This single act of the famous mountaineer shows his character in its true light.
In the first place, it must be remembered that Kit Carson was a man of slight figure and was never noted for his strength.

Many of his companions were much more powerful, though none was so quick and active in his movements.

His wonderful success lay in his coolness, agility, skill and bravery, which never "overleaped itself." As we have stated, he was below the medium stature, and never could have attained a tithe of his renown, had his muscular strength formed a necessary part of his requirements.
On the other hand, the Indian thief whom he was pursuing, was exceptionally powerful, athletic and one of the most desperate men on the whole frontier.

He cared nothing for Carson, nor for any single member of the company he had left.

He would expect pursuit and would be on the watch for it.