detection.

By using such extreme caution and watchfulness, he succeeded in
passing the entire distance without exchanging a hostile shot with
anyone. He reached Taos, where he waited as agreed upon, until his
message could be sent to the Governor at Santa Fe. While in Taos he
learned that one hundred men had been sent out to meet the caravan
and the Governor himself was about ready to follow with six hundred
more. It may be stated in this place that the smaller company,
while looking for the train was attacked by the Texan rangers and
with a single exception every man was killed; but venturing into
American territory, the rangers were disarmed by Captain Cook and
his dragoons, and the wealthy wagon train, with its valuable cargo
reached its destination in safety.

Having accomplished his mission, Carson set out on his return to
Bent's Fort. This time he took a Mexican boy with him. The mountaineer
had become strongly attached to the youth, who was a noble, high
minded lad, the fit companion of the prince among plainsmen.

Two days out from Taos, both were surprised to find themselves
confronted by four Utah Indians on the war path. They appeared
so suddenly, that the two friends were given little time to make
preparation; but, as some distance separated the parties, Kit and
the lad hastily consulted over what was best to do.

"It is you whom they are seeking," said the youth, "and your life
is worth a great deal more than mine; you have a swift horse; mount
him and dash off; perhaps they will spare me, but you cannot help
me by staying."