that until then no one had
dared to settle there.

Handsome, roomy and substantial structures were erected, and many of the
most enjoyable days of their lives were spent on this famous ranche. It
would be a pleasant farewell to leave them there to end their days
in comfort and peace, but it was to be far otherwise with both and
especially with Carson.

In 1848-49, Colonel Fremont made a fourth exploring expedition across
the continent, he bearing all the expense, as he did in the case of
his fifth expedition made in 1853. The fourth was an appalling failure,
marked by an extremity of suffering that is incredible. The guide
employed was wholly ignorant and the command became entangled among the
snows of the mountains, where some of them lived not only on mules
but on each other. The strongest lay down and died, and the horrible
features of Fremont's fourth expedition were only approached by that
of Lieutenant Strain on the Isthmus of Darien. When the few ghastly
survivors staggered out of the mountains they tottered to Carson's
ranche, where they received the kindest treatment from him who had
served Fremont so faithfully on his former expeditions.

Carson had been on his ranche but a short time, when news reached him of
a most atrocious murder by the Apaches. A wealthy merchant was returning
in his private carriage with his wife and child from the United States
to Santa Fe. He was accompanied by a small escort and the wagon train
carrying his goods. When he believed all danger past, he hurried forward
with his family, who were becoming tired of the journey.

At a point where there was no suspicion of danger, the Apaches fired
upon the carriage, killing every one who accompanied it, including the
merchant himself. The wife and child were made prisoners and carried
away. Shortly after the little one was tomahawked and thrown into the
river.

When news of the outrage reached New Mexico, a party was hastily
organized and started out in the hope of saving the woman and punishing
the wretches who had committed the murders. When Carson learned of what
was contemplated, he offered his services. They were accepted, but much
to the surprise of his friends, he was given an inferior position. It
was characteristic of the splendid scout that he did not show by word or
look that he felt the slightest resentment on account of the slight.

With a less skilful leader than himself, Carson galloped with
the company to the scene of