dren belonging to the nation are
taught the art during their earliest years. It is only after much
practice, however, that they become expert.

Kit Carson joined the two traders, whose names were Thompson and
Sinclair, and made the trip with them which they had planned. They
realized very handsomely from it, bringing back a large drove of very
fine mules. The animals were driven to the Fort on the South Fork
of the Platte, where they were disposed of at fair prices. Having
received his share of the profits, Kit returned again to Brown's
Hole. The season was too far gone for him to think of joining another
trapping expedition that fall. He therefore began to look about for
some suitable employment for the winter. As soon as it became known
that his services were open for an engagement, several offers were
made him, all of which he rejected. The reader will doubtless see a
contrast between the Kit Carson renowned as a trapper and hunter and
the Kit Carson who, at Taos, only a few years before, was glad to hire
out as a cook, in order to gain his daily sustenance. For some time,
strong inducements of high wages had been held out to him by the
occupants of the Fort, in order to prevail upon him to accept the
responsible and arduous office of Hunter to the Fort. The task of
supplying, by the aid of the rifle, all the flesh twenty men would
naturally consume during an entire winter, formed the duty required
and expected from this officer. The inducements were so tempting,
the task so congenial with his feelings, and, withal, the urgent
persuasions of the men so pressing, that Kit Carson finally accepted
the offer and entered upon his duties. He soon showed the company that
he knew his business, and could perform it with an ease and certainty
which failed not to elicit universal esteem and commendation. When
the time arrived for him to resign the office in the Spring, he left
behind him golden opinions of his skill as a marksman.

CHAPTER VI.

Bridger and Carson trapping on the Black Hills--The
Main Camp--The Rendezvous--Winter Quarters on the Yellow
Stone--Carson with forty men in a desperate fight with the
Blackfeet Indians--A Council--Sentinel posted--One Thousand
Warriors come to punish the Trappers--The War Dance--The
Courage of the Savages deserts them--Winter Quarters--The
Spring Hunt--Another Fight with the Blackfeet--Continued
Annoyances--The Trappers abandon the Country--The