brook was stationed at Rayado to protect the
little settlement. In order that their animals might have the benefit
of the good grass which was to be found in the mountains at a place
where but little snow fell, the settlers established there a herder's
ranche, posting two men there to look after and guard the property.
The cold months were passed in peace and quiet, but, in the spring the
marauding Apaches came, and, after wounding both of the herders, stole
all the gentle animals, including both horses and mules. One of the
wounded men made his way to Rayado, notwithstanding his injuries, and
gave information of what had happened to himself and companion.
On learning these facts, Kit Carson, the dragoons and three of the
settlers, immediately proceeded to the ranche. They arrived there just
as the shades of night began to fall. Nothing could be attempted until
the dawn of another day, consequently, a camp was ordered and duly
arranged. As the first faint beam of light gilded anew the mountain
tops, the party were up and moving. They soon found the trail made
by the thieves and commenced a sharp pursuit. The pace at which they
traveled became so rapid, that, at the distance of only twenty-five
miles from the spot where they first struck the trail, the Indians
were discovered moving on the prairie a long way in advance. There
remained nothing but an open chase.

Orders were issued to accelerate even the hitherto rapid march. Each
man resumed his exertions to put his horse to his best speed.
The chase was growing intensely exciting when four of the animals
belonging to the pursuers gave out, completely ridden down. Their
riders were the most unhappy of any of the party at this circumstance,
for it precluded even the chances of engaging in the expected affray.
Leaving the four men behind, the remainder of the party pushed on in
the pursuit, and every bound made by their horses brought them nearer
to their foes. After several hours of this hard riding, they came near
enough to the warriors to count their numbers. Their force consisted
of twenty well armed and equipped Indians. They showed no fear of
the party pursuing them, but clung to their stolen property with such
pertinacity that they allowed themselves to be overtaken. A running
fight was immediately commenced which became most exciting, as well
as dangerous, to the participants; but, all the more exciting because
thus dangerous. The Indians were all skillful horsemen