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.

The people won't need any more looking after to-night.