The other and much longer route, was to follow down the small stream upon whose banks they were encamped, for several miles, until they reached its entrance into the larger river.
Four of the trappers, led by Kit Carson, undertook to cross this Rocky Mountain peak, and explore the valley beyond.

They mounted four horses, laden with their traps, and other articles essential for a short trapping excursion.

Probably the Indians, hidden in the distance, were with keen eyes watching every movement at the camp.

Carson and his companions had been absent but about four hours, and others of the party were dispersed in search of game, when a large band of Indians, mounted on fleet horses, with flaunting pennons, and hair streaming in the wind, and making the cliffs resound with their yells, succeeded in liberating a large number of the horses, and with their booty, rapidly disappeared down the winding glen.
This all took place in almost less time than it has required to describe it.

The hardihood and fearlessness of these hunters is signally manifest in the fact that four of these men instantly grasped their rifles, and springing upon four of the fleetest of their remaining horses, set out in pursuit of these savages, who outnumbered them ten to one.