He was the bravest of the brave and therefore they respected him.
But he was a truthful and just man.

He had never lied to them, as most of the white men did, and he had shown his confidence in them by walking alone and unattended into the very heart of their encampment.

They were eager to rend to shreds every pale face upon whom they could lay hands, but "Father Kit" was safe within their lodges and wigwams.
Carson made an admirable speech.

He at first caused every serpent-like eye to sparkle, by his delicate flattery.

Then he tried hard to convince them that their hostility to the whites could result only in injury to themselves, since the Great Father at Washington had hundreds and thousands of warriors whom he would send to replace such as might lose their lives.