iiocky Mountahis. 1 75 



ses by the appearance of their masters, who were how seen 

 running towards us with all their swiftness- A minute af- 

 terwards we were surrounded by them, and were happy 

 to observe, in their features and gestures, a manifestation of 

 the most pacific disposition; they shook us by the hand, as- 

 sured us by signs that they rejoiced to see us, and invited us 

 to partake of their hospitality. We, however, replied that 

 we had brought our own lodges with us, and would encamp 

 near them. We selected for this purpose a clear spot of 

 ground on the bank of the river, intending to remain a day 

 or two with this little known people, to observe their man- 

 ners and way of life. We had scarcely pitched our tents, 

 watered and staked our horses, before presents of jerked 

 bison meat were brought to us by the squaws, consisting of 

 selected pieces, the fattest and the best, and in sufficient quan- 

 tity for the consumption of two or three days. After the 

 usual ceremony of smoking, they were informed to what 

 nation we belonged; and that further communication would 

 be made to their principal men to-morrow, whom we wished 

 summoned for that poipose. About sundown they all re- 

 tired, and left us to our repose. The Indians were encamp- 

 ed on both sides of the river, but the great body of them 

 was on the opposite bank, their skin lodges extending in a 

 long single line, the extremities of which were concealed 

 from our view by the timber of the islands in the rivem, 

 whilst about ten lodges only were erected on the side we 

 occupied, and within a quarter of a mile of our camp. 



Soon after our arrival, an Indian, well stricken in years, 

 inquired if we had seen a man and squaw within a day or 

 two on our route; we described to him the appearance of the 

 Calf and his squaw; that is my wife, said he, who has 

 eloped from me, and I will instantly go in pursuit of them. 

 He accordingly procured a companion, and both were soon 

 on their way, well armed and mounted. 



27th. Notice having been sent to the opposite party of our 



