The ball broke the forearm of Captain Shunan, at the very moment he
discharged his gun. The shock diverted the aim so that the bullet
grazed his scalp, inflicting a trifling wound; but the combatants
were so close that the powder of the rifle scorched the face of
the mountaineer.

Captain Shunan had been badly worsted, and was disabled for weeks
afterward. He accepted his fate without complaint and was effectually
cured of his overbearing manner toward his associates.



CHAPTER XIII.


On the Yellowstone -- Repeated Disappointments -- Carson Enters the
Employ of a Hudson Bay Trader -- Poor Success -- A Trying Journey
-- Arrival at Fort Hall -- The American Buffalo or Bison.

With the approach of cool weather, preparations were made for the
fall hunt. When all was ready, the trappers headed for the Yellowstone,
which was reached without mishap, and they immediately set their
traps. The country as a rule, was a good one for those valuable
animals, but the visitors were disappointed to learn they were
unusually scarce.

When it became evident that it was useless to work on the Yellowstone,
they gathered up their traps and made their way to the Big Horn,
but, failing again, tried their fortunes on other rivers in that