ntil the third day. Then, when
in the neighborhood of the copper mines of New Mexico, he suddenly came
upon an encampment of Apaches, one of the most hostile tribes and the
most daring of fighters in the whole southwest.

This was another of those critical occasions where Carson's wonderful
quickness of mind enabled him to make the right decision without a
second's delay. He understood the language, customs and peculiarities
of the people, and he knew them to be splendid riders and tiger-like
warriors. The least evidence of timidity would invite an overwhelming
attack: a bold front and what may be called indomitable "cheek" were all
that was likely to take them through.

Telling his men to halt, Carson galloped forward until within a few rods
of the warriors, when he reined up and called out that he wished to hold
a parley with them. Thereupon, a number advanced to hear what he had
to say. The mountaineer stated that he and his friends were simply
travellers through the Apache country; while they were prepared for war,
they desired peace, and as their animals were tired out they wished to
exchange them for fresh ones. The Apaches expressed themselves satisfied
with the proposal, and Carson carefully chose a camping site, where they
could best protect themselves against treachery. Then the exchange was
made, both parties being so well satisfied that they parted with many
expressions of good will.

It was impossible to carry any extended stock of provisions, the party
depending upon their rifles to supply their needs in that direction; but
game proved to be very scarce and they suffered much until they reached
the first Mexican settlement. Although those people were at war with the
United States, their friendship for Carson led them to supply abundantly
all the wants of himself and friends.

With unremitting diligence and skill, the party pushed on day after day
until the sixth of October, when, as they were riding across a treeless
prairie, several moving specks were observed in the far horizon. As they
came closer, they resolved themselves into horsemen, and, with a
delight which may be imagined, Carson speedily observed that they were
a detachment of United States troops under the command of General S. W.
Kearney, who was highly pleased to meet Carson.

The detachment was a strong one and was on its way to operate in
California. After that officer had obtained all the important news
Carson had to give, he decided