as Brown's Hole. They reached
there just in time for the leader to join an expedition, numbering only
two beside himself, which went into the Navajoe country for purposes of
barter. The venture proved a great success and Carson drifted back again
to Brown's Hole. There such liberal offers were made him to serve
as hunter for the fort, that he accepted and entered upon his rather
singular, but exceedingly congenial duties.

These, as the reader must know, simply consisted of keeping the garrison
supplied with all the meat they needed. Though the country was noted for
its fine game, it required much time, skill and patience for Carson to
make sure that none of the vigorous appetites at the post suffered. No
one could have done better and very few as well as he. When spring came,
and he gave up his position, he was complimented by those whom he left
behind on the admirable manner in which he had met all requirements.

During those years there was much similarity in the life and experience
of Kit Carson. He had become known all through the west and southwest
as the most daring, sagacious and brilliant leader in that country. His
services were in demand wherever he went, and as he was in the enjoyment
of perfect health, overrunning with life and activity, he made money
rapidly and showed his wisdom by laying aside a respectable sum for a
rainy day.

In the spring following his engagement at Brown's Hole, he went with
a small party to the Black Hills, where they were quite successful in
hunting. Later in the summer they joined the main body of trappers on
Green River. All meeting at the general rendezvous on a branch of the
Wind River. Still later, the majority of the trappers went into winter
quarters on the Yellowstone. They were again in the country of their
bitter enemies, the Blackfeet, and were certain of a fight with them;
but several months passed without molestation.

One day, however, several of the trappers who were making the rounds
of the traps, came upon signs which showed they were close to a strong
force of the Blackfeet. The men lost no time in hurrying back to camp
with the news, where it was agreed that trouble was at hand.

Forty men were selected at once to hunt out the Indians and engage them
in battle. It goes without saying, that Kit Carson was made the leader
and there was not a moment's unnecessary delay in starting out to find
the enemy.

They were successful in their search. They suddenly fou