the strength of such means of defence and suddenly lost their
eagerness to make the attack.

After a full survey of the work before them, they concluded the
task was beyond accomplishment. The magnificent force, therefore,
began withdrawing. It was the turn of the trappers to feel disappointed.
They had not thought of any such issue and were enraged. They
shouted and made tantalizing gestures to the Blackfeet, in the hope
of goading them to stand their ground, but they were too wise to
do so. They retreated to a safe point where a council of war was
held. It was not to be expected that after such an abrupt withdrawal,
they could summon enough courage to make the assault.

When the conference was over, the Indian army, as it may be called,
broke into two divisions, one of which went back toward their own
village while the other set their faces toward the Crow country.
Uncertain whether they would not reappear when they believed there
was hope of surprising the mountaineers, the latter maintained
their vigilance day and night.

It may have been that the red men made several reconnaissances,
but, if so, they concluded it would be imprudent to attack the
mountaineers who held their position and continued trapping as
opportunity presented through the winter.

After trapping in various localities, Kit Carson and several
friends visited Fort Hall, where they joined a party in the employ
of the Northwest Fur Company. They trapped around the head of Salmon
River and other streams, and finally returned to Fort Hall, where
the peltries were sold for a fair valuation. Then Carson and a few