During these eight years thousands of buffalo, elk, antelope and deer, fell before his rifle, besides a vast amount of smaller game.
The skill which he displayed, and the success which that skill secured, excited the admiration alike of the red men and the white men.

He was universally known by the Indians, and was respected and beloved by them.
Fearless and alone he wandered over mountain and prairie, frequently meeting bands of hunters, and warriors, and entering the lodges of the savages, and sleeping in them without encountering any harm.

They admired his boldness, and an instinctive sense of honor led them not to maltreat one who had ever proved their friend, and who trusted himself so unreservedly in their power.
His familiarity with the Indian language enabled him to converse familiarly with them.

He was as much at home in the wilderness as the most veteran hunters of their tribes.

In the huts of the Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Kiowas and Comanches he was always a welcome guest.