Having passed the last visible image in the shape of a sentinel and left the lines behind them at a suitable distance, both men regained their feet, and once more breathed freely.  Their first thought was to look for their shoes, but, alas, they were gone.  In the excitement of the journey, they had not given them a thought since depositing them beneath their belts.  Hardly a word had hitherto passed between these two companions in danger, but now they spoke hurriedly and congratulated each other on the success that so far had attended them, and thanked God in their hearts that He had so mercifully aided them.  There was no time for delay, as they were by no means yet free from danger, though they thought that the worst was over.  Kit Carson was familiar with the country, and well knew the necessity of avoiding, for fear of being discovered, all the well trodden trails and roads which led to San Diego, every one of which was closely watched by the enemy.  He chose a circuitous route, over rocks, hills and wild lands.  The soil was lined with the prickly pear, the thorns of which were penetrating, at almost every step, deep into their bare feet, which, owing to the darkness and the thickness of the plants, they could not avoid.  The town of San Diego was located many miles in a straight line from the point from whence they had started, but, by the round-about route they were obliged to travel, this distance was much lengthened.  All the following day they continued their tramp and made as much progress as possible.  Their mental excitement kept them in good spirits, though, from previous fatigue, the want of food during this time, and by the rapid pace at which they were traveling, they were putting their physical powers to their full test.  Another night closed in around them, yet “ONWARD” was their watchword, for they thought not of rest while those behind them were in such imminent peril.  Kit Carson’s only compass was his eye, which served him so well that soon the dark outlines of the houses of San Diego could just be discerned.  Both men were ready to leap with joy.  They were challenged by the American sentinels about the town, and answered in pure English, “Friends,” which same English was unmistakable proof to the guard from whence they came.  On stating their important business, they were conducted into the presence of Commodore Stockton, to whom they related what we have tried to describe.  Commodore Stockton, with his usual promptitude, immediately detailed a command of about one hundred and seventy men to make forced marches in order to reach and relieve their besieged countrymen.  With as much dispatch as possible, this force set out, taking with them a piece of heavy ordnance, which, for want of animals, the men themselves were obliged to draw, by attaching ropes to it.  Kit Carson did not return with them, for it was considered that he had seen service enough for the present; besides, his feet were badly swollen and inflamed from the