CHAPTER XVII.
The Morrow--Withdrawal of the Indian Army--At Fort Hall--In the Blackfoot Country--The Ambush--The Trappers Decide to Withdraw--Trapping in Other Localities--Carson Decides to Abandon the Business--Visits Bent's Fort Where He Serves as Hunter for Eight Years.
Having gone through what the red men consider the necessary preliminaries of such a grand campaign, the vast number of warriors awaited the dawn that was to witness the annihilation of the entire force that had dared to venture upon their hunting grounds without so much as asking permission.
It was scarcely light when the imposing array advanced upon the mountaineers, who coolly awaited their approach.

When the Blackfeet came close enough to see the fortifications thrown up by the whites, they were astonished.

They knew from previous experience 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.