they were favored with such rugged health and where they had plenty
of food and comfortable quarters, it would have been remarkable
had they not been comparatively happy. They were not disturbed by
political discussions or diversity of views on any public questions
and were satisfied that the glorious Union was safe without any
worriment on their part.

When spring came, two of their party were sent to Fort Laramie to
procure needed supplies. They went off well mounted and armed and
were never heard of again. Somewhere in the recesses of the forest
or mountain, the Blackfeet had probably killed them as they had done
with many a brave man before, and as they have done with multitudes
since.

When it became certain the messengers had been slain, the company
began the spring hunt without them. After trapping a brief while
on the Yellowstone, they worked their way to the head waters of
the Missouri. They met with fair success and while engaged in that
section, learned that the reports of the ravages of the small pox
among the Blackfeet had been greatly exaggerated. Instead of being
decimated, the tribe had not suffered to any serious extent and
were as strong and aggressive as ever.

The trappers were not displeased to learn that such was the case,
for they desired a settlement of accounts with them. Under such
circumstances it was impossible that hostilities should be long
delayed.