ed in fleeting pleasures and a new outfit for the next
trapping expedition which might offer. Kit's former experience had
been sufficient on this score, and he had become impressed with the
highly important fact that there existed a much wiser course to be
pursued. With his characteristic consistency, Kit acted upon this
conviction and wisely saved his hard earnings.

While remaining at Taos, Kit Carson met with Captain Lee, formerly of
the United States Army; but, at this time, a partner of Bent and
St. Vrain, two names as familiarly known to the mountaineers as the
household words of their boyhood days.

Captain Lee was purchasing goods for the purpose of trading with
and supplying the trappers. He desired Kit Carson to join in his
enterprise and made him an offer which was accepted.

In the latter part of October 1832, with their goods well packed
and properly fitted for the rough transportation which they must
necessarily be subjected to, they set out to find the trappers. They
traveled for some distance on a route well known as the "Old Spanish
Trail." This is nothing more than a mule path which leads from New
Mexico to California.

Having arrived safely at White River, they continued their march down
stream, following the windings of the river until they came to Green
River. Green River, they forded and then struck across the country for
the Winty River which is a branch of the Green River.

Here they found Mr. Robidoux who had a party of twenty men in his
employ and who was engaged both in trapping and trading according as
opportunity presented itself. Soon after these parties met, snow
began to fall, indicating the approach of the cold season. A mutual
understanding having been arrived at, the two parties joined together
and began to establish Winter Quarters suitable for the whole.

They selected a site for their permanent camp on the Winty River, at
its mouth, where the men made themselves as comfortable as possible
under such circumstances. They were provided with skin lodges, so
common among the Indians of America, and which according to Kit's
mountaineer experience are very comfortable substitutes for houses.

During the winter Mr. Robidoux lost six of his most valuable and
high-priced horses, in the following manner. Attached to the camp
there was a California Indian who was employed by Mr. Robidoux, a keen
and shrewd savage: and one, whose acquaintance with the trappers had
enabled him to gain the