“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!”
Armed with his rifle, and with provisions sufficient for his journey strapped upon the back of his sturdy little pony, Reuben departed from the camp. The way he was to follow lay for a time among the hills. In the heart of the excited boy there was a feeling of elation that he had been selected for this journey. He was eager to show Kit Carson and his comrades that they could depend upon his coolness and that he would be able to make his way in safety to the old mission and there deliver his message. He was mindful of the heat of the plains and of the length of the journey and consequently he did not urge his pony. At last he found himself among the narrow defiles of the bleak and towering Sierras.
It was not difficult for him to retrace the way by which he had come from the old mission the last time he had visited the station. It was now early in the morning, and he was hopeful that before sunset he would once more be among the friendly Indians and the whites who dwelt at San Gabriel.