They appeared so suddenly, that the two friends were given little time to make preparation; but, as some distance separated the parties, Kit and the lad hastily consulted over what was best to do.
"It is you whom they are seeking," said the youth, "and your life is worth a great deal more than mine; you have a swift horse; mount him and dash off; perhaps they will spare me, but you cannot help me by staying." "Your offer is a kind one," said Carson much touched by the words of his young friend; "but nothing in the world would induce me to leave you.
We will stick together and if we must die, why let's each take a warrior with us." The leading warrior sauntered toward the couple, while they were hastily consulting together, after the manner of one who felt he was master of the situation.

A broad grin stretched across his painted face, as he extended one hand to salute Carson, while he reached for his rifle with the other.

Just as his fingers were closing around the weapon of the mountaineer, the latter struck him a violent blow in the face, which sent him staggering several paces backward.

The other Utahs instantly ran forward to the help of their comrade.
When they were within a few rods, Carson brought his gun to his shoulder and peremptorily ordered them to halt.

They hesitated, as if uncertain what to do, when he told them that if they advanced another step or made any hostile demonstration, both he and his companion would fire.