Other trapping parties had just preceded them, and emptied all the streams of their furs.
For a week or two they wandered far and wide, setting their traps in vain.
At length Kit Carson, weary of such profitless pursuits, took two chosen companions with him, and with the hearty good wishes of Mr.Gaunt and the remaining trappers, set out on an expedition on his own account.
He plunged directly into the very heart of the mountains, where game not being abundant he would be less likely to be annoyed by the savages.

His experience and sagacity guided him safely and successfully.

For several months these three men wandered about among these lonely streams, which even the Indian rarely visited.

They found beaver in abundance, and loading down their animals with the well packed furs, set out on their perilous journey home.

It was necessary for them to pass over miles of open prairie, where Indian bands were ever found pursuing buffalo, deer and other game.