er. Within the
wigwams, the party found a very large amount of fish in different
stages of preservation for future use. Wishing to do these people as
much harm as possible, and thus be even with them for their recent
savage cruelties on their own party, Kit Carson gave the order to
collect everything in the lodges and arrange the articles in such
manner that fire would either destroy, or completely damage them.
Having accomplished this work, the lighted tinder was applied, when
the flames leaped high up in the air, forming a fit funeral pyre for
their slain companions. Fremont saw the reflection of the fire, and
also the smoke, and at once knew that Kit Carson was engaged with the
Indians; consequently, he pushed on at a very rapid pace to assist
him. He arrived too late for what the men called the sport; but
instead, heard the report of his lieutenant and guide, Kit Carson,
whose words, to use his (Fremont's) own language, "are synonymous with
truth." The gloom which had prevailed over the party, while the men
recounted to their friends the details of the fight was temporarily
dispelled; and, while thus engaged, the command moved on about two
miles from the Indian village. Having here selected a site, they
went into camp. After comfortably stowing themselves away in this
resting-place, another "war talk" was called, and what was best to be
done was canvassed over. After the adjournment of the council,
Fremont decided to send back twenty men, under Richard Owens, to the
neighborhood of the ruins of the village, there to conceal themselves
and await the return of the Indians; who, it was thought, might come
back to look after their dead. He did so; and Owens had not been
secreted a great while before about fifty savages returned, and, by
the moon's light, were quite visible. As had been previously agreed
upon, word was sent by a trusty messenger to Fremont, who, with six
companions, Kit Carson being of the number, hastened on horseback
to join his outpost. For fear of being discovered, Fremont chose a
different route from the one taken by Owens, which was quite
direct, while that of the former was circuitous. On approaching the
smouldering remains of the village, Kit Carson discovered only one
Indian wandering about on the ground. As soon almost as he was seen by
the party, they made a dash at him. Kit Carson was in the advance, and
on arriving within about ten feet of the warrior, he drew up his
horse and brought his ri