ave suspected the
truth--that is that no others were near. They must have believed that a
strong reserve was close at hand and that if they tarried in camp they
would be overwhelmed by a party of avengers. Accordingly they broke and
ran, leaving the daring mountaineers masters of the field.

In accordance with the savage spirit of the border, Godey scalped the
two Indians who had been shot, after which the horses were gathered
together and driven to where the steeds of the mountaineers had been
left.

But when this point was reached, Carson expressed himself as not
satisfied: they had not ascertained the fate of the captives and they
now proceeded to do so.

In the camp of the Mexicans were found the mangled bodies of the two
men. These were buried by Carson and Godey who made search for the
women. Though nothing of them was discovered, it was afterwards learned
that they, too, had been killed. Having done all that was possible,
Carson and Godey made their way back to Fremont's camp, where the
stolen property was turned over to the Mexicans, the daring mountaineers
refusing to accept the slightest payment for their extraordinary
services.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Arrival at Bent's Fort--Carson goes to Taos and Decides to Become a
Farmer--Arrival of a Messenger from Fremont--Carson and Owens Repair
Again to Bent's Fort--Carson Engages as Guide for Fremont's Third
Exploring Expedition--On the Great Divide--Division of the Parties--The
Journey Across the Desert--A Singular Meeting--Aboriginal Horse Thieves.

After a tedious journey of many miles, the exploring party reached
Bent's Fort July 2, 1844. The labors were considered finished, and
bidding his old commander goodbye, Carson made his way to Taos, where he
had a most happy reunion with his family. He was cordially welcomed by
hundreds of old friends who had learned years before the rare courage
and worth of the man, and who were proud to possess such a neighbor.

Carson had led a wild and adventurous career, and, after talking much
with those in whom he had confidence, he decided to adopt the life of
a farmer. In this conclusion he was joined by Richard Owens, an old
mountaineer and an intimate associate for many years.

It did not take them long to fix upon a desirable site, and, in the
spring of 1845, stock and animals were bought, building commenced
and everything was fairly under way. At the moment when the scarred
mountaineers were counting with pleas