that they were convinced that one or the other of the combatants
would be killed. Captain Shunan had been so loud in his boasts that
he did not dare swallow the insult, put on him by the fragile Kit
Carson. Had he done so, he would have been hooted out of camp and
probably lynched.

As for Kit, his courage was beyond suspicion. He feared no man and
was sure to acquit himself creditably no matter in what circumstances
he was placed. He was the most popular member of the large company,
while his antagonist was the most detested; but the love of fair
play was such that no one would interfere, no matter how great the
need for doing so.

The duellists, as they may be called, mounted each his horse and
circling about the plain, speedily headed toward each other and
dashed forward on a dead run. As they approached, they reined up
and halted face to face, within arm's length.

Looking his antagonist straight in the eye, Carson demanded:

"Are you looking for me?"

"Have you any business with me?"

"No," growled the savage Frenchman; but, while the words were in
his mouth, brought his rifle to his shoulder, and, pointing it at
the breast of Carson, pulled the trigger; but Kit expected some
such treacherous act, and, before the gun could be fired, he threw
up his pistol and discharged it as may be said, across the barrel
of the leveled weapon.