When a hundred yards distant, Carson compelled them to halt.

Then he allowed them to come closer and told them he had lost patience with their annoyances, and the night before had sent an express to Rayado (where his ranche was built), asking the troops to see that the persecution was stopped.

Should it so happen that the soldiers came and found the party massacred, they would take the trail of the Cheyennes and punish them for what they had done.
The cunning Indians, before accepting the statement of the leader, said they would examine the prairie for the trail of the messenger.

Carson assisted them in the search, and it did not take long to find the moccasin tracks.

A brief scrutiny also satisfied the warriors he had started so many hours before, that it was useless to try to overtake him.
The result was the attack and massacre were not made, and, though the assistance which was asked was sent, yet it was not needed.