In the summer of 1809 in what would one day be Montana, a man without clothing was walking

briskly, keeping a close eye on the people behind him.

A moment later he could see at the corner of his eye that they had begun to sprint after

him.

The man then started sprinting as well as fast as he could because he knew if he was caught,

what would happen to him would be horrific.

This is his horrifying story and as always viewer discretion is advised.

The sun was just starting to show over the mountain peaks on a summer morning in

1809 in what would one day be called Montana.

John Coulter and his partner, John Potts, were already in their canoe moving along the Jefferson

River and checking the beaver traps they had set during the night.

This early work was done on purpose because it was the safest in a place where white trappers were not exactly welcome.

And the two men understood where they were.

This was territory belonging to the Blackfoot Native American tribe and anyone worked in this region except the risks involved.

Trappers who worked this far west learned quickly that visibility could invite trouble.

Smoke from a fire could be seen for miles and footprints along a riverbank could lead to being tracked down.

Even the sound of chopping wood could give away that unwelcome guests were in the area, so colter and pots adapted.

During the daylight hours, they stayed hidden, pulling their canoe into cover and avoiding

unnecessary movement.

They ate cold food when they could and spoke quietly, if at all.

After dark, they were quickly to set their traps and at first light they'd returned to

collect them before disappearing again.

...