Never was so big a cannon.

Even the 42-centimeter howitzers of today could not compare with it.

The Indians took one look at it, then departed that part of the country as fast as their ponies could travel.
We stuck with the train into Denver and back home again, and glad we were to retire from gold-mining.
Soon after my return to Salt Creek Valley I decided on another and, I thought, a better way to make a fortune for myself and my family.
During my stay in and about Fort Laramie I had seen much of the Indian traders, and accompanied them on a number of expeditions.

Their business was to sell to the Indians various things they needed, chiefly guns and ammunition, and to take in return the current Indian coin, which consisted of furs.
With the supplies bought by the money I had earned on the trip with Simpson, mother and my sisters were fairly comfortable.

I felt that I should be able to embark in the fur business on my own account--not as a trader but as a trapper.
With my friend Dave Harrington as a companion I set out.