The Rival Trappers

OLD PEGS, THE MOUNTAINEER; OR, THE RIVAL TRAPPERS *By Lewis W. Carson, Beadle and Adams, 1874* This frontier adventure narrative follows Old Pegs, a deformed but fearless mountain guide and hunter, as he rescues a pursued stranger named Rafe Norris from Blackfoot warriors led by Chief Whirlwind. After killing one Indian and outwitting the pursuing band through a perfect animal call, Old Pegs brings Norris to his hidden valley refuge. Along the way, Old Pegs hints at guarding a mysterious treasure—initially believed to be gold or diamonds—which is revealed to involve a woman with a beautiful voice who commands a trained bear named Bruin. The narrative combines action and suspense with frontier dialect, emphasizing Old Pegs' reputation as a skilled scout, marksman, and Indian fighter despite his physical deformities.