All inquiries of the latter nature led him to Jim Bridger, who was at Fort Laramie at that time.

The meeting was mutually interesting to the principals, and to the spectators. Gore was accustomed to command, and he had all the imperial instincts of his nativity. On the other hand, Bridger cared absolutely nothing for rank or station. In the mountains all men were to him the same. If they could be relied upon "they were square." and if not to be reljed upon, "they were Blackfeet," (an unreliable Indian).

Negotiations entered upon with diplomacy by the Irish lord, were cut short by the mountaineer, who named his price, terms and conditions, and wages to commence at once. This unusual abruptness made a hit with the Irish-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

man, and in the two years that followed Sir Geo. Gore and Jim Bridger were companions inseparable.

During these years Sir George held to his traditions. He would not rise until ten in the morning, and then with deliberation he had his bath and made his toilet. After breakfast "at noon" he would hunt or travel as he then decided. Along about ten o'clock at night, his "dinner" must be served, and it was full dinner dress for him.

At the evening function, he usually had Bridger join, but no evening costume for Jim. After dinner, he would read to Bridger from Shakespeare or Munchausen. Of the former Bridger "lowed it was too highfalutin fer him, and he did not like that Pullstuff anyway ; he thought too much of lager beer." Munchausen's stories struck him as "a leetle too big," but when his own stories were repeated to him, he said, "well, maybe they air too big too," with a twinkle in his eye. These and similar discussions continued while the two remained in the mountains, and after the two years the only genuine affection by the lord at parting from his hunting companions, was shown as he bade farewell to old Jim Bridger.