20 EXPEDITION TO THE 



prize our companions of our situation ; and in this unplea- 

 sant uncertainty about their fate we remained until they 

 made their appearance. They had fortunately seen no In- 

 dians. The supply of provisions which they brought was 

 tasted, but found inferior to the buffalo. The fat of the elk 

 partakes of the nature of tallow, and is much less fusible than 

 that of other animals, so that unless eaten very hot it con- 

 solidates and adheres to the mouth. The best part of the 

 animal is the udder, which, being fixed upon a forked stick, 

 was roasted before the fire. As soon as our meal was finished 

 the fire was extinguished. A few Indians had accompanied 

 us to our camp, but all withdrew after a while except an 

 old worthless man, who was recognized by several of the 

 party, as his character was notorious at Fort St. Anthony. 

 This fellow was one of the most impudent of the band, cease- 

 lessly begging for tobacco, whiskey, &c. When he was told 

 that the party had no whiskey with them, and that they 

 had given as much tobacco as they could spare, he observ- 

 ed, with the greatest effrontery, " what then can you give 

 me ?" Observing that Mr. Keating was drinking out of his 

 canteen, one of these Indians came up to him, and extend- 

 ed his hand, asking for whiskey ; being told that it contain- 

 ed water and not whiskey, he attempted to take the can- 

 teen, which was, however, resisted. 



The party being again safely united. Major Long con- 

 sidering that if an attack was intended, it would be made 

 a short time before daylight, determined to allow the 

 horses to rest until midnight, when the moon, rising, would 

 make it pleasant and safe to travel. Accordingly at that 

 hour we resumed our line of march. Our preparations for 

 departure were made with the greatest expedition and 

 silence, so as not to be observed by the Indians at a dis- 

 tance, and to avoid disturbing the old man that was sleep- 



