avages. They did not dare to venture out far from
their fortifications; but, this was no great trial to them, as game
existed in great plenty and came very near their fortifications. While
one slept, the other stood on guard. It was their intention to await
the return of their party; but, at the expiration of one month,
they were quite happily relieved from their perilous position. Mr.
Blackwell, Mr. Gaunt's partner, arrived from the United States. He was
accompanied by fifteen men, and brought with him a complete outfit
for the entire band. Kit and his comrade had been expecting and were
anxiously looking for this party. They were also made quite happy in
obtaining the articles of outfit which would render their wild life
more agreeable and easy. Shortly after this arrival, four men from
the trapping party came into camp and brought the news as to the
whereabouts of Gaunt and his men. They were overjoyed at finding Kit
and his comrade, as they said that they had hunted for them in all
directions; and, finally had given up all hopes of ever seeing them
again. The whole party now began the march to join Gaunt at the Ballo
Salado.[3]

[Footnote 3: Salt Springs.]

These Springs form the head waters of the south fork of the River
Platte. When four days' journey had been accomplished, and while they
were partaking of their breakfast in camp, an alarm of Indians was
given by one of the men. He had accidentally discovered the red skin
rascals as they were prowling about the camp. A rush was instantly
made by the trappers, with rifles in hand, to save their horses.
Shots were fired and one Indian fell. The rest of the band made off as
empty-handed as they came, with one exception. One brave had succeeded
in capturing and mounting a horse before the white men could reach
him. Notwithstanding he had a dead brother lying on the ground, he
appeared to be altogether too polite to make the trappers a longer
visit; at least, without a proper introduction. On the contrary, he
galloped off; seemingly, quite proud of his trophy. Had it not been
that the trappers had taken the precaution to hobble their horses
before turning them out to graze, they would have lost them all in
this attempted stampede.[4]

[Footnote 4: These stampedes are a source of great profit to the
Indians of the Plains. It is by this means they deprive the caravans
of their animals. The Camanches are particularly expert and daring
in this kind of robbery. They eve