With little else to do, Brewer took cover behind some conveniently placed rocks, and crawled to the cover of some scrub bush when the coast seemed clear. Just like Adams and the ill fated Richardson, he crouched in terror, listening to his friends being killed and mutilated nearby. Once several hours had gone by, Brewer crawled bleeding down the canyon trail in the hopes that he could warn Adams and the others.
But once he reached the valley, he knew it was too late. Brewer also tried to get to the burnt-out cabin and retrieve the hidden fortune they had amassed, but as he approached he heard footsteps coming his way. He quickly hid in a gully while two dark figured crept past. It is highly likely that this was Adams and Richardson, in their own failed attempt to retrieve the gold!
Retracing his steps out of the canyon, Brewer wandered for several days before chancing upon a friendly Indian village. Here he was fed and cared for until he was well enough to return to a white settlement, with new bride to boot! Brewer never sought to find the canyon again, satisfied with the wife that he had gained from the trip. Adams may have gotten away with a large and valuable gold nugget, but John Brewer found a different sort of treasure.