Despite their utmost efforts, a
horse was occasionally stolen before their very eyes, and sometimes
even an unfortunate trapper was murdered, and all his traps carried
off.
An event of this kind occurred soon after the party had gained the
western slopes of the mountains. Three Iroquois Indians, who belonged
to the band of trappers, were sent to a stream about ten miles off.
Having reached their destination, they all entered the water to
set their traps, foolishly neglecting the usual precaution of one
remaining on the bank to protect the others. They had scarcely
commenced operations when three arrows were discharged into their
backs, and a party of Snake Indians rushed upon and slew them,
carrying away their traps and horses and scalps. This was not known
for several days, when, becoming anxious about their prolonged
absence, Cameron sent out a party, which found their mangled bodies
affording a loathsome banquet to the wolves and vultures.
After this sad event, the trappers were more careful to go in larger
parties, and keep watch.
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