reputation, found more men than he wanted ready to join him. From
those who applied, he selected but three. These were men of the best
material; and, no man could judge a trapper's qualifications better
than Kit Carson.

With his three men he immediately set out for the Laramie River. On
this stream and its tributaries, he spent the summer. Perhaps our
readers will look for a full description of the course which the
American trapper pursues in order to catch beaver. It is very simple
in its detail but difficult and tedious in its application. The trap
is the common steel trap made in the usual form; if there is any
difference, it is larger and more powerful. It is set in the haunts
of the beaver with a particular kind of bait[6] known chiefly among
trappers. It is a singular fact that, frequently, old beavers will be
discovered springing the traps, by the aid of a stick. If discovered
at his work, he seems to enjoy hugely the vexation of the trappers
which they sometimes exhibit. An old trapper, however, especially if
he be a Frenchman or Mexican, feels so much pride in the matter, that
he will cover up his vexation under assumed politeness, as if the
beaver could understand and appreciate his language.

[Footnote 6: Animalium patris testiculum.]

But to escape from these pleasing digressions, Kit Carson and his men
concluded their summer's work with unusual success. Their exertions
had been crowned with rewards which surpassed their fondest
anticipations. As the wintry months were again fast coming on, Kit and
his men determined to rejoin Bridger's' command. The return trip,
was therefore commenced and duly prosecuted. Late one afternoon,
just after the little party had gone into camp, Kit, having lingered
somewhat behind, suddenly rode into the camp ground and leaped from
his horse, giving it in care of one of the men. With his rifle, he
then started in pursuit of game for supper. He walked on about one
mile from the camp and there came upon the fresh tracks of some elk.
Following up the trail he discovered the game grazing on the side of
a hill. In the neighborhood of the animals there were some low and
craggy pine trees. Moving along with great care, he finally gained the
cover of the trees, which brought him in close proximity to the
elk, and within certain range of his rifle. This care was the more
necessary as his party had been without meat diet for some time and
began to be greatly in need thereof. These ev