d he done
so, he would have been hooted out of camp and probably lynched.

As for Kit, his courage was beyond suspicion. He feared no man and was
sure to acquit himself creditably no matter in what circumstances he was
placed. He was the most popular member of the large company, while his
antagonist was the most detested; but the love of fair play was such
that no one would interfere, no matter how great the need for doing so.

The duellists, as they may be called, mounted each his horse and
circling about the plain, speedily headed toward each other and dashed
forward on a dead run. As they approached, they reined up and halted
face to face, within arm's length.

Looking his antagonist straight in the eye, Carson demanded:

"Are you looking for me?"

"Have you any business with me?"

"No," growled the savage Frenchman; but, while the words were in his
mouth, brought his rifle to his shoulder, and, pointing it at the breast
of Carson, pulled the trigger; but Kit expected some such treacherous
act, and, before the gun could be fired, he threw up his pistol and
discharged it as may be said, across the barrel of the leveled weapon.

The ball broke the forearm of Captain Shunan, at the very moment he
discharged his gun. The shock diverted the aim so that the bullet grazed
his scalp, inflicting a trifling wound; but the combatants were so close
that the powder of the rifle scorched the face of the mountaineer.

Captain Shunan had been badly worsted, and was disabled for weeks
afterward. He accepted his fate without complaint and was effectually
cured of his overbearing manner toward his associates.

CHAPTER XIII.

On the Yellowstone--Repeated Disappointments--Carson Enters the Employ
of a Hudson Bay Trader--Poor Success--A Trying Journey--Arrival at Fort
Hall--The American Buffalo or Bison.

With the approach of cool weather, preparations were made for the fall
hunt. When all was ready, the trappers headed for the Yellowstone, which
was reached without mishap, and they immediately set their traps. The
country as a rule, was a good one for those valuable animals, but the
visitors were disappointed to learn they were unusually scarce.

When it became evident that it was useless to work on the Yellowstone,
they gathered up their traps and made their way to the Big Horn, but,
failing again, tried their fortunes on other rivers in that vicinity
with no better results.

It was while engaged in this discoura