head
men among the savages led off by making several lengthy and unmeaning
speeches. In their replies, the trappers came directly to the point,
and said they could hear no overtures for peace, until their property
was restored to them. The Indians, upon hearing this demand several
times repeated, began to presume upon their strength, assuming an
overbearing demeanor. After considerable talk among themselves, they
sent out and brought in five of the poorest horses, declaring that
it was the only number they could return. The trappers, upon hearing
this, ran for their arms; when, the Indians instantly started for
theirs. The fight was now renewed by both parties. Kit Carson, in the
rush made for the rifles, and one of his companions named Markhead,
succeeded in getting hold of their weapons first; and consequently,
they formed the advance in the return to the contest. They selected
for their antagonists, two Indians who were close together; but, who
were partially concealed behind separate trees. As Kit was on the
point of raising his rifle to fire he saw by a quick side glance at
Markhead, that he was working at the lock of his gun without paying
attention to his adversary who was aiming at him with, almost, a
certainty of killing him. Kit instantly changed the direction of his
rifle and fired, sending a bullet through the heart of Markhead's
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 in