him to Taos, where he was imprisoned for some time; but was finally released, as nothing positive could be proved against him, chiefly because he had committed no overt act, but had only, thus far, engaged in plotting the double murder and robbery.  This is always a difficult crime to establish.  In this instance, the difficulty was greatly augmented from the fact that the witnesses in the case, as soon as they heard of Fox’s capture, scattered and left for parts unknown.  He was finally set at liberty.

[Footnote 21:  Buffalo chips form the principal fuel of the plains.  It is dry buffalo manure.]

At that day the keeping of a prisoner in close confinement in New Mexico, or of having him continually under the surveillance of the military was no ordinary, or easy matter.  The only places which could be converted into jails, were the common adobe houses of the inhabitants.  From these a wide awake and determined prisoner with the free use of his hands, and the assistance of the smallest kind of a tool, as a jack-knife or pair of scissors, could dig out of his dungeon in five or six hours.  The large majority of the criminals who were thus incarcerated, managed to effect their escape.  In the case of Fox, however, he had a man to deal with who was seldom thwarted in any of his undertakings.  With so much convicting evidence of his wicked intentions, and with so much trouble to bring him to trial, it was greatly regretted, that he did not receive a suitable punishment.  As soon as he was set free, Fox made his way out of the country; but his further history is not known.

The general impression left upon the minds of the people who were familiar with the minutiae of this affair was, that Fox was guilty.  As he was known to be a finished villain, it was universally believed that, after murdering and plundering the two traders, he intended to grasp the “lion’s share,” and with his portion, to proceed to Texas, where, as he was there entirely unknown, he hoped to enjoy the rewards of his rascality.

This valuable service rendered to Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead, was most gracefully and handsomely rewarded by them.  In the course of the following spring, they presented Kit with a pair of magnificent revolvers.  Upon the silver mountings, there were engraved a very few, but expressive words, indicating the obligations which the donors considered themselves laboring under towards their deliverer.  Such a testimonial to an unselfish heart like that which beats in the breast of Kit Carson, is a prize of greater value than any more substantial gift, which money could purchase.  These beautiful weapons, Kit Carson prizes very highly; and, the donors may here learn the fact that, in the hands of their owner, they have since been duly initiated into active service, and found to perform their necessary duties most admirably.