7ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND TRAVELERS had crossed the Oregon Trail during the gold rush of 1849. Even the most backwoods warrior understood what that meant: disease, death, and conflict with the whites. Asa result of the Treaty of 1851, some Indians were convinced that the country to the north-called Absaraka-might be a better option for a home range. At the very least, it held the promise of less trouble from the whites. The danger from other tribes was another matter.