es proceeded, and in the mornings the camp was a
busy scene indeed, for then the whole were engaged in skinning the
animals. The beavers thus taken were always skinned, stretched, dried,
folded up with the hair in the inside, laid by, and the flesh used for
food.

But oftentimes the trappers had to go forth with the gun in one hand and
their traps in the other, while they kept a sharp look out on the bushes
to guard against surprise. Despite their utmost efforts a horse was
occasionally stolen before their very eyes, and sometimes even an
unfortunate trapper was murdered, and all his traps carried off.

An event of this kind occurred soon after the party had gained the
western slopes of the mountains. Three Iroquois Indians, who belonged
to the band of trappers, were sent to a stream about ten miles off.
Having reached their destination, they all entered the water to set
their traps, foolishly neglecting the usual precaution of one remaining
on the bank to protect the others. They had scarcely commenced
operations, when three arrows were discharged into their backs, and a
party of Snake Indians rushed upon and slew them, carrying away their
traps, and horses, and scalps. This was not known for several days,
when, becoming anxious about their prolonged absence, Cameron sent out a
party which found their mangled bodies affording a loathsome banquet to
the wolves and vultures.

After this sad event the trappers were more careful to go in larger
parties, and keep watch.

As long as beaver were taken in abundance the camp remained stationary,
but whenever the beaver began to grow scarce, the camp was raised, and
the party moved on to another valley.

One day Dick Varley came galloping into camp with the news that there
were several bears in a valley not far distant, which he was anxious not
to disturb until a number of the trappers were collected together to go
out and surround them.

On receiving the information Walter Cameron shook his head.

"We have other things to do, young man," said he, "than go a-hunting
after bears. I'm just about making up my mind to send off a party to
search out the valley on the other side of the Blue Mountains yonder,
and bring back word if there are beaver there, for if not, I mean to
strike away direct south. Now, if you've a mind to go with them, you're
welcome. I'll warrant you'll find enough in the way of bear-hunting to
satisfy you; perhaps a little Indian hunting to boot,