ffered by the trappers concerning any doubtful or
difficult enterprise, his masterly foresight and shrewdness, as well
as clearness in attending to details, alone gave him willing auditors.
But it was the retired manner and modest deportment, which he
invariably wore, that won for him the love of his associates. Such
characteristics failed not to surprise, in no ordinary degree, those
who could boast a long lifetime of experience in Indian countries.
Kit Carson's powers of quickly conceiving thoughts, on difficult
emergencies, which pointed out the safest and best plans of action,
"just the things that ought to be done," and his bravery, which, in
his youth, sometimes amounted to rashness, were the component parts of
his ability which thus caused his companions to follow his leadership.
His courage, promptitude, willingness, self-reliance, caution,
sympathy, and care for the wounded, marked him at once as the
master-mind and safest counsellor. His first trapping expedition
gained him so much credit, that from the time it was concluded, he
found no difficulty in joining any band of trappers, no matter how
select the party. In this respect the mountaineers resemble sea-faring
men, who invariably dislike new and untried hands, because such are so
apt to give more trouble than assistance. Green hands, therefore, are
treated with indifference when they apply to be admitted as members on
a contemplated hunt. The reader will here see one difficulty which
had to be overcome by Carson, and which kept him so long in want of
employment. From this time Kit carried a rifle and worked from an
experience which commanded admiration, respect, and esteem wherever
he went, and with whatever party he became connected. Like the great
Napoleon, when he joined the army for his first campaign, he was a
hero in spite of his youth among men grown grey with experience.

CHAPTER III.

The Return from California to New Mexico--San Fernando and the
Peublo of Los Angelos--Description of these Peublos--Passports
demanded at Los Angelos--Trouble with the Mexican
Authorities--Kit Carson sent on with the Pack Animals
One Trapper shoots another--The Mexicans become
frightened--Indians come into Camp with their Weapons
concealed--Cool Reception by Kit Carson--Arrival at Santa
Fe and Taos--Money realized soon parted with--Carson joins
another Expedition--The Rivers trapped on--Four Men Killed
by Blackfeet Ind