Chapter 41 - Page 2

somewhat experienced in this wild kind of navigation. It required

all his attention and skill, however, to pilot her clear of

sand-bars and snags of sunken trees. There was often, too, a

perplexity of choice, where the river branched into various

channels, among clusters of islands; and occasionally the

voyagers found themselves aground and had to turn back.

It was necessary, also, to keep a wary eye upon the land, for

they were passing through the heart of the Crow country, and were

continually in reach of any ambush that might be lurking on

shore. The most formidable foes that they saw, however, were

three grizzly bears, quietly promenading along the bank, who

seemed to gaze at them with surprise as they glided by. Herds of

buffalo, also, were moving about, or lying on the ground, like

cattle in a pasture; excepting such inhabitants as these, a

perfect solitude reigned over the land. There was no sign of

human habitation; for the Crows, as we have already shown, are a

wandering people, a race of hunters and warriors, who live in

tents and on horseback, and are continually on the move.

At night they landed, hauled up their boat to dry, pitched their

tent, and made a rousing fire. Then, as it was the first evening

of their voyage, they indulged in a regale, relishing their

buffalo beef with inspiring alcohol; after which, they slept

soundly, without dreaming of Crows or Blackfeet. Early in the

morning, they again launched the boat and committed themselves to

the stream.

In this way they voyaged for two days without any material

occurrence, excepting a severe thunder storm, which compelled

them to put to shore, and wait until it was passed. On the third

morning they descried some persons at a distance on the river

bank. As they were now, by calculation, at no great distance from

Fort Cass, a trading post of the American Fur Company, they

supposed these might be some of its people. A nearer approach

showed them to be Indians. Descrying a woman apart from the rest,

they landed and accosted her. She informed them that the main

force of the Crow nation, consisting of five bands, under their

several chiefs, were but about two or three miles below, on their

way up along the river. This was unpleasant tidings, but to

retreat was impossible, and the river afforded no hiding place.

They continued forward, therefore, trusting that, as Fort Cass

was so near at hand, the Crows might refrain from any

depredations.

Floating down about two miles further, they came in sight of the

first band,