Kit, standing with his rifle brought to his shoulder, informed them that, upon the first hostile demonstration they made, he and his companion would fire.  The Indians commenced shaking their priming into the pans of their flint lock guns, and, while doing so, talked loud and threatened to perform a great many things.  This was a mere ruse to intimidate Kit and his companion and throw them off their guard.  It was, however, well understood and operated to make them only the more vigilant.  This endeavor to draw off Kit’s attention was continued in various ways, but, finally seeing the determined posture of their opponent, they grew weary of the game, and, at last, departed.

The journey was now resumed.  After five days of hard traveling, Kit and his companion entered Bent’s Fort, without further molestation.  Here Kit Carson learned that the Texians had been caught by Captain Cook and his dragoons in United States Territory, and had been disarmed.  This had immediately relieved the conductors of the train from all anxiety.  They had, consequently, continued their route, not thinking a stop at Bent’s Fort necessary as had been anticipated.  Gen. Armijo’s letter of instruction was, accordingly, left by Carson with Mr. Bent who promised to forward it to Santa Fe by the first favorable opportunity.  To pursue and overtake the wagons would be nothing but labor thrown away.  All danger had disappeared.

CHAPTER VIII.

Kit Carson visits Fremont’s Camp—­Goes on the Second Exploring Expedition—­The Necessary Arrangements—­Trip to Salt Lake—­Explorations there—­Carson is dispatched to Fort Hall for Supplies—­Their Operations at Salt Lake—­The Great Island—­The Journey to the Columbia River in Oregon—­Incidents on the Route—­Tlamath Lake—­The Journey to California—­The Trials and Privations met with while crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains—­Mr. Preuss is lost but finds the Party again—­Arrival at Sutter’s Fort in a Destitute Condition—­Two of the Party become deranged—­The Route on the Return Trip—­Mexicans come into their Camp asking Aid and Protection—­Indian Depredations—­Carson and Godey start on a Daring Adventure—­The Pursuit—­The Thieves overtaken—­These Two White Men attack Thirty Indians—­The Victory—­Horses retaken—­The Return to Camp—­One of their Companions killed—­The Journey continued—­Arrival at Bent’s Fort—­The “Fourth of July” Dinner.

A few days before Kit Carson’s arrival at Bent’s Fort, Col.  Fremont had passed by and had informed the Traders there that he was bound on another Exploring Expedition.  Having finished up his business with the Mexicans, Kit thought he would like to see his old commander once again.  Accordingly, he started on his trail:  and, after seventy miles of travel, came up with him.  The meeting proved to be mutually agreeable.  Although Kit Carson had made this visit solely from his desire to see again his old commander and not with a view of joining his second expedition, Col.  Fremont insisted so strongly upon having Kit accompany him that he acquiesced in doing so.