formed a puzzle to many an inquiring mind. By some they are supposed
to be Indian graves; but, by others, they are thought to have been
made as a sort of landmark by the older inhabitants of the plains,
when they started into New Mexico on some marauding incursion. These
latter persons believe that the Indians were unacquainted with the
country they were invading, and had left these marks to assist them in
making their way out again. Most likely the first hypothesis is true,
and that the stones were thus heaped up to protect the corpses from
being devoured by the wolves. On quitting Rayado Kit Carson struck out
on the open prairies.

By making an expeditious march, Kit Carson felt that the traders could
yet be saved. His party consisted of ten picked men of the dragoons,
and it was splendidly mounted on horses furnished him to assist in the
undertaking. The pace which Kit commanded and required was one which
would try the nerves and courage of most good horsemen. Onward, over
the level prairie, the party galloped--every man feeling proud of the
guide, whose spirit they caught and imitated. The second night out
from Taos they came upon the camp of a detachment of United States
recruits who were under the command of Captain Ewell, and who were
bound for New Mexico, where they were to reinforce the regiments of
the army which were stationed in that territory.

It is customary to send out, each year, detachments of recruits to
the different departments of the West. These men are enlisted and
collected at the dépôts within the States; and, whenever a sufficient
force is collected to fill up the requisitions, they are dispatched,
at the proper seasons, to their respective regiments. Those intended
for New Mexico set out during the summer months. They are rarely sent
at the same time, or as the same command of men. These recruits are