in its behalf only a minor consideration.  Owing to want of mail routes, it sometimes becomes necessary to dispatch them on express duty, such as carrying one, or several letters to some distant point.  Their charge is wrapped up in a handkerchief and tied about their waists to prevent being lost.  Then, on a jog trot, they will start out; and over mountains and broken country they will not alter the pace for many consecutive hours, and this for a reward of one or two dollars per diem.  It is not uncommon to meet traveling companions where one is on horseback and the other on foot; but notwithstanding, they will keep together for an entire journey, and complete it as quickly as if the horseman had undertaken it alone.  When, by chance, they come to and stop at a village where there is a fandango or other festive scene in full blast, they will, notwithstanding their long tramp, join in and dissipate as hard as any member present.  Their healthy climate, coarse but plain diet, and the great amount of exercise which they take in the open air, make them capable of a wonderful amount of physical endurance, under which they seem never to grow weary.  In this respect, the only successful rivals which they have, are the Indians.  This was the kind of material Kit Carson had in the Mexican boy, whom he was now about to part with, having detailed him for a very important duty.

That youth had long been known by and had the full confidence of his employer.  He was ready at his bidding to undertake anything.  Therefore, on hearing the mission which Kit proposed sending him on, he promised to use every exertion in its accomplishment, and at once set about its execution.  Having obtained a few rations of provisions, he soon rejoined Carson.  They then proceeded outside of the camp, where he was to receive his final instructions.  By the dim light of the moon, Kit pointed in the direction of Rayado, where he was to travel; and, after warning him of the dangerous places that lay in his route, and giving him the message that he was to deliver to the commanding officer at Rayado, he bid him good bye, with the words, “be sure and leave a good many miles between us, by to-morrow’s sunrise.”  The distance to the settlement of Rayado, from Kit Carson’s camp, was between two and three hundred miles, yet, this runner was capable of travelling it in as short a period of time, as could any ordinary horse.  Kit now returned among his men, not to sleep, but to watch.  This he did until the break of the following day, when he summoned all hands to hitch up the teams and proceed.  Until twelve o’clock no Indians were visible; but, at about that hour, five of the savages were seen approaching.  On they came, and when within speaking distance, Kit Carson ordered them to halt.  They obeyed his command.  On scanning them closer he bade them come nearer, when, he informed them, “that the night before he had sent an express to Rayado, for the purpose of letting the troops there know of the annoyances