CHAPTER XV. Carson continues trapping -- the trade becomes unprofitable -- war of extermination upon the beaver, silk for hats prevents -- Carson's experience enables him to aid one who should explore in behalf of science -- knowledge of the country -- comes to Bent's Fort, forsaking trapping -- becomes hunter for the fort -- his employers -- his business -- reputation as a hunter -- fulfills the early hopes of him -- knowledge of the country -- regard shown him, especially by the Indians -- diplomatist between the Sioux and the Camanches -- marriage -- death of his wife -- takes his child to St. Louis for education -- changes at his old home -- reception at St. Louis -- meets Col. Fremont -- engages to guide Fremont's exploring party to the South Pass in the Rocky Mountains. 139 CHAPTER XVI. Party of explorers starting -- style of encamping -- defense -- morning in camp -- ford of the Kansas -- India-rubber boat -- accident from overloading the boat -- Carson ill -- lies in camp on the prairie. 152 CHAPTER XVII. Road over rolling prairie -- Pawnee country -- false alarm of the presence of Indians -- Carson rides to discover the cause -- coast of the Platte River -- party of trappers from Fort Laramie -- one of this party joins Fremont's company -- buffalo -- appearance of the herds -- feasting in the camp -- Carson's mishap in the hunt -- Carson, Maxwell, and Fremont join in the chase. 157 CHAPTER XVIII. Fremont divides his party -- attempt to lasso a wild horse -- Maxwell prevents an Indian attack -- Indians on a buffalo hunt -- return laden with meat -- Cheyenne village -- tripod support for their weapons -- Fremont entertained by the chief -- tribute to the Great Spirit on taking the pipe -- Jim Beckwith -- other settlers on the mountain streams -- St. Vrain's Fort -- Fort Laramie -- Carson's camp -- excitement in the company -- hostile intentions of the Indians -- preparations for continuing the explorations -- one of the command dismissed. 167 CHAPTER XIX. The growth of Artemisia -- fate of the Indian party so much dreaded -- cache of wagons and other effects -- value of Carson's aid to Fremont -- propriety of calling this an exploring party -- ascent to the South Pass -- exploration up a tributary of Green River -- lake at its source -- continue to explore in the mountains -- Fremont climbs the highest summit -- why Carson was not with him. 179 CHAPTER XX.