ommanding
officer of the territory, who promptly dispatched Major Grier with
a command of dragoons to hunt up the guilty parties and punish them.
This the major did and was so fortunate as to recover nearly all of
the stolen stock which he had the satisfaction of returning to its
owners.

Kit Carson remained through the following summer months at his ranche
at Rayado, busying himself in efforts to improve his house and lands.

In his employment Kit Carson had several faithful Mexicans. His task
was to superintend their labors, which occupied only a part of his
time. When anything required it he lent a hand to assist them; but,
these men had to be provided with provisions which, to purchase in
those distant parts, would have entailed a great item of expense;
indeed, more than equal to the profits arising from their labor.
Therefore, a certain amount of time had to be set apart for hunting,
which kind of employment he truly enjoyed. Mounted on a fine horse,
with his faithful gun and dog, early each day, he would start out on
the prairies to engage in the chase. In a few hours he would return on
foot, with his noble hunter loaded down with choice game. Sometimes
it would be antelope or elk; on another occasion, it would consist of
black tailed deer, which are celebrated as being the largest and the
finest species of venison that roam the forests of any country and are
only to be found in the Rocky Mountains; on another, wild-turkeys; and
then mountain grouse and prairie chickens helped to complete the load.
When thus provided for, it is no wonder that Kit's workmen loved their
employment and labored with good will. While thus engaged Kit Carson's
weather eye was always open for Indian signs. His horses, cattle and
sheep which he had bought since the last depredation were watched with
great vigilance, as no one could foretell what the next hour would
bring forth. In his mountain home Kit was often visited by Indian
friends who came to smoke the pipe of peace with him and enjoy his
hospitality. When thus surrounded by rival hunters worthy of his
steel, who had sprung up, like oaks of the forest, he felt truly
happy. This happiness was greatly enhanced and augmented by the
thrifty appearance of everything that pertained to him.

He saw himself in the possession of fine lands, well watered and well
timbered. Also plenty which was ready for the plow. It was almost a
farm, made to order by the most perfect Workman. The soil,