Those who lead lives of hardship and peril are generally fond of such indulgence, and, though the trappers could not fail to understand the purpose of the Mexicans, and though they knew the disastrous consequences of giving away to temptation, they yielded and took in their mouths the enemy which stole away their brains.
The employer became alarmed and saw that something must be done at once or everything would be lost.

Carson had been too wise to fall into the snare, and he turned to him.
"Take three of the soberest men," said he, "and the loose animals and camp equipage and push out of the place.

I will join you as soon as I can, but you mustn't linger for me.

If I fail to join you, hasten to New Mexico and make known that I and the rest of my men have been massacred." These instructions were definite and they showed the gravity of the situation.

Carson did as directed, while the employer gave his attention to the rest of the men.