his last defense.

The very audacity of the movement amazed the Indians. By the time
they comprehended what the white men were doing, they were thundering
in front of them. Then the warriors opened fire, and the bullets
whistled about the horses and riders, who kept their steeds to the
highest bent and finally passed beyond danger -- their escape one
of the most extraordinary on record.

The Indians did not pursue the hunters, two of whom had been struck
by their bullets, and Carson and his friends drew their horses
down to a more moderate pace. The great scout admitted that he was
never more utterly deceived and entrapped by the red man in all
his life. But he saw in the occurrence a deeper significance than
appeared on the surface. The ambush into which he and his friends
had been led was only a part of the campaign against the entire
party, who, weakened by the absence of Carson and his companions
were likely to fall victims to such a large band of warriors.
Trembling with fear for their comrades, they again forced their
animals to a high speed and lost no time in making their way back
to camp. They found everything in good shape, much to their relief,
and were not at all surprised to learn of the visit that had been
made by the savages during the absence of Kit and his companions.

The wounds of the two trappers who were shot while running the fiery
gauntlet, were found to be of such a serious nature that the party
had not gone far when they were obliged to go into camp again.
One of them especially, was in such a bad way that it was found
necessary to carry him on a litter until the main camp was reached.
There he was allowed to rest and everything possible was done