camp. They did not dare to light any fires, as they
would inevitably bring the Indians upon them. With nothing but their
saddle-blankets to protect them from the bitter cold, even the safe
and sound members of the party suffered severely. Kit's condition
failed not to arouse the heartfelt sympathy of his friends, for there
was not one among them who would not have readily risked life and limb
to save Kit's. But his condition was most critical; at the least, he
was in a most unenviable condition. His wounds bled profusely,
and, the blood, as it oozed out, froze to the rude dressings. This,
undoubtedly, in the final result, was beneficial to him, as the cold
acted as a partial check upon the hemorrhage. It was, however, none
the less painful to endure. He bore his agonizing sufferings without
a single murmur, exhibiting in patient fortitude and resignation the
same brave spirit and dauntless courage which distinguished him in