Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/164

154 interesting pet. He is remarkably neat and cleanly in his habits, as much so as the domestic cat, and almost as much so as the ermine, which never permits its snow-white covering to be soiled.

I am not aware that any wild animal, except the glutton, ever preys upon the beaver or otter. Their terrible teeth are most formidable weapons, and few wild animals would venture to attack them. Besides, they are covered with a large, loose skin and thick fur, so that the teeth of another animal can hardly reach a vital part. It is a well-known fact that one otter will vanquish a number of large, brave dogs. Every bite of the otter leaves a large gash, like that made by the huge tusks of the wild boar.

Among the most noted of these trappers was my neighbor and friend, Joseph L. Meek, whose life has been written by Mrs. Victor, of Oregon. Meek was a tall man, of fine appearances most genial, kind, and brave spirit. He had in his composition no malice, no envy, and no hatred. I do not remember ever to have heard that he had a personal difficulty with any one. In relating his Rocky Mountain adventures, he was given, like a majority of his comrades, to exaggeration.

His comrades told a story upon him, which he admitted to me was true. A party of them, while in the Rocky Mountains, were one day stopping to rest, when they saw a band of hostile Indians, mounted and charging down upon them, at the distance of a few hundred yards. Meek and his comrades mounted their animals in the hottest haste; but the fine mule Meek was riding became sullen and would not budge. Meek screamed out at the top of his voice: "Boys, stand your ground! We can whip 'em. Stand your ground, boys!" But his comrades were of a different opinion, and were fleeing from the Indians as fast as possible. However, as the Indians approached, Meek's mule began to comprehend the situation, changed its mind, and set off at its utmost speed in pursuit of its companions. In a short time Meek and his mule were alongside of the fleeing hunters; and very soon Meek passed them, whipping his mule and crying out most lustily: