Although he did not explain nor share his feelings with his companions, it soon became evident that Kit Carson was suspicious of the presence of other foes. Several times he had dropped behind the little cavalcade and as frequently had gone in advance of the body. It seemed more and more strange to Reuben that a man so boyish and slight as Kit Carson, in spite of his youth, should have such absolute control and such loyal support of the men who made up the little company. Late in the afternoon Carson, who had been serving for an hour as the advance guard, hastily rejoined his fellows and said: “There are twenty-five redskins ahead. They have stopped right near the trail.” “What are they?” inquired one of the men in a whisper. “Blackfeet.” “Are they armed?” “Yes.” “How many horses have they?” “There are as many horses as there are men.” “Do you think they know we are coming?” “I have no doubt of it.” “What shall we do?” “Drive them out.” “It can’t be done! It can’t be done! We haven’t but seven men.” “Yes, it can be done,” said Kit quietly. “Now if you’ll do just what I say, I’ll show you how.” Seeing his calmness and confidence, a new spirit of enthusiasm entered the hearts of the men, and they all cordially and willingly followed the directions of the young scout. Three of them were selected to advance along the trail toward the Indians. The other four, together with their prisoner, were to be concealed in a cluster of bushes near which the halt had been made. Just what the young Indian in their midst would do if left to himself no one of the trappers knew, but as they were fearful that he might try to betray them it was deemed wiser to compel him to remain where he then was. “Now, men,” said Kit Carson, as he and one of the trappers, named Jake, and Reuben prepared to leave their companions, “see that you do not expose yourselves. Every one of you hide and keep hidden until we have joined you. You may think when you first see us that you ought to fire right away, but hold your powder until we come. Now, don’t forget that!” As soon as these instructions had been given, the scout, together with his two companions, started along the trail in the direction of the place where the Indians had been seen. Reuben was excited and yet he was so elated over the consent which had been given him to accompany Kit Carson on this perilous adventure that he was almost unmindful of the danger that confronted him. They had left their ponies behind them, and now as they drew near the place where they were expecting to behold the Blackfeet Reuben glanced excitedly at his two companions. Neither of them, however, betrayed any alarm, and in a brief time they had come within sight of the camp.