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