y one of the sentinels riding
up near to where they were, dismounting from his horse and lighting,
by his flint and steel, his cigarretto. On seeing this, Kit Carson,
who was just ahead of Lieutenant Beale, pushed back his foot and
kicked softly his companion, as a signal for him to lie flat on the
ground as he (Carson) was doing. The Mexican was some time, being
apparently very much at his leisure, in lighting his cigarretto; and,
during these moments of suspense, so quietly did Kit Carson and his
companion lie on the ground, that Carson said, and still affirms, that
he could distinctly hear Lieutenant Beale's heart pulsate. Who can
describe the agony of mind to which these brave hearts were subjected
during this severe trial. Everything--the lives of their friends as
well as their own--so hung on chance, that they shuddered; not at the
thought of dying, but for fear they would fail in accomplishing what
was dearer to them than life, the rescue of the brave men whose lives
hung on their success. After quite a long time, the Mexican, as if
guided by the hand of Providence, mounted his horse and made off in
a contrary direction from the one where these bold adventurers were
biding their time to accept either good, if possible, or evil, if
necessary, from the wheel of fortune. For a distance of about two
miles, Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale thus worked along on their
hands and knees. Continually, during this time, Kit Carson's eagle eye
was penetrating through the darkness, ever on the alert to discover
whatever obstacle that might present itself on which was stamped the
least appearance of danger. Having passed the last visible image in
the shape of a sentinel and left the lines behind them at a suitable
distance, both men regained their feet, and once more breathed freely.
Their first thought was to look for their shoes, but, alas, they were
gone. In the excitement of the journey, they had not given them a
thought since depositing them beneath their belts. Hardly a word had
hitherto passed between these two companions in danger, but now they
spoke hurriedly and congratulated each other on the success that so
far had attended them, and thanked God in their hearts that He had so
mercifully aided them. There was no time for delay, as they were by
no means yet free from danger, though they thought that the worst
was over. Kit Carson was familiar with the country, and well knew
the necessity of avoiding, for fear of being d