The day was drawing to a close when Carson set out for camp, which
was not reached until after dark. His companions did not feel any
special alarm over his continued absence, for the good reason that
they were confident he could take care of himself no matter in what
labyrinth of peril he might become involved.

It was too late to send for the carcass of the elk and more than
likely it had already been devoured by wolves. So the trappers made
their breakfast on one of the beavers found in their traps, and
went into camp to await the arrival of the main body of trappers,
which Carson was confident would come that way. Some days later
they put in an appearance, and the company proceeded to the general
rendezvous on Green River, where were found assembled the principal
trappers of the Rocky Mountains. There were fully two hundred
divided into two camps. What a history could have been written from
the thrilling experiences of such a body of men!

They had gathered at the rendezvous to buy what supplies they needed
and to dispose of their peltries. It was several weeks before the
negotiations were over, when the assemblage broke up into smaller
companies which started for their destinations hundreds of miles
apart.

Carson joined a party numbering about fifty who intended to trap
near the headwaters of the Missouri. Hundreds of beavers had been
taken in that section, but poor success went with the large band
of which Carson was a member. That was bad enough, but they were
in a neighborhood which, it may be said, was the very heart of the
Blackfoot country, and those hostiles were never more active and
vigilant in their warfare against the invaders.