210 
THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
the tree-tops. And half an hour later the travellers were 
assembled on the bank of a swift, deep stream, looking 
up with delight and awe at the mighty cataract which 
came tumbling over the rocks above with a sheer fall of 
sixty feet or more. 
One feature of the scene lent an almost grotesque 
aspect to the falling river : the water was nearly white, 
with its sediment of glacial mud, so that it was as if the 
spectators were looking upon a veritable cataract of milk. 
But how to cross it?" asked the leader, turning to 
the guides. 
The Indians seemed somewhat at a loss. Solomon, 
however, cast a critical eye up and down the stream. 
''1 guess we c'n fix it somehaow," said he. " You jest 
sit daown here 'n' rest 'n' git dinner. You come along 
with me," motioning to Joe, Jim, and Peeschee. 
"Can't I go, too, please f asked Flossie, jumping up, 
and placing herself at Solomon's side. 
" Wal, ef ye won't git into no mischief," said the 
hunter, with a kindly look down into the girl's pale face. 
^' I 'low I do like to hev ye raound." 
"And me ! " called Nat, eagerly, running after them. 
"And me ! And me!" shouted the boys, joining the 
pioneering party. 
Solomon laughed, and shrugged his shoulders ; but, as 
he made no serious objections, they all set off together, 
toward a point two or three hundred yards below the 
camping-ground. 
