sometimes for many months. The grass was so dry and parched that it
contained scarcely any nourishment, and the friendly Pimos told them
if they pushed on their animals were sure to die of starvation. It was
impossible to doubt these statements and Carson therefore proposed a
new route, which though very rough and difficult in some places, would
furnish all the forage that was required.

The course led them along the Gila to the mouth of the San Pedro, and
finally with little difficulty they reached the copper mines of
New Mexico. Shortly after Carson encountered the Mormon delegate to
Congress. During the exchange of courtesies, the gentleman conveyed the
interesting information that he--Carson--had been made Indian Agent for
New Mexico.

The news was a surprise and a great pleasure to the mountaineer. He had
no thought of any such honor and with all his modesty could not but feel
that he was eminently fitted for the performance of its duties. No
one had travelled so extensively through the west, and no one could
understand the nature of native Americans better than he. A hundred
tribes knew of "Father Kit," as he soon came to be called, and they
referred to him as a man who never spoke with a "double tongue," and who
was just toward them at all times. He had ventured among the hostiles
more than once where the bravest white man dared not follow him, and
had spent days and nights in their lodges without being offered the
slightest indignity. Kit Carson was brave, truthful, kind and honest.

Aside from the gratification which one naturally feels, when receiving
an appointment that is pleasant in every respect, and which he holds
thoroughly "in hand," as may be said, the honest mountaineer was
especially delighted over the thought that his government conferred it
without any solicitation on his part.

But the man who accepts the position of Indian Agent and conscientiously
attends to its duties has no sinecure on his hands. Many of them use
it as such while others do still worse, thereby sowing the seeds which
speedily develop into Indian outrages, massacres and wars.

When Carson reached Taos, he had his official bond made out, and sent
it with his thanks and acceptance of his appointment to the proper
authorities in Washington.

The Indian Agent for New Mexico had scarcely entered upon his new
duties, when trouble came. A branch of the Apaches became restless and
committed a number of outrages on citizens. Stern