bow of cerimony
in salute. I'se seen that ar' oftener than you've put one leg ahead of
t'other yit, young un."

The trappers present all confirmed the truth of this statement by
a solemn nod of assent to the query, "Ain't that true, gentlemen?"
which, at least, served to prevent unceremonious whistling.

It is thus that we might go on and fill page after page with this
picture-talk of the trappers. Some of their yarns are pretty tightly
strained, but most of them contain a capital hit and are usually
founded on the facts. It is a well authenticated fact that the beaver
has but one mate; and, that they live together a loving couple, as if
husband and wife. As to their _liaisons_, coquetry, flirting and so
forth, doubtless the society in some parts of the human family will
bear a faithful resemblance in these respects also. As an example of
industry the world will look in vain for a better one than is afforded
by the little beaver of the Western Rivers. Look at them patiently
felling the tallest trees; and, so nicely adjusting their fall and
calculating their height, that they strike the opposite bank of their
stream gaining a fixed and permanent lodgment. It is thus that these
wonderful little creatures will often erect dams across wide rivers
and effectually stop the rushing torrents.

As has appeared, after collecting the six horses, Kit Carson returned
with them safely into camp. A few days subsequent to this occurrence,
a band of trappers belonging to another party _en route_, entered the
camp. These men reported that Fitzpatrick and Bridger were encamped
on Snake River distant about fifteen days' journey. This was too good
news for Captain Lee and Kit to warrant their remaining any longer
idle. They doubted not but that they should be able to dispose of
their goods to these parties. With this object in view, they prepared
for the march and started. Their journey, although perilous and
laborious, was successfully accomplished. Messrs. Fitzpatrick and
Bridger received and entertained them very hospitably, and purchased
their entire stock, paying therefor in beaver fur. Kit Carson then
joined Fitzpatrick's band, but remained with it only one month.
His reason for separating from it was, that there were too many men
congregated together either to accomplish much, or to make the general
result profitable in the distribution. He, accordingly, arranged
an enterprise upon his own account; and, from his well-established