this act on the part of the savages appeared to the trappers to be more than they ought peaceably to bear.  Such appeared to be the general opinion, and it was determined that a party should be sent out to recover the property and inflict a chastisement upon the hostile savages which they would not soon forget.  Kit Carson with eleven men to accompany him was selected for this delicate but highly important service.  Having prepared everything for the route, the party started and after fifty miles of sharp riding through the snow, came up with the savages.  The progress of the Indians had been, fortunately, considerably retarded by the necessity of breaking a path through the deep snow, which had but very recently fallen.  The trappers instantly made an attempt to recover their animals which were found grazing on the side of a hill, the Indians having previously come to a halt.  In doing this, shots were exchanged by both parties without effect.  The savages had on snow shoes which gave them considerable advantage over the trappers.  After some manoeuvering, the Indians asked for a parley which was granted.  On these occasions, it is customary for one man from each party to advance to a spot about halfway between the contending parties and there have a talk.  The rascals, through their representative, informed the trappers through their representative, that they had supposed that they had been committing a robbery upon the Snake Indians; and, that they did not desire to steal from the white men.

The trappers, believing these tales to be false, considered this a mere ruse on the part of the Indians to make them unwary of passing events.  However, they put the very natural query to them, why, if they were so friendly disposed, they did not follow out their usual custom; and, on seeing them approach, lay down their arms and advance to meet their white brothers, so that they might have a smoke together and talk over their difficulties and thus amicably settle matters.

Their replies to this query contained nothing but evasions.  Finally, however, it having been mutually agreed upon, both parties disarmed and marched to the place where their representatives were talking.  The Calumet was then prepared, lighted and handed around to each person present, it being puffed once or twice by every one of the savages and every one of the whites.  The council then commenced.  The head men among the savages led off by making several lengthy and unmeaning speeches.  In their replies, the trappers came directly to the point, and said they could hear no overtures for peace, until their property was restored to them.  The Indians, upon hearing this demand several times repeated, began to presume upon their strength, assuming an overbearing demeanor.  After considerable talk among themselves, they sent out and brought in five of the poorest horses, declaring that it was the only number they could return.  The trappers, upon hearing this, ran for their arms;