Bridger’s services were always in demand. He started with the Missouri Fur Company. Later he became one of Ashley’s men. By 1830 he was recognized as one of the most daring and effective trappers of the West. This won him a partnership in the newly organized Rocky Mountain Fur Company. After the disbanding of this firm he became identified with John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company. Naturally he realized the evanescent character of the fur business. In 1843 this insight impelled him to establish Fort Bridger on Black’s Fork of Green River. Here he developed one of the great frontier institutions. It was an oasis in the desert. Here the weary traveler found respite from the toil of his journey. While wagons were being repaired, stock exchanged, and provisions replenished, the wayfarers got acquainted with the gracious host. Bridger generously imparted his valuable mountain information to the public. Frequently he rendered service as a guide, for which he was liberally rewarded. His unerring judgment of distance and contour, together with a photographic memory of detail, enabled him to make nice corrections on the drafts of map makers. There is no gainsaying the fact that Jim Bridger was a man of affairs. [Illustration: Jim Bridger.] In the autumn of 1824 some of Ashley’s men were trapping the headwaters of Bear River. They were uncertain of its course, and Bridger was chosen to explore the stream to settle the bet. When he reached Great Salt Lake he scooped up a handful of its saline water. Spitting and coughing, he is reported to have said, “Hell, I’m on the shores of the Pacific.” Naturally of mild and gracious manner, Bridger possessed a Yankee wit that enabled him to take care of himself. This fact is attested by his ability to get along with the Indians, among whom he was known as Chief “Big Throat.” He prided himself in being able to outdo the “sarpints” in every field of action. Bridger’s experience with Indians made him very skeptical. This caution is expressed in his warning to Colonel Henry B. Carrington on the Powder River Expedition of 1866: Better not go too fur. Thar’s Injuns enough lyin’ under wolf-skins er skulkin’ on them cliffs, I’m a-tellin’ ye. They foller ye allus. They’ve seen ye ev’ry day, an’ take it frum me—when ye don’t see any of ’em that’s jest the time to watch out fer their devilment.[114] However, he was wise in making alliances with them. Three times he married Indian squaws, a Flathead, a Ute, and a Shoshoni. These affiliations gave him greater security in his travels. Upon one occasion, when reference was made to this multiple spouse arrangement, someone asked Jim: “Which is which is which?” Quick as a flash came his rejoinder: “Thar all witches!”