em down in the mountains
for his red children." This is a fair example of the manner in which
most of them listen to the voice of reason. It requires practical and
active demonstrations by means of rifles and other weapons to
teach, them that they will not be permitted to plunder and murder at
pleasure. The wrong of this conduct they are as well aware of as their
white brethren. It is by rifle arguments that their treaties become
worth the value of the paper upon which they are written.

It is a well known fact that people who live in Indian countries
prefer to have the red men at war, rather than bound to peace by such
slender ties as they are usually called upon to take upon themselves.
In the former case, the settler knows what to expect and is always
prepared for the worst so far as it lies in his power; but, in the
latter position, he is continually exposed to the caprices of a race
who are in many respects as changeable as the very air they breathe.

In the old Mexican town of Don Fernandez de Taos, as we have before
said, resides at the present time Kit Carson. A stranger entering this
town, and especially at a little distance from it, is reminded of a
number of brick-kilns just previous to being burnt, and all huddled
together without any regard being paid to symmetry. In order to reach
the Plaza, which is the main feature of attraction belonging to
the town, the traveler is obliged to follow the crooks and turns of
several unattractive streets. The home of Kit Carson faces on the west
side of this public square. It is a building only one story in height;
but, as it extends over a considerable space of ground, it makes up in
part this defect, and within, it is surpassed by but few other houses
in the country for the degree of comfort which is furnishes to its
occupants. On most any fair day, around the doors of this house may be
seen many Indians of various tribes who are either waiting for their
companions within, or else for the opportunity to present itself so
that they themselves can enter.

Business or no business to transact with Kit Carson, they cannot come
to town without visiting "Father Kit," and having a smoke and talk
with him. Kit Carson enjoys himself in their society, for his heart
and hand have long since taught them that, irrespective of the office
which he holds towards them, he is their true friend and benefactor.
Never is his patience exhausted by their lengthy visits. He listens
to their