Memories of a Bear Hunter 



the attempt on account of the hostiles 1 sick or 

 wounded that might have been left behind, and of 

 other Indians. I recognized the risk, hut since as 

 a youngster I had served during the Mexican war 

 as a mounted volunteer on the northwest frontier 

 of Texas against the Comanches, and all the bad 

 Indians of the Indian Territory and of the Kansas 

 Territory who infested that frontier, I had some 

 knowledge of Indian ways. Added to this, was 

 the experience of four years' service in the war 

 between the States. These experiences, qualified 

 me to judge of the credence to be placed in war 

 rumors. I was anxious to make the trip. 



Only one man of suitable qualities could be 

 found willing to make the trip Jack Bean. 25 He 

 knew the routes through the Park ; he was a good 

 packer and mountain man, cautious, but resolute. 

 We went light. I rode my hunting mare Kate; 

 Jack his horse, and we packed my little red mule 

 Dollie. I was armed with a .45-90-450 Sharpe 

 long-range rifle, and Jack with a .44-40-200 re- 

 peater. In addition to a belt of cartridges, Bean 

 carried around his neck a shot bag pretty full of 

 cartridges, so that in case of being set afoot, they 

 would be handy. When Dollie was packed there 

 was not much visible except her ears and feet. 



We left Bozeman September 1 1, and nooned in 

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