The next morning, the five men rode through the quiet forest, usually single file as the trail was so narrow. At times, it widened, and when it did, Russell usually rode next to Sam. Russell filled Sam in on the pattern of a trip like this. The first day they’d ride to a campsite and set up. The day following they’d go out, set traps along the river for beaver and muskrat, then hunt for any prey that would provide a good pelt. After that, they’d check the traps and bring in the kill for skinning.
Sam became uneasy with this description of the work he’d be doing. Raised as an Indian, he had been taught you only killed for food when necessary. They used the skins for shelter and clothing and the bones to make tools. They did not approve of killing for the sake of killing.
“Yeah,” Russell w
