Among the few passengers alighting at Fort Mitchell from the El Paso was Reuleau, the trapper, who has a history. He is first mentioned in 1833, when he met the lone Nez Perce brave on his journey into the west, after the futile visit to St. Louis. Francis Parkman mentions him at Fort Laramie in 1847. Previous to the latter date, he had had the misfortune to freeze off the fore part of both feet, leaving but stubs. Yet he was the same blithe, lithe spirit as before.

Reuleau had then told lightly of "two more gone. One murdered in his cabin, and the other shot with his own gun." "Next time it will be one of us. I tell you it is getting too hot for me. I am going one more season," said he, "My squaw wants a red dress with the bright buttons, and a pacing pony, and then she will be satisfied for me to settle down and farm."

Poor Reuleau ! This was six years after, and he was still at it. But for him the trail was near its end. This was the last time he

ever came to light. He sleeps somewhere in the wilderness about us, but where, no one knows.

I am glad that my own father met him once at Fort Mitchell in 1850, when he made his first journey to California. For it was from Reuleau that father learned much that was of value regarding Indian strategy, and the dangers of the trail and mountains.