The white eyes were surprised too by the accidental contact. Both Kiowas knew immediately they were in danger. Even as the rifle bearing Kiowa watched their enemies dismount he now noticed one was not white but an Indian but could not recognize from what tribe. No matter, he rode with the white eyes, he too was their deadly enemy.

He raised his Henry up to shoot, neither of these men had bothered with their horses, just their rifles but then they did not shoot? Better for him then, he raised a war whoop and opened fire. But not at the men instead at the horses. Even a trained cavalry horse will spook under fire. And if he hit one all the better!

His shoulder kicked as the shot erupted then he levered the weapon for a second shot without even waiting to see what his first shot might have done. 

Meanwhile the other Kiowa, who had lost his balance (and rifle) had fallen backward onto his butt in the water which was not deep. He at least had the benefit of being in the high reeds and currently out of sight of their enemies. But he had another major problem, he did not have his gun! It either landed in the water and sank or was amongst the reeds. Desperately he began to look for it.