had received a promise from him to the effect that he would join,
as guide, any party of discovery, for the further exploration of the
Rocky Mountains, which he, Col. Fremont, should command.

During the active duties of a farmer's life, and just as Kit Carson
had brought his new enterprise into working order, an expressman from
Col. Fremont arrived at his ranche, bearing dispatches to Carson. The
purport of these dispatches was to remind Kit Carson of his promise,
to inform him of the organization of a third expedition, and to
appoint a place where Kit Carson might find his old commander.

The express found Carson in the midst of so many cares and anxieties
concerning his new project, that it became a very difficult matter for
him to keep his word. But the sacrifice of pecuniary interest was but
a slight consideration with Kit, when weighed in the balance against
his promise. He knew that his promise had not been either lightly
given or received. Col. Fremont, by it, had the first right to his
time and energies, and had formed his expectations accordingly; and
Kit lost, therefore, no time in making preparations to satisfy these
expectations by reporting himself at the appointed place of meeting,
ready for the march.

But to effect this was attended with no slight difficulties. Kit
Carson had a large sum invested in his improvements, by way of
payments for labor, as well as purchases of stock, provision, farming
tools, utensils, teams, wagons, seed, and stock in general. The
erection of his house, barns, etc., was under an advance which reached
far towards completion. But with Kit Carson, his word was worth more
than prospective losses which its fulfillment would entail. In company
with Mr. Owens, he set himself actively at work to effect a complete