find themselves
confronted by four Utah Indians on the war path. They appeared
so suddenly, that the two friends were given little time to make
preparation; but, as some distance separated the parties, Kit and the
lad hastily consulted over what was best to do.

"It is you whom they are seeking," said the youth, "and your life is
worth a great deal more than mine; you have a swift horse; mount him
and dash off; perhaps they will spare me, but you cannot help me by
staying."

"Your offer is a kind one," said Carson much touched by the words of his
young friend; "but nothing in the world would induce me to leave you.
We will stick together and if we must die, why let's each take a warrior
with us."

The leading warrior sauntered toward the couple, while they were hastily
consulting together, after the manner of one who felt he was master of
the situation. A broad grin stretched across his painted face, as he
extended one hand to salute Carson, while he reached for his rifle with
the other. Just as his fingers were closing around the weapon of the
mountaineer, the latter struck him a violent blow in the face, which
sent him staggering several paces backward. The other Utahs instantly
ran forward to the help of their comrade.

When they were within a few rods, Carson brought his gun to his shoulder
and peremptorily ordered them to halt. They hesitated, as if uncertain
what to do, when he told them that if they advanced another step or made
any hostile demonstration, both he and his companion would fire. They
would be sure of hitting two of the warriors, when it would become
something like an even fight, with two on each side, and with the
prospect that the red men might suffer still further.

But the Indians were not to be bluffed in such an easy fashion. They
brandished their guns, shook powder in the pans and talked boastingly of
what they meant to do. They were double the number of their enemies and
they would teach them how brave Utah warriors were.

Neither Carson nor the lad was disturbed by these demonstrations, which
meant to intimidate them. The mountaineer whispered to his brave young
companion to keep on his guard against any sudden rush or demonstration.
But the lad scarcely needed the warning. He was as alert and vigilant
as his friend. Had the red men attempted anything hostile, the two would
have fired instantly and then drawn their pistols and been ready for the
others.

The Utahs finally saw it was