Osborne Russell

At age 20, Osborne Russell joins an expedition to the Oregon Territory that leaves from Missouri. In the beginning, Russell has little idea of the rigors and way of life of the trapper. He has to learn to hunt animals and trap beaver. Russell finds out quickly that there is much danger as well as adventure in his new life as a trapper. He sees a young trapper drown who insists on fording a too-rough river on horseback. Russell is stationed at the newly-constructed Fort Hall. He learns the Snake Indian language from a friendly visiting Indian. Russell later also learns to use Indian sign language, a universal method of communication.

Russell learns to enjoy the excitement of the hunt, especially chasing Mountain Sheep in dangerous, icy terrain. He usually manages to avoid disaster but once is looted by Indians. Russell is angry but accepts his fate when...