CHAPTER XX.
Alarming News--Fremont Presses Forward and is Not Molested--Arrival at South Pass--Fremont's Account of the Ascent of the Highest Peak of the Rocky Mountains--The Return to Fort Laramie--Carson Starts for New Mexico--End of Fremont's First Exploring Expedition.
Alarming news awaited Fremont at Fort Laramie.

A number of trappers informed them that the Sioux, through whose country their route lay, were excited to exasperation by several recent conflicts with hunters in which the red men were worsted.

The Sioux warriors were gathered in large numbers and would attack any white men who ventured beyond the fort.

They had already massacred a number and it was impossible for Fremont and his party to get through without a battle in which they were likely to be overwhelmed.
Carson looked upon the situation as so serious that he made his will and left it at the fort.

When consulted by Fremont, he said he considered the prospect full of peril, but he was ready to go the moment required.
The commander was confident the danger was greatly exaggerated, and, without much misgiving, he resumed his journey westward, following up the north fork of the Platte.