ight put a stop
to the scenes of the day and further action was deferred until
the next morning. As soon as the light would again warrant it, the
trappers plunged into the stream and made for the island, being
determined to dislodge the Indians. To their great dismay the brave
savages had already retreated having quietly given them the slip
during the night.

The result of the battle the day before was now made apparent. It was
evident that not much powder had been wasted in the action. The snow
within the fortification was red with fresh blood, and from the place
a bloody trail led to a hole in the ice of the stream where a large
number of lifeless bodies had been sunk. There was nothing now to
be done except to return to camp. Upon their arrival a council was
convened to devise measures and plans for their future conduct. It was
quite evident to all that the campaign had but just commenced. It was
the general impression that the main village of the Blackfeet tribe
had been located within a few miles. When therefore the news of their
recent severe loss should be carried there by the survivors in the
battle, active measures would be set on foot to seek revenge. It was
the decision of the council that the trappers should act chiefly on
the defensive. Measures were immediately set on foot to guard against
surprise. To make everything doubly secure, none but the most trusty
and well-tried men were detailed to perform sentinel duty. Near their
camp there was a very lofty hill which commanded a fine view of
the surrounding country. Upon this eminence they posted a sentinel
throughout the day time. Their arrangements having been all determined
upon and plans laid, the execution of them, to men so well skilled in
frontier life, occupied but little time. Notwithstanding this celerity
in their movements they had been none too quick. Soon after their
preparations were fully made, the sentinel on the hill gave his signal
indicating the approach of the Indians, showing that their precaution
in this respect had been a wise one. The order was immediately
given to erect strong breastworks. This task was so successfully
accomplished, that, in a few hours, they had prepared a little
fortress, which, covered with their unerring rifles, was impregnable
against any force the Indians could bring against it. The advance
party of the savages soon appeared in sight, but when they discovered
the strength of the trappers, they halted and awaite