The Blackfeet or Satsika today, are the most westerly tribe of the
Algonquin family of Indians, extending from the Hudson Bay to the
Missouri and Yellowstone. They number over 12,000 warriors about
equally divided between Montana and British America. They have
always been a daring and warlike people, and the early explorers
of the Far West probably met with more trouble from them than from
any other tribe on the continent.

Carson and his companions ran in difficulty at once. The Blackfeet
seemed to swarm through the woods, and sent in their treacherous
shots from the most unexpected quarters. Whoever made the round
of the traps in the morning was almost certain to be fired upon.
Matters became so bad that after a time the trappers decided to
leave the country. Accordingly they made their way to the Big Snake
River where they went into quarters for the winter. Even there they
were not safe from molestation at the hands of their old enemies
the Blackfeet.

One night, when there was no moon or stars, a band of warriors
stole into camp and ran off about twenty of the best horses. This
outrage touched the hunters in the most sensitive part of their
nature, and the truth no sooner became known than they unanimously
agreed that the animals not only should be recovered but the
audacious aggressors should be chastised.

Twelve men were selected for the most difficult and dangerous task
and need we give the name of the youth who was made the leader?

With his usual promptness, Carson took the trail which was followed