228 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



Celling by night, he followed closely on the trail of the 

 victorious savages, bided his time, struck his " coup/' 

 and recovered a pair of pack-horses, which was all he 

 required. Ever since, he had been trapping alone in 

 all parts of the mountains ; had visited the rendezvous 

 but twice for short periods, and then with full packs of 

 beaver ; and was now on his way to Bent's Fort, to 

 dispose of his present loads of peltry, enjoy one good 

 carouse on Taos whisky, and then return to some hole 

 or corner in the mountains which he knew of, to follow 

 in the spring his solitary avocation. He too had 

 had his share of troubles, and had many Indian 

 scrapes, but passed, safely through all, and scarcely 

 cared to talk of what he had done, so matter-of-fact 

 to him were the most extraordinary of his perilous 

 adventures. 



Arrived at Bent's Fort, the party disposed of their 

 cavallada, and then respect for the pardonable weak- 

 nesses of our mountain friends prompts us to draw a 

 veil over the furious orgies that ensued. A number of 

 hunters and trappers were " in " from their hunting- 

 grounds, and a village of Shians and some lodges of 

 Kioways were camped round the fort. As long as the 

 liquor lasted, and there was good store of alcohol as 

 well as of Taos whisky, the Arkansa resounded with 

 furious mirth not unmixed with graver scenes ; for 

 your mountaineer, ever quarrelsome in his cups, is 

 quick to give and take offence, when rifles alone can 

 settle the difference, and much blood is spilt upon the 

 prairie in his wild and frequent quarrels. 



