In fact, they found little to do except to pass the time in idleness.

With abundant food, plenty of tobacco and the means of engaging in certain games, they whiled away the long winter days and evenings until the signs of spring appeared.
But while the winds were moaning around their hut, in which they made their home, and the snow rattled like fine sand against the logs, they were taught again that no weather is severe enough to keep the wily red man within his wigwam.

A party of Crow Indians discovered the camp of the trappers and one tempestuous night made them a stealthy visit.

They departed during the darkness, and, when they went away, took with them nine of the very best horses of the hunters--a loss too serious to be borne without using every recourse to prevent it..