Still the brave Indians rushed on, when suddenly there was opened upon them another deadly fire from the revolvers.

This was a reinforcement of the strength of their foes which the savages had not anticipated.

They hesitated, staggered as if smitten by a heavy blow, and then slowly and sullenly retreated, until they were far beyond pistol range.

Some of the mountaineers were on horseback to carry swift aid to any imperilled comrade.

Kit Carson was also mounted and with his eagle eye was watching every act of his little army.
One of his aids, a mountaineer by the name of Cotton, was thrown from his horse, which slipped upon some smooth stones, and fell upon his rider, fastening him helpless to the ground.