itchell and New, concluded
to tarry awhile in order to gratify their humor for hunting. But Kit
Carson, with the remainder of the mountaineers, continued on their
course, and, in three days time, were safely lodged within the walls
of the Fort. One week subsequently, Mitchell and New followed their
companions to the Fort, but in a sad plight. They had not suspected
danger, and, consequently, had failed to guard against it. They had
been surrounded by Indians and deprived of everything they possessed
except their naked bodies. In this denuded state they arrived at the
Fort. They were kindly received and provided for by its noble-hearted
proprietors; and, for some time enjoyed a respite from all their
troubles.

This mountaineer Mitchell, full of eccentricities of character, has
seen the ups and downs of a frontiersman during a long and eventful
life. He once joined the Camanche nation and became one of their
braves.[16]

[Footnote 16: White men have frequently enrolled themselves as
warriors among the American Indians; but they have rarely gained the
full confidence of the Indians, who, naturally very proud of their
birthright, view with a jealous eye all intruders.]

In this capacity he won great renown by the efficient and active part
he took in several engagements between the tribe of his adoption and
their enemies. His real object in turning Indian was to discover the
locality of a gold mine which was said to have an existence in some
of the mountains of northern Texas. Having convinced himself that the
story of the gold mine, like many of the tales and traditions which
gain currency in Indian countries, was entirely without foundation,
Mitchell, with some plausible excuse, bid his red friends good bye and
sought out his old comrades, the trappers, to whom he ever afterwards
proved faithful. About two years since, Mitchell paid a trading visit
to the States. On his route, it became necessary that he should pass
over the Kansas Territory, just at a time when political difficulties
there were exciting the people to the highest pitch of anxiety. The
consequence was, that his views upon the all-absorbing questions at
issue were frequently asked for by members of both parties. To all
these queries he invariably replied, professing his ignorance of
everything that appertained thereto. This caused him to be regarded as
a dangerous man, and one not to be trusted. He was accordingly treated
with indifference and silent re