atement that a large body of hunters were on
Snake River, a fortnight's journey distant. Captain Lee at once set out
with his men and found the company who gave them a warm welcome. They
purchased all the supplies Captain Lee had for sale, and then, as
Carson's engagement with the Captain was ended, he attached himself to
the other body. He remained, however, only a few weeks, for he saw there
were so many that they could never take enough peltries to bring
much money to the individual members. He decided to do as he had done
before--arrange an expedition of his own. He had but to make known
his intentions, when he had more applicants than he could accept. He
selected three, who it is needless to say had no superiors in the whole
party. The little company then turned the heads of their horses toward
Laramie River.

At that day, the section abounded with beaver, and although the summer
is not the time when their fur is in the best condition, the party
trapped on the stream and its tributaries until cold weather set in.
They met with far greater success than could have come to them had they
stayed with the principal company of trappers. But they had no wish
to spend the winter alone in the mountains and gathering their stock
together, they set out to rejoin their old companions.

One day, after they had gone into camp, Carson, leaving his horse in
charge of his friends, set out on foot to hunt some game for their
evening meal. They had seen no signs of Indians, though they never
forgot to be on their guard against them. Game was not very abundant and
Carson was obliged to go a long ways before he caught sight of some elk
grazing on the side of a hill. Well aware of the difficulty of getting
within gunshot of the timid animals, the hunter advanced by a circuitous
course toward a clump of trees, which would give him the needed shelter;
but while creeping toward the point he had fixed upon as the one from
which to fire, the creatures scented danger and began moving off. This
compelled him to fire at long range, but he was successful and brought
down the finest of the group.

The smoke was curling upward from the rifle of Carson, when he was
startled by a tremendous crashing beside him, and, turning his head, he
saw two enormous grizzly bears making for him at full speed. They were
infuriated at this invasion of their home, and were evidently resolved
on teaching the hunter better manners by making their supper upon him.