150 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



liable to open attack, yet rendered it more difficult for 

 them to pursue their calling without being discovered ; 

 for, where one or two men might pass unseen, the 

 broad trail of a large party, with its animals, was not 

 likely to escape the sharp eyes of the cunning savages. 



They had scarcely encamped when the old leader, 

 who had sallied out a short distance from camp to 

 reconnoitre the neighbourhood, returned with an Indian 

 mocassin in his hand, and informed his companions 

 that its late owner and others were about. 



" Do 'ee hyar now, boys ? thar's Injuns knocking 

 round, and Blackfoot at that ; but thar's plenty of 

 beaver too, and this child means trapping anyhow." 



His companions were anxious to leave such dangerous 

 vicinity; but the old fellow, contrary to his usual 

 caution, determined to remain where he was saying 

 that there were Indians all over the country, for, that 

 matter ; and as they had determined to hunt here, he 

 had made up his mind too which was conclusive, and 

 all agreed to stop where they were, in spite of the 

 Indians. La Bonte killed a couple of mountain sheep 

 close to camp, and they feasted rarely on the fat mutton 

 that night, and were unmolested by marauding Black- 

 feet. 



The next morning, leaving two of their number in 

 camp, they started in parties of two, to hunt for beaver 

 sign and set their traps. Markhead paired with one 

 Batiste, Killbuck and La Bonte formed another couple, 

 Meek and Marcellin another; two Canadians trapped 

 together, and Bill Williams and another remained to 



