loosened by the severe jolting, and its contents
came tumbling on the ground in great quantities, but afterwards as the
stock on hand decreased, this was lessened. The German, who had his
hands full to keep his seat in the saddle, heard the rattling noise
behind him, but dared not look around, for fear of being thrown off
from his horse. He supposed he was chased by a ferocious snake, and,
at once, thought only of escape; therefore, seizing the mane of the
horse, he gave him the spurs. He was soon going at a flying gait;
still, the rattling noise pursued him as the increased speed sent the
little grains of rice out of the sack in greater quantities. At last
the sound died away, as the cause of the trouble was expended. The
frightened rider now considered himself safe, and began to rein in his
horse. After a while, he brought him to a stand-still, and turned to
look for his retreating enemy, but instead, found the origin and cause
of the mischief. His loss was irrecoverable, and he could only laugh
at the ridiculous figure he must have cut. This adventure gave his
friends much merriment, and served to open his eyes in reference to
the much vaunted capabilities of this snake. He has since often told
this story of himself, and considers it a capital joke.

The labor of settling up their business at Fort Laramie was soon over,
when Kit Carson and Goodel took their departure. Goodel started
for California, while Kit Carson commenced his tramp homeward. As a
traveling companion, he took with him a Mexican. They pursued their
journey quite pleasantly and safely enough, but, on their arrival
at the Greenhorn River, the scene of the German's adventure with a
rattle-snake, they were obliged to be very wary in their progress, for
Kit had learned that the Apache Indians were out on the warpath, and
were waylaying the road which, he intended to pursue with the avowed
purpose of attacking, plundering and murdering whoever chanced to fall
in their savage clutches. Kit Carson, therefore, halted for six days
on the banks of the Greenhorn, and spent the time recruiting his
animals. While here and thus engaged, a party of white men, whom he
found encamped on the same river, formed the subject of his earnest
attention. They had come thus far on their route to New Mexico, but,
on learning the news of the hostile attitude of the Apache nation,
their courage had entirely deserted them. They did not dare venture
into New Mexico, and counselle