CHAPTER XV.

Kit Carson's last Trapping Expedition--He embarks in a
Speculation--His Trip to California with a large Flock of
Sheep--The Method employed by Mexicans in driving Herds
and their Dexterity--Kit Carson goes to San Francisco--Its
wonderful Growth--Maxwell joins Kit Carson at Sacramento
City--The Lucky Speculation--The Return Trip to New Mexico and
its Adventures--The Mormon Delegate to Congress informs Kit
Carson of his Appointment as Indian Agent--Kit Carson enters
upon the Duties of his Office--Bell's Fight with the
Apaches on Red River--Kit Carson's Interview with the
same Indians--High-handed Measures on the Part of the
Apaches--Davidson's desperate Fight with them--The Soldiers
defeated with severe loss--Davidson's Bravery is unjustly
questioned--Kit Carson's Opinion of it--The Apaches elated
by their Victory--Their Imitations of the Actions of Military
Men.


The expedition into the United States which terminated with the last
chapter, proved to be valuable in its results so far as the parties
engaged in it were concerned. Kit Carson was once more trying hard to
keep quiet in his comfortable home at Rayado. But his restless spirit
was not proof against this inactivity. His stay at home therefore was
short. The memories of other days came upon him, and he longed once