CHAPTER XXII.
Kit Carson Hears Surprising News--He Visits Fremont--Is Re-engaged as Guide--Fremont's Account of his Visit to Salt Lake.
Kit Carson was astonished on reaching Bent's Fort to learn that Lieutenant Fremont had gone by on his second exploring expedition but a few days before.

Carson felt a strong attachment for his old leader and galloped nearly a hundred miles to overtake him.

Fremont gave the mountaineer most cordial greeting and insisted so strongly on his accompanying him that Carson could not refuse.
The object of Fremont's second exploration was to connect the survey of the previous year with those of Commander Wilkes on the Pacific coast.
The first objective point was the Great Salt Lake of Utah, of which very little was known at that time.
Carson was sent back to the fort to procure a number of mules.

He did as directed and rejoined Fremont at St.Vrain's Fort.

The region traversed by these explorers is so well known today that it is hard to realize what a terra incognita it was but a short time since.