It was fortunate that just at that moment there came a lull in the furious fighting, else Carson could scarcely have escaped so well.

The runaway horse was pursued by one of the mountaineers who finally cornered and brought him back to their leader.
The Blackfeet did not follow the whites, nor did the latter return to their charge against them.

Both parties had gained a thorough taste of each other's mettle, and the conclusion reached was like that of two trained pugilists--their strength was so nearly equal that neither could afford to throw away his advantage by leading in the assault.
Undoubtedly Carson and his men would have withdrawn but for the hope that the reserves were close at hand.

The trappers had fought valiantly but not more so than the Indians, who still possessed plenty ammunition while that of the whites was nearly exhausted.

Had they advanced and encountered the warriors again, the latter would have swept everything before them.