winter quarters.

The winter proved very severe. The snow was so deep that only by
cutting down numerous cottonwoods and using the bark and twigs for
fodder were the animals saved from starvation. Fortunately, they had
laid in a good stock of bison meat so that the trappers themselves
underwent no suffering for food. In fact, they found little to do
except to pass the time in idleness. With abundant food, plenty
of tobacco and the means of engaging in certain games, they whiled
away the long winter days and evenings until the signs of spring
appeared.

But while the winds were moaning around their hut, in which they
made their home, and the snow rattled like fine sand against the
logs, they were taught again that no weather is severe enough to
keep the wily red man within his wigwam. A party of Crow Indians
discovered the camp of the trappers and one tempestuous night made
them a stealthy visit. They departed during the darkness, and,
when they went away, took with them nine of the very best horses of
the hunters -- a loss too serious to be borne without using every
recourse to prevent it.



CHAPTER V.


Kit Carson's Decision -- A Hot Pursuit an and Unexpected Discovery
-- Weary Waiting -- A Snow Balling Party -- A Daring Attack --
Brilliant Exploit.