thinking herself beyond research and safe[.] She took her time – Killed a buffaloe with her Bow and arrows – built a Cabin of Green branches – and began to dry and prepare a stock of provisions for her Journey Across the Mountains to her own Country[.] The young men having lost her Track they wandered several days in the Mountains and it was on their return home that they accidentally fell in with her hut and dispatched her by plunging their lances into her bosom[.]

All the Traders who were in opposition to me having dispaired of any success returned to the Red River and left me in the sole possession of the Mississourie Trade[.] I now divided my assortment into small parcels and made several outfits which I placed under the charge of my men for the purpose of carrying on the business with the natives to the best advantage, and my success generally speaking did not fall short of my Expectations[.]

On the Eve of my departure for home – The Black Cat, a chief with whom some of my men had lodged in the Mandane Village sent me word by an Indian to call at his Tent as soon as possible[.] This I did immediately – and asked him the cause of so pressing an invitation. "Your white men, said he do not mean to return with you[.] They have disposed of

their

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