The great scout admitted that he was never more utterly deceived and entrapped by the red man in all his life.

But he saw in the occurrence a deeper significance than appeared on the surface.

The ambush into which he and his friends had been led was only a part of the campaign against the entire party, who, weakened by the absence of Carson and his companions were likely to fall victims to such a large band of warriors.

Trembling with fear for their comrades, they again forced their animals to a high speed and lost no time in making their way back to camp.

They found everything in good shape, much to their relief, and were not at all surprised to learn of the visit that had been made by the savages during the absence of Kit and his companions.
The wounds of the two trappers who were shot while running the fiery gauntlet, were found to be of such a serious nature that the party had not gone far when they were obliged to go into camp again.