tion
they made, he and his companion would fire. The Indians commenced
shaking their priming into the pans of their flint lock guns, and,
while doing so, talked loud and threatened to perform a great many
things. This was a mere ruse to intimidate Kit and his companion
and throw them off their guard. It was, however, well understood and
operated to make them only the more vigilant. This endeavor to draw
off Kit's attention was continued in various ways, but, finally seeing
the determined posture of their opponent, they grew weary of the game,
and, at last, departed.

The journey was now resumed. After five days of hard traveling, Kit
and his companion entered Bent's Fort, without further molestation.
Here Kit Carson learned that the Texians had been caught by Captain
Cook and his dragoons in United States Territory, and had been
disarmed. This had immediately relieved the conductors of the train
from all anxiety. They had, consequently, continued their route, not
thinking a stop at Bent's Fort necessary as had been anticipated. Gen.
Armijo's letter of instruction was, accordingly, left by Carson with
Mr. Bent who promised to forward it to Santa Fe by the first favorable
opportunity. To pursue and overtake the wagons would be nothing but
labor thrown away. All danger had disappeared.

CHAPTER VIII.

Kit Carson visits Fremont's Camp--Goes on the Second
Exploring Expedition--The Necessary Arrangements--Trip to Salt
Lake--Explorations there--Carson is dispatched to Fort
Hall for Supplies--Their Operations at Salt Lake--The Great
Island--The Journey to the Columbia River in Oregon--Incidents
on the Route--Tlamath Lake--The Journey to California--The
Trials and Privations met with while crossing the Sierra
Nevada Mountains--Mr. Preuss is lost but finds the Party
again--Arrival at Sutter's Fort in a Destitute Condition--Two
of the Party become deranged--The Route on the Return
Trip--Mexicans come into their Camp asking Aid and
Protection--Indian Depredations--Carson and Godey start on a
Daring Adventure--The Pursuit--The Thieves overtaken--These
Two White Men attack Thirty Indians--The Victory--Horses
retaken--The Return to Camp--One of their Companions
killed--The Journey continued--Arrival at Bent's Fort--The
"Fourth of July" Dinner.

A few days before Kit Carson's arrival at Bent's Fort, Col. Fremont
had passed by and had informed the Traders