carson returns with the recovered property—journey to snake

river—starts on a trapping expedition with three companions—carson's

stirring adventure with two grizzly bears.

carson gathered the horses together and set out on his return. the distance was considerable and he was compelled to encamp more than once on the road, while he was continually exposed to attack from indians, but with that remarkable skill and foresight which distinguished him when a boy, he reached home without the slightest mishap and turned over the recovered animals to their owner. some days later, several trappers entered camp with the statement that a large body of hunters were on snake river, a fortnight's journey distant. captain lee at once set out with his men and found the company who gave them a warm welcome. they purchased all the supplies captain lee had for sale, and then, as carson's engagement with the captain was ended, he attached himself to the other body. he remained, however, only a few weeks, for he saw there were so many that they could never take enough peltries to bring much money to the individual members. he decided to do as he had done before—arrange an expedition of his own. he had but to make known his intentions, when he had more applicants than he could accept. he selected three, who it is needless to say had no superiors in the whole party. the little company then turned the heads of their horses toward laramie river.

at that day, the section abounded with beaver, and although the summer is not the time when their fur is in the best condition, the party trapped on the stream and its tributaries until cold weather set in. they met with far greater success than could have come to them had they stayed with the principal company of trappers. but they had no wish to spend the winter alone in the mountains and gathering their stock together, they set out to rejoin their old companions.

one day, after they had gone into camp, carson, leaving his horse in charge of his friends, set out on foot to hunt some game for their evening meal. they had seen no signs of indians, though they never forgot to be on their guard against them. game was not very abundant and carson was obliged to go a long ways before he caught sight of some elk grazing on the side of a hill. well aware of the difficulty of getting within gunshot of the timid animals, the hunter advanced by a circuitous course toward a clump of trees, which would give him the needed shelter; but while creeping toward the point he had fixed upon as the one from which to fire, the creatures scented danger and began moving off. this compelled him to fire at long range, but he was successful and brought down the finest of the group.

the smoke was curling upward from the rifle of carson, when he was startled by a tremendous crashing beside him, and, turning his head, he saw two enormous grizzly bears making for him at full speed. they were infuriated at this invasion of their home, and were evidently resolved on teaching the hunter better manners by making their supper upon him.

carson had no time to reload his gun: had it been given him he would have made short work of one of the brutes at least, but as it was, he was deprived of even that privilege. fortunate indeed would he be if he could escape their fury.

the grizzly bear is the most dreaded animal found on this continent. he does not seem to feel the slightest fear of the hunter, no matter whether armed or not, and, while other beasts are disposed to give man a wide berth, old "ephraim," as the frontiersmen call him, always seems eager to attack him. his tenacity of life is extraordinary. unless pierced in the head or heart, he will continue his struggles after a dozen or score of rifle balls have been buried in his body. so terrible is the grizzly bear, that an indian can be given no higher honor than the privilege of wearing a necklace made from his claws—that distinction being permitted only to those who have slain one of the animals in single handed combat.