and finally arrived at Fort Leavenworth. Not only
had he avoided all trouble with Indians, but by following the new route,
had found abundance of game so that the entire trip was but little more
than a pleasure excursion.

All danger was over at Fort Leavenworth, where he parted from his escort
and went alone to Washington. Previous to this, the war with Mexico
had ended, the treaty of peace having been signed February 2, 1848, and
proclaimed on the 4th of July following.

Carson tarried in Washington only long enough to deliver his despatches
to the proper authorities, when he turned about and made his way to
Taos, New Mexico, where he joined once more his family and friends.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Hostility of the Apaches--Colonel Beale Sends an Expedition Against
Them--Nothing Accomplished--Colonel Beale Leads an Expedition with
Carson as Guide--Capture and Release of Two Chiefs--March to the
Arkansas--Another Failure--Carson and Maxwell Build a Ranche--Fremont's
Fourth Expedition--The Murderous Apaches--A Fruitless Pursuit.

Kit Carson was one of those whose destiny seems to be that of stirring
incident and adventure. No man possessed such an intimate knowledge of
the manners, customs and peculiarities of the tribes in the southwest,
and with his exceptional woodcraft, skill and high courage his services
were always indispensable.

While he was at Taos, the Indians around him were restless until the
whole country was seething and on the verge of a general revolt.
Colonel Beale, commanding officer of the district, had established his
headquarters at Taos. The Apaches committed so many outrages that he
believed the only course open was to administer a thorough chastisement;
but it was tenfold easier to reach such a conclusion than it was to
carry it out. A strong force having been despatched to bring them to
account, pursued them to the mountains from which they were compelled to
return without accomplishing anything at all. The subsequent history of
these Apaches and of General Crook's campaign against them are
familiar enough to all to justify the declaration that they have proven
themselves the bravest and most formidable tribe that has defied the
United States government during the past half century.

Disappointed that the officer whom he sent failed to do anything,
Colonel Beale took command himself and employed Kit Carson as guide.
Instead of stopping in the mountains because they were blocked with
s