Many of these
horses, at starting, were not laden, being designed for the transport
of furs that were to be taken in the course of the season.
For food this adventurous party depended entirely on their guns, and
during the march hunters were kept constantly out ahead. As a matter
of course, their living was precarious. Sometimes their kettles were
overflowing; at others they scarce refrained from eating their horses.
But during the months they had already spent in the wilderness good
living had been the rule, starvation the exception. They had already
collected a large quantity of beaver skins, which at that time were
among the most valuable in the market, although they are now scarcely
saleable! Having shot two wild horses, seven elks, six small deer, and
four big-horned sheep the day before they met Dick Varley, the camp
kettles were full, and the people consequently happy.
"Now, Master Dick Varley," said Cameron, touching the young hunter on
the shoulder as he stood ready equipped by one of the camp-fires,
"I'm at your service.
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