第13章

Thebeverageworkedtoacharm；thecancirculatedmerrily；thefirstdeepdraughtwashed outevery carefromthemindoftheveteran；thesecondelevatedhisspirittotheclouds。Hewas，infact，a boon companion；asallveteranCanadiantradersareapttobe。Henowbecameglorious；talkedoverall hisexploits，hishuntings，hisfightingswithIndianbraves，hisloveswithIndianbeauties；sang snatchesofoldFrenchditties，andCanadianboatsongs；drankdeeperanddeeper，sanglouder and louder；until，havingreachedaclimaxofdrunkengayety，hegraduallydeclined，andatlengthfell fast asleepupontheground。Afteralongnapheagainraisedhishead，imbibedanotherpotationofthe“sweetandstrong，“flashedupwithanotherslightblazeofFrenchgayety，andagainfellasleep。Themorningfoundhimstilluponthefieldofaction，butinsadandsorrowfulcondition； sufferingthe penaltiesofpastpleasures，andcallingtomindthecaptain”sdulcetcompound，withmanyaretch and spasm。Itseemedasifthehoneyandalcohol，whichhadpassedsogliblyandsmoothlyoverhis tongue，wereatwarwithinhisstomach；andthathehadaswarmofbeeswithinhishead。Inshort， sohelplessandwoebegonewashisplight，thathispartyproceededontheirmarchwithouthim； thecaptainpromisedtobringhimoninsafetyintheafterpartoftheday。Assoonasthispartyhadmovedoff，CaptainBonneville”smenproceededtoconstructand filltheir cache；andjustasitwascompletedthepartyofWyethwasdescriedatadistance。Inamomentall wasactivitytotaketheroad。Thehorseswerepreparedandmounted；andbeinglightenedofa great partoftheirburdens，wereabletomovewithcelerity。Astotheworthyconviveofthepreceding evening，hewascarefullygatheredupfromthehunter”scouchonwhichhelay，repentantand supine， and，beingpackedupononeofthehorses，washurriedforwardwiththeconvoy，groaningandejaculatingateveryjolt。Inthecourseoftheday，Wyeth，beinglightlymounted，rodeaheadofhisparty，andovertook Captain Bonneville。Theirmeetingwasfriendlyandcourteous；andtheydiscussed，sociably，their respective fortunessincetheyseparatedonthebanksoftheBighorn。Wyethannouncedhisintentionof establishingasmalltradingpostatthemouthofthePortneuf，andleavingafewmenthere，witha quantityofgoods，totradewiththeneighboringIndians。Hewascompelled，infact，tothis measure， inconsequenceoftherefusaloftheRockyMountainFurCompanytotakeasupplyofgoods which hehadbroughtoutforthemaccordingtocontract；andwhichhehadnoothermodeofdisposing of。 HefurtherinformedCaptainBonnevillethatthecompetitionbetweentheRockyMountainand AmericanFurCompanieswhichhadledtosuchnefariousstratagemsanddeadlyfeuds，wasatan end； theyhavingdividedthecountrybetweenthem，allottingboundarieswithinwhicheachwasto tradeandhunt，soasnottointerferewiththeother。IncompanywithWyethweretravellingtwomenofscience；Mr。Nuttall，thebotanist；the samewho ascendedtheMissouriatthetimeoftheexpeditiontoAstoria；andMr。Townshend，an ornithologist； fromthesegentlemenwemaylookforwardtoimportantinformationconcerningtheseinteresting regions。Therewerethreereligiousmissionaries，also，boundtotheshoresoftheColumbia，to spreadthelightoftheGospelinthatfarwilderness。Afterridingforsometimetogether，infriendlyconversation，Wyethreturnedtohisparty， andCaptain Bonnevillecontinuedtopressforward，andtogainground。Atnighthesentoffthesadlysober and moralizingchiefoftheHudson”sBayCompany，underaproperescort，torejoinhispeople；his route branchingoffinadifferentdirection。Thelattertookacordialleaveofhishost，hoping，onsomefutureoccasion，torepayhishospitalityinkind。Inthemorningthecaptainwasearlyonthemarch；throwingscoutsoutfarahead，toscour hilland dale，insearchofbuffalo。Hehadconfidentlyexpectedtofindgameinabundance，onthehead-watersofthePortneuf；butonreachingthatregion，notatrackwastobeseen。Atlength，oneofthescouts，whohadmadeawidesweepawaytothehead-watersofthe Blackfoot River，discoveredgreatherdsquietlygrazingintheadjacentmeadows。Hesetoutonhisreturn， to reporthisdiscoveries；butnightovertakinghim，hewaskindlyandhospitablyentertainedatthe camp ofWyeth。Assoonasdaydawnedhehastenedtohisowncampwiththewelcomeintelligence； andaboutteno”clockofthesamemorning，CaptainBonneville”spartywereinthemidstofthegame。Thepackswerescarcelyoffthebacksofthemules，whentherunners，mountedonthe fleetesthorses， werefulltiltafterthebuffalo。Othersofthemenwerebusiederectingscaffolds，andother contrivances，forjerkingordryingmeat；otherswerelightinggreatfiresforthesamepurpose； soon thehuntersbegantomaketheirappearance，bringinginthechoicestmorselsofbuffalomeat； these wereplaceduponthescaffolds，andthewholecamppresentedasceneofsingularhurryand activity。 Atdaylightthenextmorning，therunnersagaintookthefield，withsimilarsuccess；and，afteran intervalofreposemadetheirthirdandlastchase，abouttwelveo”clock；forbythistime，Wyeth”s party wasinsight。Thegamebeingnowdrivenintoavalley，atsomedistance，Wyethwasobligedtofix hiscampthere；buthecameintheeveningtopayCaptainBonnevilleavisit。Hewasaccompanied byCaptainStewart，theamateurtraveller；whohadnotyetsatedhisappetitefortheadventurous life ofthewilderness。Withhim，also，wasaMr。M”Kay，ahalf-breed；sonoftheunfortunate adventurer ofthesamenamewhocameoutinthefirstmaritimeexpeditiontoAstoriaandwasblownupin theTonquin。HissonhadgrownupintheemployoftheBritishfurcompanies；andwasa primehunter，andadaringpartisan。Heheld，moreover，afarminthevalleyoftheWallamut。Thethreevisitors，whentheyreachedCaptainBonneville”scamp，weresurprisedtofindno oneinit buthimselfandthreemen；hispartybeingdispersedinalldirections，tomakethemostoftheir present chanceforhunting。Theyremonstratedwithhimontheimprudenceofremainingwithsotriflinga guardinaregionsofullofdanger。CaptainBonnevillevindicatedthepolicyofhisconduct。He never hesitatedtosendoutallhishunters，whenanyimportantobjectwastobeattained；andexperience hadtaughthimthathewasmostsecurewhenhisforceswerethusdistributedoverthe surrounding country。Hethenwassurethatnoenemycouldapproach，fromanydirection，withoutbeing discoveredbyhishunters；whohaveaquickeyefordetectingtheslightestsignsoftheproximity ofIndians；andwhowouldinstantlyconveyintelligencetothecamp。Thecaptainnowsettoworkwithhismen，toprepareasuitableentertainmentforhisguests。 Itwas atimeofplentyinthecamp；ofprimehunters”dainties；ofbuffalohumps，andbuffalotongues； and roastedribs，andbroiledmarrow-bones：allthesewerecookedinhunters”style；servedupwitha profusionknownonlyonaplentifulhuntingground，anddiscussedwithanappetitethatwould astonish thepunygourmandsofthecities。Butaboveall，andtogiveabacchanaliangracetothistruly masculinerepast，thecaptainproducedhismellifluouskegofhome-brewednectar，whichhad been sopotentoverthesensesoftheveteranofHudson”sBay。Potations，pottledeep，againwent round； neverdidbeverageexcitegreaterglee，ormeetwithmorerapturouscommendation。Theparties were fastadvancingtothathappystatewhichwouldhaveinsuredamplecauseforthenextday”s repentance；andthebeeswerealreadybeginningtobuzzabouttheirears，whenamessengercame spurringtothecampwithintelligencethatWyeth”speoplehadgotentangledinoneofthosedeep and frightfulravines，piledwithimmensefragmentsofvolcanicrock，whichgashthewholecountry about thehead-watersoftheBlackfootRiver。Therevelwasinstantlyatanend；thekegofsweetand potent home-brewedwasdeserted；andtheguestsdepartedwithallspeedtoaidinextricatingtheir companionsfromthevolcanicravine。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter43[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter43Arapidmarch——Acloudofdust——Wildhorsemen——“HighJinks“——Horseracingand rifle-shooting—— Thegameofhand——Thefishingseason——Modeoffishing——Tablelands——Salmonfishers—— The captain”svisittoanIndianlodge——TheIndiangirl——Thepocketmirror——Supper——Troublesofanevilconscience。“UPandaway！“isthefirstthoughtatdaylightoftheIndiantrader，whenarivalisathand and distanceistobegained。Earlyinthemorning，CaptainBonnevilleorderedthehalfdriedmeatto be packeduponthehorses，andleavingWyethandhispartytohuntthescatteredbuffalo，pushedoff rapidlytotheeast，toregaintheplainofthePortneuf。Hismarchwasruggedanddangerous； through volcanichills，brokenintocliffsandprecipices；andseamedwithtremendouschasms，wheretherocksroselikewalls。Onthesecondday，however，heencampedoncemoreintheplain，andasitwasstillearly someof themenstrolledouttotheneighboringhills。Incastingtheireyesroundthecountry，they perceived agreatcloudofdustrisinginthesouth，andevidentlyapproaching。Hasteningbacktothecamp， they gavethealarm。Preparationswereinstantlymadetoreceiveanenemy；whilesomeofthemen， throwingthemselvesuponthe“runninghorses“keptforhunting，gallopedofftoreconnoitre。Ina littlewhile，theymadesignalsfromadistancethatallwasfriendly。Bythistimethecloudofdust hadsweptonasifhurriedalongbyablast，andabandofwildhorsemencamedashingatfull leap intothecamp，yellingandwhoopinglikesomanymaniacs。Theirdresses，theiraccoutrements， their modeofriding，andtheiruncouthclamor，madethemseemapartyofsavagesarrayedforwar； but theyprovedtobeprincipallyhalf-breeds，andwhitemengrownsavageinthewilderness，who wereemployedastrappersandhuntersintheserviceoftheHudson”sBayCompany。Herewasagain“highjinks“inthecamp。CaptainBonneville”smenhailedthesewild scamperersas congenialspirits，orratherastheverygamebirdsoftheirclass。Theyentertainedthemwiththe hospitalityofmountaineers，feastingthemateveryfire。Atfirst，thereweremutualdetailsof adventuresandexploits，andbroadjokingmingledwithpealsoflaughter。Thencameonboasting ofthecomparativemeritsofhorsesandrifles，whichsoonengrossedeverytongue。Thisnaturally ledtoracing，andshootingatamark；onetrialofspeedandskillsucceededanother，shoutsand acclamationsrosefromthevictoriousparties，fiercealtercationssucceeded，andageneralmelee was abouttotakeplace，whensuddenlytheattentionofthequarrellerswasarrestedbyastrangekind of Indianchantorchorus，thatseemedtooperateuponthemasacharm。Theirfurywasatanend；a tacitreconciliationsucceededandtheideasofthewholemongrelcrowdwhites，half-breedsand squawswereturnedinanewdirection。Theyallformedintogroupsandtakingtheirplacesat the severalfires，preparedforoneofthemostexcitingamusementsoftheNezPercesandtheother tribesoftheFarWest。Thechoralchant，infact，whichhadthusactedasacharm，wasakindofwild accompanimenttothe favoriteIndiangameof“Hand。”Thisisplayedbytwopartiesdrawnoutinoppositeplatoons before ablazingfire。Itisinsomerespectsliketheoldgameofpassingtheringorthebutton，and detecting thehandwhichholdsit。Inthepresentgame，theobjecthidden，orthecacheasitis calledbythe trappers，isasmallsplintofwood，orotherdiminutivearticlethatmaybeconcealedintheclosed hand。Thisispassedbackwardandforwardamongtheparty“inhand，“whiletheparty“outof hand“ guesswhereitisconcealed。Toheightentheexcitementandconfusetheguessers，anumberof dry polesarelaidbeforeeachplatoon，uponwhichthemembersoftheparty“inhand“beatfuriously withshortstaves，keepingtimetothechoralchantalreadymentioned，whichwaxesfastand furious asthegameproceeds。Aslargebetsarestakeduponthegame，theexcitementisprodigious。Each partyinturnburstsoutinfullchorus，beating，andyelling，andworkingthemselvesupintosuch a heatthattheperspirationrollsdowntheirnakedshoulders，eveninthecoldofawinternight。The betsaredoubledandtrebledasthegameadvances，thementalexcitementincreasesalmostto madness，andalltheworldlyeffectsofthegamblersareoftenhazardeduponthepositionofastraw。Thesegamblinggameswerekeptupthroughoutthenight；everyfireglareduponagroup thatlooked likeacrewofmaniacsattheirfranticorgies，andthescenewouldhavebeenkeptupthroughout the succeedingday，hadnotCaptainBonnevilleinterposedhisauthority，and，attheusualhour， issuedhismarchingorders。ProceedingdownthecourseofSnakeRiver，thehuntersregularlyreturnedtocampinthe evening ladenwithwildgeese，whichwereyetscarcelyabletofly，andwereeasilycaughtingreat numbers。 Itwasnowtheseasonoftheannualfish-feast，withwhichtheIndiansinthesepartscelebratethe first appearanceofthesalmoninthisriver。Thesefisharetakeningreatnumbersatthenumerous falls ofaboutfourfeetpitch。TheIndiansflanktheshallowwaterjustbelow，andspearthemasthey attempttopass。Inwidepartsoftheriver，also，theyplaceasortofchevaux-de-frize，orfence，of polesinterwovenwithwithes，andforminganangleinthemiddleofthecurrent，whereasmall openingisleftforthesalmontopass。AroundthisopeningtheIndiansstationthemselveson smallrafts，andplytheirspearswithgreatsuccess。Thetablelandssocommoninthisregionhaveasandysoil，inconsiderableindepth，and covered withsage，ormoreproperlyspeaking，wormwood。Belowthisisalevelstratumofrock，riven occasionallybyfrightfulchasms。Thewholeplainrisesasitapproachestheriver，andterminates withhighandbrokencliffs，difficulttopass，andinmanyplacessoprecipitousthatitis impossible， fordaystogether，togetdowntothewater”sedge，togivedrinktothehorses。Thisobligesthe travelleroccasionallytoabandonthevicinityoftheriver，andmakeawidesweepintotheinterior。ItwasnowfarinthemonthofJuly，andthepartysufferedextremelyfromsultryweather anddusty travelling。Thefliesandgnats，too，wereextremelytroublesometothehorses；especiallywhen keepingalongtheedgeoftheriverwhereitrunsbetweenlowsand-banks。Wheneverthe travellers encampedintheafternoon，thehorsesretiredtothegravellyshoresandremainedthere，without attemptingtofeeduntilthecooloftheevening。Astothetravellers，theyplungedintotheclear and coolcurrent，towashawaythedustoftheroadandrefreshthemselvesaftertheheatoftheday。 Thenightswerealwayscoolandpleasant。Atoneplacewheretheyencampedforsometime，theriverwasnearlyfivehundredyards wide，and studdedwithgrassyislands，adornedwithgrovesofwillowandcotton-wood。HeretheIndians were assembledingreatnumbers，andhadbarricadedthechannelsbetweentheislands，toenablethem tospearthesalmonwithgreaterfacility。Theywereatimidrace，andseemedunaccustomedto the sightofwhitemen。Enteringoneofthehuts，CaptainBonnevillefoundtheinhabitantsjust proceedingtocookafinesalmon。Itisputintoapotfilledwithcoldwater，andhungoverthe fire。Themomentthewaterbeginstoboil，thefishisconsideredcooked。Takinghisseatunceremoniously，andlightinghispipe，thecaptainawaitedthecooking ofthe fish，intendingtoinvitehimselftotherepast。Theownerofthehutseemedtotakehisintrusion in goodpart。Whileconversingwithhimthecaptainfeltsomethingmovebehindhim，andturning roundandremovingafewskinsandoldbuffalorobes，discoveredayounggirl，aboutfourteen years ofage，crouchedbeneath，whodirectedherlargeblackeyesfullinhisface，andcontinuedto gaze inmutesurpriseandterror。Thecaptainendeavoredtodispelherfears，anddrawingabright ribbon fromhispocket，attemptedrepeatedlytotieitroundherneck。Shejerkedbackateachattempt， utteringasoundverymuchlikeasnarl；norcouldalltheblandishmentsofthecaptain，albeita pleasant，good-looking，andsomewhatgallantman，succeedinconqueringtheshynessofthe savagelittle beauty。Hisattentionswerenowturnedtowardtheparents，whomhepresentedwithanawlanda littletobacco，andhavingthussecuredtheirgood-will，continuedtosmokehispipe，andwatch the salmon。Whilethusseatednearthethreshold，anurchinofthefamilyapproachedthedoor，but catchingasightofthestrangeguest，ranoffscreamingwithterrorandensconcedhimselfbehind thelongstrawatthebackofthehut。Desiroustodispelentirelythistimidity，andtoopenatradewiththesimpleinhabitantsof thehut， who，hedidnotdoubt，hadfurssomewhereconcealed，thecaptainnowdrewforththatgrandlure intheeyesofasavage，apocketmirror。Thesightofitwasirresistible。Afterexaminingitfora long timewithwonderandadmiration，theyproducedamusk-ratskin，andoffereditinexchange。 The captainshookhishead；butpurchasedtheskinforacoupleofbuttons-superfluoustrinkets！as theworthylordofthehovelhadneithercoatnorbreechesonwhichtoplacethem。Themirrorstillcontinuedthegreatobjectofdesire，particularlyintheeyesoftheold housewife， whoproducedapotofparchedflourandastringofbiscuitroots。Theseprocuredhersometrifle in return；butcouldnotcommandthepurchaseofthemirror。Thesalmonbeingnowcompletely cooked，theyalljoinedheartilyinsupper。Abounteousportionwasdepositedbeforethecaptain by theoldwoman，uponsomefreshgrass，whichservedinsteadofaplatter；andneverhadhetasted asalmonboiledsocompletelytohisfancy。Supperbeingover，thecaptainlightedhispipeandpassedittohishost，who，inhalingthe smoke， puffeditthroughhisnostrilssoassiduously，thatinalittlewhilehisheadmanifestedsignsof confusionanddizziness。Beingsatisfied，bythistime，ofthekindlyandcompanionablequalities ofthecaptain，hebecameeasyandcommunicative；andatlengthhintedsomethingabout exchanging beaverskinsforhorses。Thecaptainatonceofferedtodisposeofhissteed，whichstoodfastened at thedoor。Thebargainwassoonconcluded，whereupontheIndian，removingapileofbushes underwhichhisvaluableswereconcealed，drewforththenumberofskinsagreeduponastheprice。Shortlyafterward，someofthecaptain”speoplecomingup，heorderedanotherhorsetobe saddled， and，mountingit，tookhisdeparturefromthehut，afterdistributingafewtriflingpresentsamong its simpleinhabitants。Duringallthetimeofhisvisit，thelittleIndiangirlhadkeptherlargeblack eyes fixeduponhim，almostwithoutwinking，watchingeverymovementwithaweandwonder；and as herodeoff，remainedgazingafterhim，motionlessasastatue。Herfather，however，delighted with hisnewacquaintance，mountedhisnewlypurchasedhorse，andfollowedinthetrainofthe captain， towhomhecontinuedtobeafaithfulandusefuladherentduringhissojournintheneighborhood。Thecowardlyeffectsofanevilconsciencewereevidencedintheconductofoneofthe captain”s men，whohadbeenintheCaliforniaexpedition。Duringalltheirintercoursewiththeharmless peopleofthisplace，hehadmanifesteduneasinessandanxiety。Whilehiscompanionsmingled freelyandjoyouslywiththenatives，hewentaboutwitharestless，suspiciouslook；scrutinizing everypaintedformandfaceandstartingoftenatthesuddenapproachofsomemeekand inoffensive savage，whoregardedhimwithreverenceasasuperiorbeing。Yetthiswasordinarilyabold fellow， whoneverflinchedfromdanger，norturnedpaleattheprospectofabattle。Atlengthhe requested permissionofCaptainBonnevilletokeepoutofthewayofthesepeopleentirely。Theirstriking resemblance，hesaid，tothepeopleofOgden”sRiver，madehimcontinuallyfearthatsome among themmighthaveseenhiminthatexpedition；andmightseekanopportunityofrevenge。Ever after this，whiletheyremainedinthisneighborhood，hewouldskulkoutofthewayandkeepaloof when anyofthenativeinhabitantsapproached。“Such，“observedCaptainBonneville，“istheeffectof self-reproach，evenupontherovingtrapperinthewilderness，whohaslittleelsetofearthanthe stings ofhisownguiltyconscience。”[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter44[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter44Outfitofatrapper——Riskstowhichheissubjected——Partnershipoftrappers——Enmityof Indians——Distantsmoke——Acountryonfire——GunCreek——GrandRondFinepastures——Perplexitiesinasmokycountry——Conflagrationofforests。IThadbeentheintentionofCaptainBonneville，indescendingalongSnakeRiver，toscatter his trappersuponthesmallerstreams。Inthiswayarangeofcountryistrappedbysmall detachments fromamainbody。Theoutfitofatrapperisgenerallyarifle，apoundofpowder，andfour pounds oflead，withabulletmould，seventraps，anaxe，ahatchet，aknifeandawl，acampkettle，two blankets，and，wheresuppliesareplenty，sevenpoundsofflour。Hehas，generally，twoorthree horses，tocarryhimselfandhisbaggageandpeltries。Twotrapperscommonlygotogether，for the purposesofmutualassistanceandsupport；alargerpartycouldnoteasilyescapetheeyesofthe Indians。Itisaserviceofperil，andevenmoresoatpresentthanformerly，fortheIndians，since they havegotintothehabitoftraffickingpeltrieswiththetraders，havelearnedthevalueofthe beaver， andlookuponthetrappersaspoachers，whoarefilchingtherichesfromtheirstreams，andinterferingwiththeirmarket。Theymakenohesitation，therefore，tomurderthesolitary trapper，and thusdestroyacompetitor，whiletheypossessthemselvesofhisspoils。Itiswithregretweadd， too， thatthishostilityhasinmanycasesbeeninstigatedbytraders，desirousofinjuringtheirrivals， butwhohavethemselvesoftenreapedthefruitsofthemischieftheyhavesown。Whentwotrappersundertakeanyconsiderablestream，theirmodeofproceedingis，tohide their horsesinsomelonelyglen，wheretheycangrazeunobserved。Theythenbuildasmallhut，dig out acanoefromacotton-woodtree，andinthispokealongshoresilently，intheevening，andset their traps。Thesetheyrevisitinthesamesilentwayatdaybreak。Whentheytakeanybeaverthey bring ithome，skinit，stretchtheskinsonstickstodry，andfeastupontheflesh。Thebody，hungup before thefire，turnsbyitsownweight，andisroastedinasuperiorstyle；thetailisthetrapperstidbit；it iscutoff，putontheendofastick，andtoasted，andisconsideredevenagreaterdaintythanthetongueorthemarrow-boneofabuffalo。Withalltheirsilenceandcaution，however，thepoortrapperscannotalwaysescapetheir hawk-eyed enemies。Theirtrailhasbeendiscovered，perhaps，andfollowedupformanyamile；ortheir smoke hasbeenseencurlingupoutofthesecretglen，orhasbeenscentedbythesavages，whosesense of smellisalmostasacuteasthatofsight。Sometimestheyarepounceduponwhenintheactof setting theirtraps；atothertimes，theyarerousedfromtheirsleepbythehorridwar-whoop；or，perhaps， haveabulletoranarrowwhistlingabouttheirears，inthemidstofoneoftheirbeaverbanquets。 In thiswaytheyarepickedoff，fromtimetotime，andnothingisknownofthem，until，perchance， their bonesarefoundbleachinginsomelonelyravine，oronthebanksofsomenamelessstream， which fromthattimeiscalledafterthem。Manyofthesmallstreamsbeyondthemountainsthus perpetuatethenamesofunfortunatetrappersthathavebeenmurderedontheirbanks。AknowledgeofthesedangersdeterredCaptainBonneville，inthepresentinstance，from detaching smallpartiesoftrappersashehadintended；forhisscoutsbroughthimwordthatformidable bands oftheBanneckIndianswerelyingontheBoiseeandPayetteRivers，atnogreatdistance，sothat they wouldbeapttodetectandcutoffanystragglers。Itbehoovedhim，also，tokeephisparty together， toguardagainstanypredatoryattackuponthemainbody；hecontinuedonhisway，therefore， withoutdividinghisforces。Andfortunateitwasthathedidso；forinalittlewhilehe encountered oneofthephenomenaofthewesternwildsthatwouldeffectuallyhavepreventedhisscattered peoplefromfindingeachotheragain。Inaword，itwastheseasonofsettingfiretotheprairies。 As headvancedhebegantoperceivegreatcloudsofsmokeatadistance，risingbydegrees，and spreadingoverthewholefaceofthecountry。Theatmospherebecamedryandsurchargedwith murkyvapor，parchingtotheskin，andirritatingtotheeyes。Whentravellingamongthehills， they couldscarcelydiscernobjectsatthedistanceofafewpaces；indeed，theleastexertionofthe vision waspainful。Therewasevidentlysomevastconflagrationinthedirectiontowardwhichthey were proceeding；itwasasyetatagreatdistance，andduringthedaytheycouldonlyseethesmoke rising inlargeranddenservolumes，androllingforthinanimmensecanopy。Atnighttheskieswereall glowingwiththereflectionofunseenfires，hanginginanimmensebodyofluridlighthighabovethehorizon。HavingreachedGunCreek，animportantstreamcomingfromtheleft，CaptainBonneville turned upitscourse，totraversethemountainandavoidthegreatbendofSnakeRiver。Beingnowoutof therangeoftheBannecks，hesentouthispeopleinalldirectionstohunttheantelopeforpresentsupplies；keepingthedriedmeatsforplaceswheregamemightbescarce。DuringfourdaysthatthepartywereascendingGunCreek，thesmokecontinuedtoincrease so rapidlythatitwasimpossibletodistinguishthefaceofthecountryandascertainlandmarks。 Fortunately，thetravellersfelluponanIndiantrail。whichledthemtothehead-watersofthe Fourche deGlaceorIceRiver，sometimescalledtheGrandRond。Heretheyfoundalltheplainsand valleys wrappedinonevastconflagration；whichsweptoverthelonggrassinbillowsofflame，shotup everybushandtree，roseingreatcolumnsfromthegroves，andsetupcloudsofsmokethat darkened theatmosphere。Toavoidthisseaoffire，thetravellershadtopursuetheircourseclosealongthe footofthemountains；buttheirritationfromthesmokecontinuedtobetormenting。Thecountryaboutthehead-watersoftheGrandRondspreadsoutintobroadandlevel prairies， extremelyfertile，andwateredbymountainspringsandrivulets。Theseprairiesareresortedtoby smallbandsoftheSkynses，topasturetheirhorses，aswellastobanquetsuponthesalmonwhich aboundintheneighboringwaters。Theytakethesefishingreatquantitiesandwithouttheleast difficulty；simplytakingthemoutofthewaterwiththeirhands，astheyflounderandstrugglein the numerouslongshoalsoftheprincipalstreams。Atthetimethetravellerspassedoverthese prairies， someofthenarrow，deepstreamsbywhichtheywereintersectedwerecompletelychokedwith salmon，whichtheytookingreatnumbers。Thewolvesandbearsfrequentthesestreamsatthisseason，toavailthemselvesofthesegreatfisheries。Thetravellerscontinued，formanydays，toexperiencegreatdifficultiesanddiscomforts fromthis wideconflagration，whichseemedtoembracethewholewilderness。Thesunwasforagreatpart of thetimeobscuredbythesmoke，andtheloftiestmountainswerehiddenfromview。Blundering alonginthisregionofmistanduncertainty，theywerefrequentlyobligedtomakelongcircuits， to avoidobstacleswhichtheycouldnotperceiveuntilcloseuponthem。TheIndiantrailsweretheir safestguides，forthoughtheysometimesappearedtoleadthemoutoftheirdirectcourse，theyalwaysconductedthemtothepasses。Onthe26thofAugust，theyreachedtheheadoftheWay-lee-wayRiver。Here，inavalley ofthe mountainsthroughwhichthishead-watermakesitsway，theyfoundabandoftheSkynses，who wereextremelysociable，andappearedtobewelldisposed，andastheyspoketheNezPercelanguage，anintercoursewaseasilykeptupwiththem。Inthepasturesonthebankofthisstream，CaptainBonnevilleencampedforatime，forthe purpose ofrecruitingthestrengthofhishorses。Scoutswerenowsentouttoexplorethesurrounding country，andsearchforaconvenientpassthroughthemountainstowardtheWallamutor Multnomah。Afteranabsenceoftwentydaystheyreturnedwearyanddiscouraged。Theyhad been harassedandperplexedinruggedmountaindefiles，wheretheirprogresswascontinually impeded byrocksandprecipices。Oftentheyhadbeenobligedtotravelalongtheedgesoffrightful ravines， whereafalsestepwouldhavebeenfatal。Inoneofthesepasses，ahorsefellfromthebrinkofa precipice，andwouldhavebeendashedtopieceshadhenotlodgedamongthebranchesofatree， fromwhichhewasextricatedwithgreatdifficulty。These，however，werenottheworstoftheir difficultiesandperils。Thegreatconflagrationofthecountry，whichhadharassedthemainparty in itsmarch，wasstillmoreawfulthefurtherthisexploringpartyproceeded。Theflameswhich swept rapidlyoverthelightvegetationoftheprairiesassumedafiercercharacterandtookastronger hold amidthewoodedglensandravinesofthemountains。Someofthedeepgorgesanddefilessent up sheetsofflame，andcloudsofluridsmoke，andsparksandcindersthatinthenightmadethem resemblethecratersofvolcanoes。Thegrovesandforests，too，whichcrownedthecliffs，shotup their toweringcolumnsoffire，andaddedtothefurnaceglowofthemountains。Withthesestupendous sightswerecombinedtherushingblastscausedbytherarefiedair，whichroaredandhowled through thenarrowglens，andwhirledforththesmokeandflamesinimpetuouswreaths。Everandanon， too， washeardthecrashoffallingtrees，sometimestumblingfromcragsandprecipices，with tremendoussounds。Inthedaytime，themountainswerewrappedinsmokesodenseandblinding，thatthe explorers，ifbychancetheyseparated，couldonlyfindeachotherbyshouting。Often， too，theyhadtogropetheirwaythroughtheyetburningforests，inconstantperil fromthelimbsandtrunksoftrees，whichfrequentlyfellacrosstheirpath。Atlength theygaveuptheattempttofindapassashopeless，underactualcircumstances，and madetheirwaybacktothecamptoreporttheirfailure。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter45[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter45Skynses——Theirtraffic——Hunting——Food——Horses——Ahorse-race——Devotionalfeelingof theSkynses，NezPercesandFlatheads——Prayers——Exhortations——Apreacheronhorseback——Effectofreligiononthemannersofthetribes——Anewlight。DURINGtheabsenceofthisdetachment，asociableintercoursehadbeenkeptupbetween themain partyandtheSkynses，whohadremovedintotheneighborhoodofthecamp。Thesepeopledwell aboutthewatersoftheWay-lee-wayandtheadjacentcountry，andtraderegularlywiththe Hudson”s BayCompany；generallygivinghorsesinexchangeforthearticlesofwhichtheystandinneed。 They bringbeaverskins，also，tothetradingposts；notprocuredbytrapping，butbyacourseofinternal trafficwiththeshyandignorantShoshokoesandToo-el-icans，whokeepindistantand unfrequented partsofthecountry，andwillnotventurenearthetradinghouses。TheSkynseshuntthedeerand elk occasionally；anddepend，forapartoftheyear，onfishing。Theirmainsubsistence，however，is upon roots，especiallythekamash。Thisbulbousrootissaidtobeofadeliciousflavor，andhighly nutritious。Thewomendigitupingreatquantities，steamit，anddeposititincachesforwinterprovisions。Itgrowsspontaneously，andabsolutelycoverstheplains。Thistribewascomfortablycladandequipped。Theyhadafewriflesamongthem，andwere extremelydesirousofbarteringforthoseofCaptainBonneville”smen；offeringacoupleofgood runninghorsesforalightrifle。Theirfirst-ratehorses，however，werenottobeprocuredfrom them onanyterms。Theyalmostinvariablyuseponies；butofabreedinfinitelysuperiortoanyintheUnitedStates。Theyarefondoftryingtheirspeedandbottom，andofbettinguponthem。AsCaptainBonnevillewasdesirousofjudgingofthecomparativemeritoftheirhorses，he purchasedoneoftheirracers，andhadatrialofspeedbetweenthat，anAmerican，anda Shoshonie， whichweresupposedtobewellmatched。Therace-coursewasforthedistanceofonemileanda halfoutandback。ForthefirsthalfmiletheAmericantooktheleadbyafewhands；but，losing his wind，soonfellfarbehind；leavingtheShoshonieandSkynsetocontendtogether。Foramileand ahalftheywentheadandhead：butattheturntheSkynsetooktheleadandwontheracewith greatease，scarcedrawingaquickbreathwhenallwasover。TheSkynses，liketheNezPercesandtheFlatheads，haveastrongdevotionalfeeling，which hasbeen successfullycultivatedbysomeoftheresidentpersonagesoftheHudson”sBayCompany。 Sunday isinvariablykeptsacredamongthesetribes。Theywillnotraisetheircamponthatday，unlessin extremecasesofdangerorhunger：neitherwilltheyhunt，norfish，nortrade，norperformany kind oflaboronthatday。Apartofitispassedinprayerandreligiousceremonies。Somechief，whois generallyatthesametimewhatiscalleda“medicineman，“assemblesthecommunity。After invokingblessingsfromtheDeity，headdressestheassemblage，exhortingthemtogoodconduct； tobediligentinprovidingfortheirfamilies；toabstainfromlyingandstealing；toavoid quarrelling orcheatingintheirplay，andtobejustandhospitabletoallstrangerswhomaybeamongthem。 Prayersandexhortationsarealsomade，earlyinthemorning，onweekdays。Sometimes，allthis is donebythechieffromhorseback；movingslowlyaboutthecamp，withhishaton，anduttering his exhortationswithaloudvoice。Onalloccasions，thebystanderslistenwithprofoundattention； and attheendofeverysentencerespondonewordinunison，apparentlyequivalenttoanamen。 While theseprayersandexhortationsaregoingon，everyemploymentinthecampissuspended。Ifan Indianisridingbytheplace，hedismounts，holdshishorse，andattendswithreverenceuntilallis done。Whenthechiefhasfinishedhisprayerorexhortation，hesays，“Ihavedone，“uponwhich thereisageneralexclamationinunison。Withthesereligiousservices，probablyderivedfromthewhitemen，thetribes above-mentioned minglesomeoftheiroldIndianceremonials，suchasdancingtothecadenceofasongorballad， whichisgenerallydoneinalargelodgeprovidedforthepurpose。BesidesSundays，they likewiseobservethecardinalholidaysoftheRomanCatholicChurch。Whoeverhasintroducedthesesimpleformsofreligionsamongthesepoorsavages，has evidently understoodtheircharactersandcapacities，andeffectedagreatmeliorationoftheirmanners。Of this wespeaknotmerelyfromthetestimonyofCaptainBonneville，butlikewisefromthatofMr。 Wyeth， whopassedsomemonthsinatravellingcampoftheFlatheads。“DuringthetimeIhavebeen with them，“sayshe，“Ihaveneverknownaninstanceoftheftamongthem：theleastthing，eventoa bead orpin，isbroughttoyou，iffound；andoften，thingsthathavebeenthrownaway。NeitherhaveI knownanyquarrelling，norlying。Thisabsenceofallquarrellingthemoresurprisedme，whenI cametoseethevariousoccasionsthatwouldhavegivenrisetoitamongthewhites：the crowding togetheroffromtwelvetoeighteenhundredhorses，whichhavetobedrivenintocampatnight， to bepicketed，tobepackedinthemorning；thegatheringoffuelinplaceswhereitisextremely scanty。Allthis，however，isdonewithoutconfusionordisturbance。“Theyhaveamild，playful，laughingdisposition；andthisisportrayedintheircountenances。 They arepolite，andunobtrusive。Whenonespeaks，therestpaystrictattention：whenheisdone， another assentsby”yes”ordissentsby”no；”andthenstateshisreasons，whicharelistenedtowithequal attention。Eventhechildrenaremorepeaceablethananyotherchildren。Ineverheardanangry word amongthem，noranyquarrelling；althoughtherewere，atleast，fivehundredofthemtogether， and continuallyatplay。Withallthisquietnessofspirit，theyarebravewhenputtothetest；andare anovermatchforanequalnumberofBlackfeet。”