CHAPTER XXV.
The Start Homeward--The Visitors in Camp and Their Story--Carson and Godey Start to the Rescue--Trailing the Enemy by Night--In Camp--The Attack--An Amazing Success--The Return.
Fremont and his command remained at Sutter's Fort about a month, when their preparations were completed for their return to the States.

They journeyed leisurely up the valley of the San Joaquin, crossing over the Sierra Nevada and Coast Range by means of an easily travelled pass.

The latter chain was followed until they came upon the Spanish trail, along which they passed to the Mohave River.

Where the Trail diverges from that stream, Carson became involved in a characteristic adventure.
While in camp two Mexicans, a man and a boy, rode up and told a sad story.

They belonged to a party of Mexican traders from New Mexico.