One of the men however was seriously wounded, having been struck by a bullet from one of the Indian warriors, several of whom were armed with rifles.
In the meantime, Carson and his companions, after surmounting great difficulties, reached the valley they sought, and to their disappointment, found no beaver there.

Crossing the ridge had proved so difficult, that they decided to return by the more circuitous route of the two valleys.

As they were riding along on their pathless way, they suddenly came upon four Indian warriors, evidently on the war-path; painted, plumed and armed in the highest style of military decoration.

The four Indians instantly turned their horses and fled.

The four trappers at once spurred on their steeds, and pursued them.
They were dashing on at their highest speed, when suddenly they found they had been led into an ambush.