Here they came upon an encampment of sixty lodges of Arapahays, an outlawed band of the Arrapahoes, and notorious robbers.

These fell upon the poor trappers; robbed them of their peltries, most of their clothing, and several of their horses.

They were glad to escape with their lives, and without being entirely stripped, and after proceeding about fifty miles further, made their halt for the winter.
Early in the spring they resumed their wayfaring, but were unluckily overtaken by the same ruffian horde, who levied still further contributions, and carried off the remainder of their horses, excepting two.

With these they continued on, suffering the greatest hardships.
They still retained rifles and ammunition, but were in a desert country, where neither bird nor beast was to be found.

Their only chance was to keep along the rivers, and subsist by fishing; but at times no fish were to be taken, and then their sufferings were horrible.