CHAPTER XX.

The Solitary Trapper--A Jest--Among the Nez Perces--Their Eagerness to be Taught--Meek is Called upon to Preach--He modestly Complies--Asks for a Wife--Polygamy Defended--Meek Gets a Wife--The Preacher's Salary--Surprised by Blackfeet--Death of Allen--The Last Rendezvous--Anecdote of Shawnee Jim--The new Wife Missing--Meeting with Farnham--Cold and Famine--Succor and Food--Parties at Fort Crockett--Setting up in Trade--How Al. Saved His Bacon--Bad Times--War upon Horse Thieves--In Search of Adventures--Green River Canyon--Running Antelope--Gambling--Vain Hunt for Rendezvous--Reflections and Half-Resolves--The last Trapping Expedition, 251