CHAPTER XIII.

Kit Carson at his Home—­The Apache Indians become hostile—­An Expedition sent against them—­It is not successful—­Another is organized, with which, Kit Carson goes as Guide—­Two Indian Chiefs captured—­Other Incidents of the Trip—­Colonel Beall attempts to force the Indians to give up Mexican Captives—­Two thousand Savages on the Arkansas River—­The Visit to them—­Kit Carson emigrates and builds a Ranche at Rayado—­Description of the Valley—­The Massacre of a Santa Fe Merchant—­His Wife is made Prisoner—­The Expedition sent to rescue her—­The Indians overtaken—­Bad Counsel and Management—­The commanding Officer wounded—­Mrs. White’s Body found—­Severe Snow-storm on the Plains—­One Man frozen to Death—­Kit Carson returns to Rayado—­The occupation of a Farmer resumed—­The Apaches steal from the Settlers nearly all their Animals—­Kit Carson with thirteen others in the Pursuit—­The Surprise—­A running Fight—­The Animals recovered—­A gallant Sergeant and his Fate—­Kit Carson and Goodel go on a Trading Expedition to meet California Emigrants at Fort Laramie—­Humorous Adventures—­The Dangers that beset the Road to New Mexico—­Hair-breadth Escape—­Arrival at Taos, 322

CHAPTER XIV.

Kit Carson reaches Home—­Himself and Neighbors robbed by the Apaches—­Major Grier goes in Pursuit of, and recaptures the stolen Stock—­A Plot organized by White Men to murder two Santa Fe Traders for their Money—­The Disclosure—­Kit Carson goes to the Rescue of the Traders—­The Camp of United States Recruits—­Captain Snell with twenty Men joins Kit Carson and they two make the Arrest of Fox—­Gratitude expressed by the Traders—­Money offered but refused—­The Prisoner taken to Taos and incarcerated—­Kit Carson receives a magnificent Pair of Revolvers as a Present from the grateful Traders—­The return to Rayado—­A Trading Expedition to the United States—­The return Journey—­An Encounter with the Cheyenne Indians—­A State of Suspense—­The Deliverance from Danger by a Message sent by a Mexican Runner—­The arrival at Rayado, 361

CHAPTER XV.

Kit Carson’s last Trapping Expedition—­He embarks in a Speculation—­His Trip to California with a large Flock of Sheep—­The Method employed by Mexicans in driving Herds and their Dexterity—­Kit Carson goes to San Francisco—­Its wonderful Growth—­Maxwell joins Kit Carson at Sacramento City—­The Lucky Speculation—­The Return Trip to New Mexico and its Adventures—­The Mormon Delegate to Congress informs Kit Carson of his Appointment as Indian Agent—­Kit Carson enters upon the Duties of his Office—­Bell’s Fight with the Apaches on Red River—­Kit Carson’s Interview with the same Indian—­High-handed Measures on the Part of the Apaches—­Davidson’s desperate Fight with them—­The Soldiers defeated with severe loss—­Davidson’s Bravery is unjustly questioned—­Kit Carson’s Opinion of it—­The Apaches elated by their Victory—­Their Imitations of the Actions of Military Men, 389