Merah a eT 
TRAPPING IN IOWA 1865-6. 105 
captured from the Cheyennes by the Pawnees; then 
given in a dance to the Omahas, after which its new 
owner, a good trapper of the Omaha tribe, was shot 
from its back by two disreputable white trappers from 
ambush. This gruesome and uncalled for deed was com- 
mitted near the Lone Tree on Floyd River, sometime in 
April 1865. This record, added to the expense of the 
trip compelled the writer to part with the animal and 
mine host Phipps of Cherokee’s public stopping place 
became its purchaser. 
Late in December, Comstock returned and a regular 
winter blizzard set in, and we concluded to pull up the 
traps and reach the Little Sioux Valley in time to save our 
stock from perishing in the storm. 
In crossing an eight mile divide for this purpose, we 
had to face a bitter north wind; and when within afew 
hundred yards of the valley where the traps were strung 
I succumbed and fell, as if in ablissful sleep, on the 
snow covered ground. 
Comstock, meantime, marking my absence, retraced 
his steps, discovering me prostrate,gave me such an un- 
merciful thumping that I awoke maddened and followed 
him toward a bunch of dry grass which he immediately 
ignited, and coming to my senses, all went well. That 
experience convinced me, that death by freezing after 
a certain period of uncomfortable coldis passed, is ab- 
solutely painless. 
Again Comstock and myself formed a trapping partner- 
ship and again we headed for Mill Creek; and, he after 
shivering around the camp fire for a few days blessing 
the March winds,—as before—deserted his companion. 
