it was intended, which was, to get rid of an ugly customer and to put
strangers on their guard against the man who carried it.

On arriving at Taos, Kit Carson left this party and proceeded
to Rayado, where he was, soon after, actively engaged in farming
pursuits.

During the subsequent winter, a detachment of ten dragoons under the
command of sergeant Holbrook was stationed at Rayado to protect the
little settlement. In order that their animals might have the benefit
of the good grass which was to be found in the mountains at a place
where but little snow fell, the settlers established there a herder's
ranche, posting two men there to look after and guard the property.
The cold months were passed in peace and quiet, but, in the spring the
marauding Apaches came, and, after wounding both of the herders, stole
all the gentle animals, including both horses and mules. One of the
wounded men made his way to Rayado, notwithstanding his injuries, and
gave information of what had happened to himself and companion.
On learning these facts, Kit Carson, the dragoons and three of the
settlers, immediately proceeded to the ranche. They arrived there just
as the shades of night began to fall. Nothing could be attempted until
the dawn of another day, consequently, a camp was ordered and duly
arranged. As the first faint beam of light gilded anew the mountain
tops, the party were up and moving. They soon found the trail made
by the thieves and commenced a sharp pursuit. The pace at which they
traveled became so rapid, that, at the distance of only twenty-five
miles from the spot where they first struck the trail, the Indians
were discovered moving on the prairie a long way in advance. There
remained nothing but an open chase.