over the commonplace question, "What's the
news?" Oftentimes, when venturing into distant and unexplored
districts of territory they were obliged to take their chances of
finding sustenance; but, they hardly ever neglected an opportunity
to inform themselves on the subject: on the contrary, they often
sacrificed both time and profits in order to secure correct details.
Any other course would have been fool-hardy rashness, just fit for
parties of over-bold inexperience to take the consequences of.

Hunting the buffalo is a manly and interesting sport; and, as Kit
Carson on this occasion engaged in it with successful results, it
might be interesting to the general reader, and, in this place the
unity of the narrative seems to require, a complete and practical
description of the manner of taking the buffalo. We have, however
deferred this part of our duty to an occasion when Kit Carson had
his friend John C. Fremont upon his first buffalo hunt. We shall then
permit the bold Explorer to tell the story of a buffalo hunt in our
behalf.[11]

[Footnote 11: See page 161.]

During their sojourn at Fort Hall, the hardy trappers were not idle.
Besides the calls upon them by the hunt, they set to work with great
industry repairing their saddles, clothing and moccasins. With the
aid of a few buck-skins, usually procured from Indians, and a few rude
tools, they soon accomplished wonders.

To give the reader an appropriate view of the genius to conquer
obstacles displayed by the mountaineers, he must picture one of them
just starting upon a long journey over the prairies and through
the mountains. His wagon and harness trappings, if he chances to be
possessed of worldly effects sufficient to warrant him in purchasing a
first-class outfit, present a neat and trim appearance. Follow him
to the point of his destination, and there the reader will discover,
perhaps, a hundredth part of the original vehicle and trappings.
While en route, the bold and self-reliant man has met with a hundred
accidents. He has been repeatedly called upon to mend and patch both
wagon and harness, besides his own clothing. Though he now presents a
dilapidated appearance, he is none the less a man; and, if his name
is known as a regular trapper and mountaineer, he is immediately a
welcomed and honored guest. If the broadcloth of a prince covered his
back, spotless, scientifically shaped and foreign woven, his reception
would not be more heartfelt and sincere