They withdrew and went into council, while Carson and his friends pushed rapidly forward.
The peril in which this little command was placed could not be overestimated.

There were not twenty men all told and except two or three, were Mexicans who in no respect were the superiors if indeed they were the equals of the Cheyennes.

Had Carson been absent a score of warriors could have charged into camp and slain every one.

Instead of a score there were several hundred of them: if they chose to make the attack he knew there was no escape.
The horses, therefore, were lashed to do their utmost.

The train pushed forward with all speed, while the apprehensive leader continually glanced back over the prairie, almost certain of seeing the Cheyennes galloping toward them.