considering that this was the spot, called San Francisco, which he had
visited in former years. This metropolis, however, like all others,
presented few attractions to Kit Carson's vision, further than its
objects of curiosity, which were a source of interest and amusement to
him. When he had finished sight seeing he was ready and anxious to
be on his way to New Mexico. Previous to his setting out, he went on
business to Sacramento City. While there, he received a message from
his friend and partner, Maxwell, asking him to wait until the latter
could come in with a herd of sheep from Carson River, when they could
join forces and return home together.

Kit Carson's stay in California was shortened by the annoyance (as
he considered it) of being made a lion. His society was constantly
courted by men whom he had never seen; he was passed free on
steamboats and to all places of public amusement; and, in fact,
the people, in acknowledging his worth, treated him with marked
distinction. He was pointed out wherever he went as a man who had done
the State great service. This reward of his merit was indeed a just
tribute to his worth. Kit felt himself highly honored and favored,
but he did not expect or wish such attention. He felt himself to be a
humble individual, who had honestly and faithfully performed his duty,
as it had been assigned to him, and his modesty would not allow him to
ask or be willing to receive any other than the unexpressed opinion
of the people. There were some men (there always are such persons in
every community) who sought his company expecting to hear him boast
of his deeds and proclaim himself a hero such as had never before
existed; but, what must have been their surprise on seeing his
unassuming bearing, his disregard of notoriety, and his anxiety to
escape that popularity which they themselves would have highly prized.
Tired, by the anxiety and hard work of bringing his property over a