lasted him through life. The baneful habit was not fastened upon
him, and he not only acquired the mastery over self, but was able
more than once to save others from falling into the whirlpool which
has swept unnumbered multitudes to wretchedness and death.

Carson found little in the way of congenial employment until the
fall of the year, when he joined a second trapping expedition. The
first had won him such a reputation for sagacity, daring and skill,
that his services were always in demand, and those who were forming
such enterprises sought him out among the very first.

The new party was in charge of an experienced mountaineer, who
told Kit his intention was to trap along the principal streams of
the Rocky Mountains. He was well acquainted with the region and
was confident that the expedition would not only be enjoyable and
thrilling in the highest degree, but would prove profitable to all.

The party travelled northward until they reached the Platte River
where the business began. They moved from stream to stream, as
necessity demanded, shooting such game as they needed, exchanging
shots with the watchful red men, who killed four of the trappers
while hunting bison, and steadily adding to their stock of furs
until the close of the season in the spring of 1831. Learning that
an old mountaineer, named Captain Gaunt, had spent the winter at
Laramie River and was then at New Park, Kit Carson and four of his
friends set out to join him. It was a long and perilous journey,
but they made it in safety and the Captain gave them glad welcome.
They hunted together for many months following until the Captain
went to Taos to sell his peltries. On his return, operations were
resumed until the weather became so cold they were forced into