buffalo manure.]

At that day the keeping of a prisoner in close confinement in New
Mexico, or of having him continually under the surveillance of the
military was no ordinary, or easy matter. The only places which
could be converted into jails, were the common _adobe_ houses of the
inhabitants. From these a wide awake and determined prisoner with the
free use of his hands, and the assistance of the smallest kind of
a tool, as a jack-knife or pair of scissors, could dig out of his
dungeon in five or six hours. The large majority of the criminals who
were thus incarcerated, managed to effect their escape. In the case of
Fox, however, he had a man to deal with who was seldom thwarted in any
of his undertakings. With so much convicting evidence of his wicked
intentions, and with so much trouble to bring him to trial, it was
greatly regretted, that he did not receive a suitable punishment. As
soon as he was set free, Fox made his way out of the country; but his
further history is not known.

The general impression left upon the minds of the people who were
familiar with the minutiae of this affair was, that Fox was guilty.
As he was known to be a finished villain, it was universally believed
that, after murdering and plundering the two traders, he intended to
grasp the "lion's share," and with his portion, to proceed to Texas,
where, as he was there entirely unknown, he hoped to enjoy the rewards
of his rascality.

This valuable service rendered to Messrs. Brevoort and Weatherhead,
was most gracefully and handsomely rewarded by them. In the course of
the following spring, they presented Kit with a pair of magnificent
revolvers. Upon the silver mountings, there were engraved a very few,
but expressive words, indicating the obligations which the donors
considered themselves laboring under towards their deliverer. Such a
testimonial to an unselfish heart like that which beats in the breast
of Kit Carson, is a prize of greater value than any more substantial
gift, which money could purchase. These beautiful weapons, Kit Carson
prizes very highly; and, the donors may here learn the fact that, in
the hands of their owner, they have since been duly initiated into
active service, and found to perform their necessary duties most
admirably.

After the task of the arrest of Fox was thus successfully undertaken
and consummated, by his being securely lodged in jail and placed under
suitable guard, Kit Carson returned to Rayado, whe