he found his way to it. The idea of sending out a pack animal for
the elk was out of the question; therefore, the whole party went,
supperless, to bed. In the morning they breakfasted upon a beaver
found in one of their traps; for, they well knew that, long before
daylight, the prowling wolves had feasted upon the elk; hence, they
resigned it without a visit. The flavor of the meat of the beaver is
not very palatable and the trappers rarely use it; never when they can
do better. Not so with its tail. To this they are very partial; and,
when properly boiled, it is, indeed, a great delicacy.

Believing that Bridger would visit this place, Kit ordered his men
to make a permanent camp. Kit's sagacity was not at fault in this
hypothesis; for, in fifteen days, this famous old mountaineer made his
appearance accompanied by his whole band. The two parties once
more consolidated and started for the summer rendezvous, which was
appointed to be held on the Green River.

Upon their arrival at this place, they found congregated, all the
principal trappers of the Rocky Mountains. They were divided into two
camps, and numbered about two hundred men. The objects which brought
them thus together were, the disposal of their fur and the purchase of
supplies.

When all the parties had reported their arrival, the trading commenced
and was conducted upon a basis which gave general satisfaction. The
most exorbitant and fabulous prices ruled for such articles as the
mountaineers required. Sugar and coffee brought two dollars the pint;
powder, the same; and ordinary blankets were sold at fifteen and
twenty-five dollars each.