ew Mexicans of the north are famous as being very fleet of foot,
and the great distance which they can run in a short period of time is
astonishing. As a general rule, they are very partial to horses,
but, when they have no riding animal, they will start on a journey
of hundreds of miles and accomplish it in an incredibly short time. A
journey of forty or fifty miles in a day is an ordinary circumstance
with them, even when the inducement for making it has in its behalf
only a minor consideration. Owing to want of mail routes, it sometimes
becomes necessary to dispatch them on express duty, such as carrying
one, or several letters to some distant point. Their charge is wrapped
up in a handkerchief and tied about their waists to prevent being
lost. Then, on a jog trot, they will start out; and over mountains
and broken country they will not alter the pace for many consecutive
hours, and this for a reward of one or two dollars per diem. It is not
uncommon to meet traveling companions where one is on horseback and
the other on foot; but notwithstanding, they will keep together for
an entire journey, and complete it as quickly as if the horseman
had undertaken it alone. When, by chance, they come to and stop at
a village where there is a fandango or other festive scene in full
blast, they will, notwithstanding their long tramp, join in and
dissipate as hard as any member present. Their healthy climate, coarse
but plain diet, and the great amount of exercise which they take in
the open air, make them capable of a wonderful amount of physical
endurance, under which they seem never to grow weary. In this respect,
the only successful rivals which they have, are the Indians. This was
the kind of material Kit Carson had in the Mexican boy, whom he was
now about to part with, having detailed him for a very important duty.

That youth had long been known by and had the full confidence of
his employer. He was ready at his bidding to undertake anything.
Therefore, on hearing the mission which Kit proposed sending him on,
he promised to use every exertion in its accomplishment, and at once
set about its execution. Having obtained a few rations of provisions,
he soon rejoined Carson. They then proceeded outside of the camp,
where he was to receive his final instructions. By the dim light of
the moon, Kit pointed in the direction of Rayado, where he was to
travel; and, after warning him of the dangerous places that lay in
his route, and