in hunting. Later in the summer they joined the main body of trappers
on Green River. All meeting at the general rendezvous on a branch
of the Wind River. Still later, the majority of the trappers went
into winter quarters on the Yellowstone. They were again in the
country of their bitter enemies, the Blackfeet, and were certain
of a fight with them; but several months passed without molestation.

One day, however, several of the trappers who were making the
rounds of the traps, came upon signs which showed they were close
to a strong force of the Blackfeet. The men lost no time in hurrying
back to camp with the news, where it was agreed that trouble was
at hand.

Forty men were selected at once to hunt out the Indians and engage
them in battle. It goes without saying, that Kit Carson was made the
leader and there was not a moment's unnecessary delay in starting
out to find the enemy.

They were successful in their search. They suddenly found themselves in
the presence of a scouting party, who were undoubtedly looking for
them; but perceiving the strength of the whites, they began retreating.
Carson and his men pressed them hotly, when, as anticipated, they
fell back on the main body and one of the old fashioned battles
between trappers and Indians began.

The Blackfeet always fight bravely, and, for a time, they held
their ground well, but they were forced to give way and retired to
a small island in the Yellowstone, where they had thrown up rude
fortifications and felt able to hold their own against a much
superior force.