“So it seems,” laughed Jake. “I begin to understand why it is that the men are all willing to follow you.” “Why should we give up?” inquired the scout simply. “We started out to get the horses, didn’t we?” “Yes, but I’ve seen a good many men who were willing to start, but that’s as far as they ever got.” “Well, we started and we came back, and when we came back we had the horses with us. That’s all there is to the story.” The words of Kit Carson, however, belied the feeling of the camp. There was great enthusiasm among the men, who were loud in their praises of the young leader who had followed the fleeing Indians far beyond the regions where they had believed he would be able to make his way or to discover their trail. “It’s all right now, anyway,” said Kit quietly. “I’m ready to turn in for the night.” As soon as the simple supper had been prepared and eaten, all the men in the camp sought their blankets. The horses which had been restored had been hobbled, and the various guards of the camp had been so placed that the approach of any one would be known at once. The following day, after a long conference between the young scout and several of his men, Carson approached Reuben and said: “Do you think you could find your way to San Gabriel if you were to go alone?” “Yes,” replied Reuben quietly. “I am sure I can.” “Through the Sierras?” “Yes, through the mountains. It is a simple path to find.” Kit Carson smiled as he said: “I hope you’ll find it so, because we want to send you back to the mission.” “When am I to go?” “Just as soon as you can get ready to start.” “I shall be ready in five minutes.” “That’s the way to talk,” said the scout quietly. “I’ll tell you what we want just as soon as you are ready.” Within the time which he had allotted for his preparations Reuben had all things in readiness for his departure. He had selected a pony which he was confident would be fleet and sure-footed, and his few belongings had been packed on the back of the faithful animal. Kit Carson handed him a letter, sealed and addressed to “Captain White, at the San Gabriel Mission.” “It is very important,” said Kit Carson in a low voice to Reuben after the latter had mounted his pony. “Come back just as soon as you have an answer. As I told you, it may be that there will be a man who will come with you, but of that I am not sure. At all events you are to look out for yourself, and don’t get caught again by the redskins.” “Do you think I shall meet any?” inquired Reuben, startled by the suggestion. There was a quiet smile on the face of the scout as he said: “I don’t think you’ll have any trouble. About all the Indians out here on the coast do is to steal our horses or traps and get away with our skins. Take care of the letter and don’t lose it!”