General Kearney gladly and gratefully accepted the offer, and the arrangements were instantly made.

These arrangements were of the simplest nature.

The beleaguered Americans were surrounded by three cordons of sentinels, and it was necessary for Carson and Beale to make their way past them in order to reach San Diego.
When night was fully descended, the two left the rocks and approaching the first line, sank upon their hands and knees, and crawled forward with the silence and stealth of Indian scouts.

Despite the utmost care, their shoes made a slight noise now and then, and to avoid it, they took them off and shoved them in their belts.
The exploit of Lieutenant Beale and Kit Carson was a most remarkable one in every respect.

Frequently through the gloom they would catch the faint outlines of a sentinel, pacing back and forth.