He was mounted on one of the most powerful of the steeds, moving leisurely along, leading the rest.

There chanced to be two or three trees not far from the savage.

The moment he caught sight of Carson, his keen eye discerned who his foe was.

Instantly he leaped from his horse, rifle in hand, and rushed at his highest speed for the trees.
Could he but reach that covert, Carson's fate was sealed beyond any possibility of escape.

Sheltered by the trunk of the tree, he could take deliberate aim at his foe, exposed on the open prairie within half rifle shot.
Carson comprehended the peril of his position.