The employer set about raising a party strong enough to return to the trapping grounds, chastise the hostiles and resume business.

Knowing the skill and bravery of the young Kentuckian, the gentleman made him an offer to join the party and Kit eagerly accepted it.
The Mexicans have never been particularly friendly toward their neighbors north of the Rio Grande, and at that time a very strict law was in force which forbade the issuance of any license to American citizens to trap within Mexican territory.

The company which mounted their horses and rode out of Taos gave the authorities to understand that their errand was simply to chastise the red men, whereas their real purpose was to engage in trapping.

With a view of misleading the officers, they took a roundabout route which delayed their arrival in the section.

Nevertheless, the hunters were desirous of punishing the Indians who had taken such liberties with the small party that preceded them.