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It seemed an excellent time to begin his journey again, and he told the trapper his decision to start on at dusk the next day. The announcement brought with it a long and thoughtful pause. "I wisht I could send you on your way with somethin' worthwhile," said Hank Rainer at length. "But I ain't rich. I've lived plain and worked hard, but I ain't rich. So what I can give you, Andy, won't be much."
"I shouldn't wonder," answered the Trapper, laughing, "fur ye must have ben a good deal riled.
I found him not long since pretty well at his last gasp. I guess he has got away from some Redskins. I always said he was carried off by them. If I am right they are not likely to be far away. We must be on the look-out not to be caught by them." Charley, though unable to speak, showed by the expression of his countenance that the old trapper had truly conjectured what had happened.
The whole band of Chipewyans was entirely routed, with the exception of four who escaped, and the trapper whose flight I have described; all the rest were slain, and their scalps hung at the belts of the victorious Knisteneux warriors, while only one of our party was killed.
Great indeed was the surprise of Trapper Jim when he finally arrived, tired and likewise hungry, to smell cooking bear steaks, and discover not one bear skin stretched out properly to cure, but two. The last one had been somewhat torn where the various leaden missiles had passed through.
With his heroic little band Kit Carson returned to the encampment, apparently unconscious that he had performed any unusual feat. The trappers purchased of the Mission sixty horses, paying for them in beaver skins, which always had a cash value. These horses were indispensable to the trapper. It required a large number to carry the packs of a successful trapping party.
"They seem to just know there's something up," declared Bandy-legs. "S-s-sure t-t-thing," added Toby, seriously. "Max, haven't you got a plan?" asked the owner of the cabin, turning toward the other eagerly, as though he guessed that if they found help at all it would be in this quarter. "I was just thinking of something," replied the boy, smiling. "Yes, go on," Trapper Jim continued.
The man wore the leathern coat and leggings of a North American hunter, or trapper, or backwoodsman; and well did he deserve all these titles, for Jasper Derry was known to his friends as the best hunter, the most successful trapper, and the boldest man in the backwoods. Jasper was big and strong as well as bold, but he was not a bully. Men of true courage are in general peacefully disposed.
Frequently the two boys had gone with the trapper when he had made the rounds of his traps, and in the warm days of summer nothing had delighted either more than to accompany him into the forest, where they were interested in the weird, and at times fantastic, tales Sam related of his personal adventures, and also of the characteristics of the denizens of the forest.
"Shoot!" said Trapper Jim, suddenly. Almost with the word came the clear report of the rifle, showing that at least Steve's jibes had had the effect of putting Bandy-legs on his mettle. With a fearful roar the bear fell over and began struggling. The dogs seemed almost frantic now in their desire to break loose. "Quick, work the pump action and get ready!" called out Trapper Jim.
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