nt the
command had to mount, by following a zigzag trail. With much trouble
and toil, the summit of the height was reached, when they once more
commenced their journey over a diversified country, made up of plains
and ravines. No grass or water was found until the expedition arrived
at a small Mexican town called Sirvilletta. Here an encampment was
formed for one night, and here their animals were to have their last
rations of corn and forage. The sale of these latter articles proved
a windfall to, and made glad the hearts of the inhabitants of the
settlement; for the money which they received, in exchange for their
produce, was the largest sum they had ever possessed. Thus, in more
ways than one, these campaigns in the mountains caused good results.

These settlements on the remote frontiers of the territory of
New Mexico are composed of very poor people, who, for many years
succeeding their first efforts on establishing their small farms, find
great difficulty in doing more than to feed themselves. Their distance
from markets such as Taos affords, prevents them from transporting
thither more than their small surplus of grain; but, as in this
case, on thus finding many hungry horses and mules to feed, their
corn-stalks and wheat-straw come into demand, and bring them in a
remuneration in ready money, in sums which they have not even dreamed
of before. The only difficulty in trading with such people is to fix a
fair price on their produce; for they are so fearful of not receiving
enough, that they often overshoot the mark, and charge so much as to
prevent other expeditions of the same sort from visiting them. With
the few dollars in their pockets thus gained from the party, these
Mexicans for once felt themselves rich men.

Early on the subsequent day the whole force was again in motion, and
continued an active march for two days over a rough country. At last
Kit Carson struck the Indian trail. The course was instantly made to
suit this trail, when the party marched on two days more at a rapid
pace. On the second day's march, the Indians were overhauled. The band
of Apaches had been jogging on slowly, and consequently, their animals
were in good order. The case was far different with their pursuers;
their horses were much used up by overwork and privations. Thus, when
their strength was most needed, it was found wanting. The Indians
espied the soldiers in time to make good their flight, but not quick
enough to save th