parties made new combinations and departed in different directions.
Instead of attaching himself to a large company, Kit Carson and
seven choice spirits started for a trading post known at that time
as Brown's Hole. They reached there just in time for the leader to
join an expedition, numbering only two beside himself, which went
into the Navajoe country for purposes of barter. The venture proved
a great success and Carson drifted back again to Brown's Hole.
There such liberal offers were made him to serve as hunter for the
fort, that he accepted and entered upon his rather singular, but
exceedingly congenial duties.

These, as the reader must know, simply consisted of keeping
the garrison supplied with all the meat they needed. Though the
country was noted for its fine game, it required much time, skill
and patience for Carson to make sure that none of the vigorous
appetites at the post suffered. No one could have done better
and very few as well as he. When spring came, and he gave up his
position, he was complimented by those whom he left behind on the
admirable manner in which he had met all requirements.

During those years there was much similarity in the life and
experience of Kit Carson. He had become known all through the west
and southwest as the most daring, sagacious and brilliant leader in
that country. His services were in demand wherever he went, and as
he was in the enjoyment of perfect health, overrunning with life
and activity, he made money rapidly and showed his wisdom by laying
aside a respectable sum for a rainy day.

In the spring following his engagement at Brown's Hole, he went with
a small party to the Black Hills, where they were quite successful