Party returns to Fort Laramie -- Carson remains -- marriage -- joins Fremont -- a second exploring expedition -- object of the expedition -- Great Salt Lake -- Fremont's description -- current impressions in regard to the lake -- Beer Springs -- Hot Springs -- Standing Rock. 188 CHAPTER XXI. A part of Fremont's men return East -- leave Fort Hall, en route for the valley of the Columbia -- difficulty of finding camping places -- Carson kills buffalo -- melancholy looking country -- crossing Snake River -- fish-eating Indians -- refitting equipage at the Dalles -- proposed return route -- spirits of the party -- Tlamath Lake -- sufferings of the party. 208 CHAPTER XXII. Fremont's story of the difficulties and exposures of his party -- hot springs -- explorations for grass -- mountain lake -- central ridge of the Sierra Nevada -- Indians -- talks by signs -- Indian guide -- encouragement afforded by Carson's descriptions of California -- provisions low -- snow deep -- animals weak -- Indian harangue -- guide deserts -- Carson recognizes Sacramento valley and the coast range -- taking the horses through the snow -- sleds for the baggage -- pine nuts the food of the Indians -- glorious sunrise. 217 CHAPTER XXIII. Thunder storm -- view of the Sacramento, and Bay of San Francisco -- mauls to path the snow -- Carson saves Fremont from drowning -- rapid river, snow, grass, pines, live oak, mistletoe -- division of the party -- horses lost -- members of the party wander, return -- horses killed for food -- country improving in beauty -- arrival at Sutter's Fort -- description of a _cache_. 237 CHAPTER XXIV. Carson at home in Taos -- decides to commence farming -- preparations -- Fremont requests his service for a third expedition -- meeting at Bent's Fort -- head-waters -- Great Salt Lake -- expedition divides -- Horse-Thief Indians -- the skirmish. 250 CHAPTER XXV. Arrival at Sutter's Fort -- command of Gen. Castro to leave the country -- his march against Fremont -- Fremont departs for Oregon -- Indians instigated by the Mexicans, Fremont's march against them -- he returns to California -- another Indian fight. 264 CHAPTER XXVI. Loss to Fremont's party -- Carson's attack upon Indian village -- start for the Sacramento -- Fremont's campaign against the Mexicans -- captures Sonoma -- calls American settlers into his service -- Gen. Castro leaves San Francisco -- Fremont garrisons Sutter's Fort -- marches to Monterey -- Commodore Sloat in possession -- hoists the flag of the United States. 273 CHAPTER XXVII.