trounce any one there. In the midst of his bluster, Carson walked
up in front of him and said in a voice loud enough to be heard by
those around:

"Captain Shunan, there are plenty here who can easily chastise you,
but they prefer to submit to your impudence for the sake of peace:
however, we have had enough and now I notify you to stop at once
or I shall kill you!"

These were astounding words, and, as may be supposed, when uttered
by a man six inches shorter and many pounds lighter than the
blustering Captain, they fairly took away his breath. Carson spoke
in his quiet, soft voice, as though there was not the least cause
for excitement; but those who knew him, noted the flash of his
clear, gray eye and understood his deadly earnestness.

Captain Shunan was infuriated by the words of Carson. As soon as
he could recover himself, he turned about and without speaking a
word, walked to his quarters. Kit did not need be told what that
meant. He did the same, walking to his own lodge, from which he
speedily emerged holding a single barrel pistol. He was so anxious
to be on the ground in time, that he caught up the first weapon
that presented itself.

Almost at the same moment, Captain Shunan appeared with his rifle.
Carson observed him, and, though he could have secured without
difficulty a similar weapon, he did not do so. He was willing to
give his burly antagonist the advantage, if it should prove such.
The other trappers as may be supposed, watched the actions of the
two men with breathless interest. The quarrel had taken such a course