Earlythenextmorning，agleamofhismerryhumorreturned，onfindingthathis
　　woundedlimbretaineditsnaturalproportions。Onattemptingtouseit，however，he
　　foundhimselfunabletostand。Hemadeseveraleffortstocoaxhimselfintoabeliefthat
　　hemightstillcontinueforward；butatlength，shookhisheaddespondingly，andsaid，that“ashehadbutoneleg，“itwasallinvaintoattemptapassageofthemountain。Everyonegrievedtopartwithsoboonacompanion，andundersuchdisastrous
　　circumstances。Hewasoncemoreclothedandequipped，eachonemakinghimsome
　　partingpresent。Hewasthenhelpedonahorse，whichCaptainBonnevillepresentedto
　　him；andaftermanypartingexpressionsofgoodwillonbothsides，setoffonhisreturn
　　tohisoldhaunts；doubtless，tobeoncemorepluckedbyhisaffectionatebutneedy
　　cousins。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter36[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter36Thedifficultmountain——Asmokeandconsultation——Thecaptain”sspeech——Anicy
　　turnpike——Dangerofafalsestep——ArrivalonSnakeRiver——ReturntoPortneuf——
　　MeetingofcomradesCONTINUINGTHEIRJOURNEYUPthecourseoftheImmahah，thetravellersfound，
　　astheyapproachedtheheadwaters，thesnowincreasedinquantity，soastolietwo
　　feetdeep。Theywereagainobliged，therefore，tobeatdownapathfortheirhorses，
　　sometimestravellingontheicysurfaceofthestream。Atlengththeyreachedtheplace
　　wheretheyintendedtoscalethemountains；and，havingbrokenapathwaytothefoot，
　　wereagreeablysurprisedtofindthatthewindhaddriftedthesnowfromofftheside，so
　　thattheyattainedthesummitwithbutlittledifficulty。Heretheyencamped，withthe
　　intentionofbeatingatrackthroughthemountains。Ashortexperiment，however，
　　obligedthemtogiveuptheattempt，thesnowlyinginvastdrifts，oftenhigherthanthehorses”heads。CaptainBonnevillenowtookthetwoIndianguides，andsetouttoreconnoitrethe
　　neighborhood。Observingahighpeakwhichovertoppedtherest，heclimbedit，and
　　discoveredfromthesummitapassaboutninemileslong，butsoheavilypiledwith
　　snow，thatitseemedimpracticable。Henowlitapipe，and，sittingdownwiththetwo
　　guides，proceededtoholdaconsultationaftertheIndianmode。Foralongwhiletheyall
　　smokedvigorouslyandinsilence，ponderingoverthesubjectmatterbeforethem。At
　　lengthadiscussioncommenced，andtheopinioninwhichthetwoguidesconcurred
　　was，thatthehorsescouldnotpossiblycrossthesnows。Theyadvised，therefore，that
　　thepartyshouldproceedonfoot，andtheyshouldtakethehorsesbacktothevillage，
　　wheretheywouldbewelltakencareofuntilCaptainBonnevilleshouldsendforthem。
　　Theyurgedthisadvicewithgreatearnestness；declaringthattheirchiefwouldbe
　　extremelyangry，andtreatthemseverely，shouldanyofthehorsesofhisgoodfriends，
　　thewhitemen，belost，incrossingundertheirguidance；andthat，therefore，itwasgoodtheyshouldnotattemptit。CaptainBonnevillesatsmokinghispipe，andlisteningtothemwithIndiansilenceandgravity。Whentheyhadfinished，herepliedtothemintheirownstyleoflanguage。“Myfriends，“saidhe，“Ihaveseenthepass，andhavelistenedtoyourwords；youhave
　　littlehearts。Whentroublesanddangerslieinyourway，youturnyourbacks。Thatisnot
　　thewaywithmynation。Whengreatobstaclespresent，andthreatentokeepthem
　　back，theirheartsswell，andtheypushforward。Theylovetoconquerdifficulties。Butenoughforthepresent。Nightiscomingon；letusreturntoourcamp。”Hemovedon，andtheyfollowedinsilence。Onreachingthecamp，hefoundthemen
　　extremelydiscouraged。Oneoftheirnumberhadbeensurveyingtheneighborhood，and
　　seriouslyassuredthemthatthesnowwasatleastahundredfeetdeep。Thecaptain
　　cheeredthemup，anddiffusedfreshspiritinthembyhisexample。Stillhewasmuch
　　perplexedhowtoproceed。Aboutdarktherewasaslightdrizzlingrain。Anexpedient
　　nowsuggesteditself。Thiswastomaketwolightsleds，placethepacksonthem，and
　　dragthemtotheothersideofthemountain，thusformingaroadinthewetsnow，
　　which，shoulditafterwardfreeze，wouldbesufficientlyhardtobearthehorses。This
　　planwaspromptlyputintoexecution；thesledswereconstructed，theheavybaggage
　　wasdrawnbackwardandforwarduntiltheroadwasbeaten，whentheydesistedfrom
　　theirfatiguinglabor。Thenightturnedoutclearandcold，andbymorning，theirroadwas
　　incrustedwithicesufficientlystrongfortheirpurpose。Theynowsetoutontheiricy
　　turnpike，andgotonwellenough，exceptingthatnowandthenahorsewouldsidleout
　　ofthetrack，andimmediatelysinkuptotheneck。Thencameontoilanddifficulty，and
　　theywouldbeobligedtohauluptheflounderinganimalwithropes。One，moreunlucky
　　thantherest，afterrepeatedfalls，hadtobeabandonedinthesnow。Notwithstanding
　　theserepeateddelays，theysucceeded，beforethesunhadacquiredsufficientpowerto
　　thawthesnow，ingettingalltherestoftheirhorsessafelytotheothersideofthemountain。Theirdifficultiesanddangers，however，werenotyetatanend。Theyhadnowto
　　descend，andthewholesurfaceofthesnowwasglazedwithice。Itwasnecessary；
　　therefore，towaituntilthewarmthofthesunshouldmelttheglassycrustofsleet，and
　　givethemafootholdintheyieldingsnow。Theyhadafrightfulwarningofthedangerof
　　anymovementwhilethesleetremained。Awildyoungmare，inherrestlessness，
　　strayedtotheedgeofadeclivity。Oneslipwasfataltoher；shelostherbalance，
　　careeredwithheadlongvelocitydowntheslipperysideofthemountainformorethan
　　twothousandfeet，andwasdashedtopiecesatthebottom。Whenthetravellers
　　afterwardsoughtthecarcasstocutitupforfood，theyfoundittornandmangledinthemosthorriblemanner。Itwasquitelateintheeveningbeforethepartydescendedtotheultimateskirtsofthe
　　snow。Heretheyplantedlargelogsbelowthemtopreventtheirslidingdown，and
　　encampedforthenight。Thenextdaytheysucceededinbringingdowntheirbaggage
　　totheencampment；thenpackingallupregularly，andloadingtheirhorses，theyonce
　　moresetoutbrisklyandcheerfully，andinthecourseofthefollowingdaysucceededingettingtoagrassyregion。HeretheirNezPerceguidesdeclaredthatallthedifficultiesofthemountainswereat
　　anend，andtheircoursewasplainandsimple，andneedednofurtherguidance；they
　　askedleave，therefore，toreturnhome。Thiswasreadilygranted，withmanythanksand
　　presentsfortheirfaithfulservices。Theytookalongfarewellsmokewiththeirwhite
　　friends，afterwhichtheymountedtheirhorsesandsetoff，exchangingmanyfarewellsandkindwishes。Onthefollowingday，CaptainBonnevillecompletedhisjourneydownthemountain，
　　andencampedonthebordersofSnakeRiver，wherehefoundthegrassingreat
　　abundanceandeightinchesinheight。Inthisneighborhood，hesawontherockybanksoftheriverseveralprismoidsofbasaltes，risingtotheheightoffiftyorsixtyfeet。Nothingparticularlyworthyofnoteoccurredduringseveraldaysasthepartyproceeded
　　upalongSnakeRiverandacrossitstributarystreams。AftercrossingGunCreek，they
　　metwithvarioussignsthatwhitepeoplewereintheneighborhood，andCaptain
　　Bonnevillemadeearnestexertionstodiscoverwhethertheywereanyofhisown
　　people，thathemightjointhem。Hesoonascertainedthattheyhadbeenstarvedoutof
　　thistractofcountry，andhadbetakenthemselvestothebuffaloregion，whitherhenow
　　shapedhiscourse。InproceedingalongSnakeRiver，hefoundsmallhordesof
　　Shoshonieslingeringupontheminorstreams，andlivingupontroutandotherfish，
　　whichtheycatchingreatnumbersatthisseasoninfish-traps。Thegreaterpartofthe
　　tribe，however，hadpenetratedthemountainstohunttheelk，deer，andahsahtaorbighorn。Onthe12thofMay，CaptainBonnevillereachedthePortneufRiver，inthevicinityof
　　whichhehadleftthewinterencampmentofhiscompanyontheprecedingChristmas
　　day。HehadthenexpectedtobebackbythebeginningofMarch，butcircumstances
　　haddetainedhimupwardoftwomonthsbeyondthetime，andthewinterencampment
　　mustlongerethishavebeenbrokenup。HaltingonthebanksofthePortneuf，he
　　dispatchedscoutsafewmilesabove，tovisittheoldcampinggroundandsearchfor
　　signalsoftheparty，oroftheirwhereabouts，shouldtheyactuallyhaveabandonedthespot。Theyreturnedwithoutbeingabletoascertainanything。Beingnowdestituteofprovisions，thetravellersfounditnecessarytomakeashort
　　huntingexcursionafterbuffalo。Theymadecaches，therefore，onanislandintheriver，
　　inwhichtheydepositedalltheirbaggage，andthensetoutontheirexpedition。They
　　weresofortunateastokillacoupleoffinebulls，andcuttingupthecarcasses，
　　determinedtohusbandthisstockofprovisionswiththemostmiserlycare，lestthey
　　shouldagainbeobligedtoventureintotheopenanddangeroushuntinggrounds。
　　Returningtotheirislandonthe18thofMay，theyfoundthatthewolveshadbeenatthe
　　caches，scratchedupthecontents，andscatteredthemineverydirection。Theynow
　　constructedamoresecureone，inwhichtheydepositedtheirheaviestarticles，andthen
　　descendedSnakeRiveragain，andencampedjustabovetheAmericanFalls。Herethey
　　proceededtofortifythemselves，intendingtoremainhere，andgivetheirhorsesan
　　opportunitytorecruittheirstrengthwithgoodpasturage，untilitshouldbetimetosetoutfortheannualrendezvousinBearRivervalley。OnthefirstofJunetheydescriedfourmenontheothersideoftheriver，oppositetothe
　　camp，and，havingattractedtheirattentionbyadischargeofrifles，ascertainedtotheir
　　joythattheyweresomeoftheirownpeople。FromthesemenCaptainBonneville
　　learnedthatthewholepartywhichhehadleftintheprecedingmonthofDecember
　　wereencampedonBlackfootRiver，atributaryofSnakeRiver，notveryfarabovethe
　　Portneuf。Thitherheproceededwithallpossibledispatch，andinalittlewhilehadthe
　　pleasureoffindinghimselfoncemoresurroundedbyhispeople，whogreetedhisreturn
　　amongthemintheheartiestmanner；forhislong-protractedabsencehadconvincedthemthatheandhisthreecompanionshadbeencutoffbysomehostiletribe。Thepartyhadsufferedmuchduringhisabsence。Theyhadbeenpinchedbyfamine
　　andalmoststarved，andhadbeenforcedtorepairtothecachesatSalmonRiver。Here
　　theyfellinwiththeBlackfeetbands，andconsideredthemselvesfortunateinbeingabletoretreatfromthedangerousneighborhoodwithoutsustaininganyloss。Beingthusreunited，ageneraltreatfromCaptainBonnevilletohismenwasamatterof
　　course。Twodays，therefore，weregivenuptosuchfeastingandmerrimentastheir
　　meansandsituationafforded。Whatwaswantingingoodcheerwasmadeupingood
　　will；thefreetrappersinparticular，distinguishedthemselvesontheoccasion，andthe
　　saturnaliawasenjoyedwithaheartyholidayspirit，thatsmackedofthegameflavorof
　　thewilderness。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter37[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter37Departurefortherendezvous——AwarpartyofBlackfeet——Amockbustle——Shamfiresat
　　night——Warlikeprecautions——Dangersofanightattack——Apanicamong
　　horses——Cautiousmarch——TheBeerSprings——Amockcarousel——Skirmishingwith
　　buffaloes——Abuffalobait——Arrivalattherendezvous——MeetingofvariousbandsAFTERTHETWODAYSoffestiveindulgence，CaptainBonnevillebrokeupthe
　　encampment，andsetoutwithhismotleycrewofhiredandfreetrappers，half-breeds，
　　Indians，andsquaws，forthemainrendezvousinBearRivervalley。Directinghiscourse
　　uptheBlackfootRiver，hesoonreachedthehillsamongwhichittakesitsrise。Here，
　　whileonthemarch，hedescriedfromthebrowofahill，awarpartyofaboutsixty
　　Blackfeet，ontheplainimmediatelybelowhim。Hissituationwasperilous；forthe
　　greaterpartofhispeopleweredispersedinvariousdirections。Still，tobetrayhesitation
　　orfearwouldbetodiscoverhisactualweakness，andtoinviteattack。Heassumed，
　　instantly，therefore，abelligerenttone；orderedthesquawstoleadthehorsestoasmall
　　groveofashentrees，andunloadandtiethem；andcausedagreatbustletobemade
　　byhisscantyhandful；theleadersridinghitherandthither，andvociferatingwithalltheirmight，asifanumerousforcewasgettingunderwayforanattack。Tokeepupthedeceptionastohisforce，heordered，atnight，anumberofextrafiresto
　　bemadeinhiscamp，andkeptupavigilantwatch。Hismenwerealldirectedtokeep
　　themselvespreparedforinstantaction。Insuchcasestheexperiencedtrappersleepsin
　　hisclothes，withhisriflebesidehim，theshot-beltandpowder-flaskonthestock：so
　　that，incaseofalarm，hecanlayhishanduponthewholeofhisequipmentatonce，andstartup，completelyarmed。CaptainBonnevillewasalsoespeciallycarefultosecurethehorses，andsetavigilant
　　guarduponthem；forthereliesthegreatobjectandprincipaldangerofanightattack。
　　Thegrandmoveofthelurkingsavageistocauseapanicamongthehorses。Insuch
　　casesonehorsefrightensanother，untilallarealarmed，andstruggletobreakloose。In
　　campswheretherearegreatnumbersofIndians，withtheirhorses，anightalarmofthe
　　kindistremendous。Therunningofthehorsesthathavebrokenloose；thesnorting，
　　stamping，andrearingofthosewhichremainfast；thehowlingofdogs；theyellingof
　　Indians；thescamperingofwhitemen，andredmen，withtheirguns；theoverturningof
　　lodges，andtramplingoffiresbythehorses；theflashesofthefires，lightingupformsof
　　menandsteedsdashingthroughthegloom，altogethermakeuponeofthewildest
　　scenesofconfusionimaginable。Inthisway，sometimes，allthehorsesofacampamountingtoseveralhundredwillbefrightenedoffinasinglenight。Thenightpassedoffwithoutanydisturbance；buttherewasnolikelihoodthatawar
　　partyofBlackfeet，onceonthetrackofacampwheretherewasachanceforspoils，
　　wouldfailtohoverroundit。Thecaptain，therefore，continuedtomaintainthemostvigilantprecautions；throwingoutscoutsintheadvance，andoneveryrisingground。Inthecourseofthedayhearrivedattheplainofwhiteclay，alreadymentioned，
　　surroundedbythemineralsprings，calledBeerSprings，bythetrappers。Herethemen
　　allhaltedtohavearegale。Inafewmomentseveryspringhaditsjovialknotofhard
　　drinkers，withtincupinhand，indulginginamockcarouse；quaffing，pledging，toasting，
　　bandyingjokes，singingdrinkingsongs，andutteringpealsoflaughter，untilitseemed
　　asiftheirimaginationshadgivenpotencytothebeverage，andcheatedthemintoafit
　　ofintoxication。Indeed，intheexcitementofthemoment，theywereloudand
　　extravagantintheircommendationsof“themountaintap“；elevatingitaboveevery
　　beverageproducedfromhopsormalt。Itwasasingularandfantasticscene；suitedtoa
　　regionwhereeverythingisstrangeandpeculiar：——Thesegroupsoftrappers，and
　　hunters，andIndians，withtheirwildcostumes，andwildercountenances；their
　　boisterousgayety，andrecklessair；quaffing，andmakingmerryroundthesesparkling
　　fountains；whilebesidethemlaytheirweepons，readytobesnatchedupforinstant
　　service。Paintersarefondofrepresentingbandittiattheirrudeandpicturesque
　　carousels；buthereweregroups，stillmorerudeandpicturesque；anditneededbuta
　　suddenonsetofBlackfeet，andaquicktransitionfromafantasticreveltoafuriousmelee，tohaverenderedthispictureofatrapper”slifecomplete。Thebeerfrolic，however，passedoffwithoutanyuntowardcircumstance；and，unlike
　　mostdrinkingbouts，leftneitherheadachenorheartachebehind。CaptainBonneville
　　nowdirectedhiscourseupalongBearRiver；amusinghimself，occasionally，with
　　huntingthebuffalo，withwhichthecountrywascovered。Sometimes，whenhesawa
　　hugebulltakinghisreposeinaprairie，hewouldstealalongaravine，untilcloseupon
　　him；thenrousehimfromhismeditationswithapebble，andtakeashotathimashe
　　startedup。Suchisthequicknesswithwhichthisanimalspringsuponhislegs，thatitis
　　noteasytodiscoverthemuscularprocessbywhichitiseffected。Thehorserisesfirst
　　uponhisforelegs；andthedomesticcow，uponherhinderlimbs；butthebuffalobounds
　　atoncefromacouchanttoanerectposition，withaceleritythatbafflestheeye。Though
　　fromhisbulk，androllinggait，hedoesnotappeartorunwithmuchswiftness；yet，it
　　takesastanchhorsetoovertakehim，whenatfullspeedonlevelground；andabuffalocowisstillfleeterinhermotion。AmongtheIndiansandhalf-breedsoftheparty，wereseveraladmirablehorsemenand
　　boldhunters；whoamusedthemselveswithagrotesquekindofbuffalobait。Whenever
　　theyfoundahugebullintheplains，theypreparedfortheirteasingandbarbarous
　　sport。Surroundinghimonhorseback，theywoulddischargetheirarrowsathiminquick
　　succession，goadinghimtomakeanattack；which，withadexterousmovementofthe
　　horse，theywouldeasilyavoid。Inthisway，theyhoveredroundhim，featheringhimwith
　　arrows，asherearedandplungedabout，untilhewasbristledalloverlikeaporcupine。
　　Whentheyperceivedinhimsignsofexhaustion，andhecouldnolongerbeprovokedto
　　makebattle，theywoulddismountfromtheirhorses，approachhimintherear，and
　　seizinghimbythetail，jerkhimfromsidetoside，anddraghimbackward；untilthe
　　franticanimal，gatheringfreshstrengthfromfury，wouldbreakfromthem，andrush，with
　　flashingeyesandahoarsebellowing，uponanyenemyinsight；butinalittlewhile，his
　　transientexcitementatanend，wouldpitchheadlongontheground，andexpire。The
　　arrowswerethenpluckedforth，thetonguecutoutandpreservedasadainty，andthecarcassleftabanquetforthewolves。PursuinghiscourseupBearRiver，CaptainBonnevillearrived，onthe13thofJune，at
　　theLittleSnakeLake；whereheencampedforfourorfivedays，thathemightexamine
　　itsshoresandoutlets。Thelatter，hefoundextremelymuddy，andsosurroundedby
　　swampsandquagmires，thathewasobligedtoconstructcanoesofrushes，withwhich
　　toexplorethem。Themouthsofallthestreamswhichfallintothislakefromthewest，
　　aremarshyandinconsiderable；butontheeastside，thereisabeautifulbeach，broken，
　　occasionally，byhighandisolatedbluffs，whichadvanceuponthelake，andheighten
　　thecharacterofthescenery。Thewaterisveryshallow，butaboundswithtrout，andothersmallfish。Havingfinishedhissurveyofthelake，CaptainBonnevilleproceededonhisjourney，
　　untilonthebanksoftheBearRiver，somedistancehigherup，hecameupontheparty
　　whichhehaddetachedayearbefore，tocircumambulatetheGreatSaltLake，and
　　ascertainitsextent，andthenatureofitsshores。Theyhadbeenencampedhereabout
　　twentydays；andweregreatlyrejoicedatmeetingoncemorewiththeircomrades，from
　　whomtheyhadsolongbeenseparated。ThefirstinquiryofCaptainBonnevillewas
　　abouttheresultoftheirjourney，andtheinformationtheyhadprocuredastotheGreat
　　SaltLake；theobjectofhisintensecuriosityandambition。Thesubstanceoftheirreport
　　willbefoundinthefollowingchapter。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter38[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter38PlanoftheSaltLakeexpedition——Greatsandydeserts——Sufferingsfrom
　　thirst——Ogden”sRiver——Trailsandsmokeoflurkingsavages——Theftsatnight——A
　　trapper”srevenge——Alarmsofaguiltyconscience——Amurderousvictory——Californian
　　mountains——PlainsalongthePacific——ArrivalatMonterey——Accountoftheplaceand
　　neighborhood——LowerCalifornia——Itsextent——ThePeninsula——Soil——Climate——
　　Production——ItssettlementsbytheJesuits——TheirswayovertheIndians——Their
　　expulsion——Ruinsofamissionaryestablishment——Sublimescenery——Upper
　　California——Missions——Theirpowerandpolicy——Resourcesofthecountry——Designsof
　　foreignnationsITWASONTHE24THofJuly，intheprecedingyear1833，thatthebrigadeofforty
　　mensetoutfromGreenRivervalley，toexploretheGreatSaltLake。Theywereto
　　makethecompletecircuitofit，trappingonallthestreamswhichshouldfallintheirway，
　　andtokeepjournalsandmakecharts，calculatedtoimpartaknowledgeofthelakeand
　　thesurroundingcountry。AlltheresourcesofCaptainBonnevillehadbeentaskedtofit
　　outthisfavoriteexpedition。Thecountrylyingtothesouthwestofthemountains，and
　　rangingdowntoCalifornia，wasasyetalmostunknown；beingoutofthebuffalorange，
　　itwasuntraversedbythetrapper，whopreferredthosepartsofthewildernesswhere
　　theroamingherdsofthatspeciesofanimalgavehimcomparativelyanabundantand
　　luxuriouslife。Stillitwassaidthedeer，theelk，andthebighornweretobefoundthere，
　　sothat，withalittlediligenceandeconomy，therewasnodangeroflackingfood。Asa
　　precaution，however，thepartyhaltedonBearRiverandhuntedforafewdays，until
　　theyhadlaidinasupplyofdriedbuffalomeatandvenison；theythenpassedbythe
　　headwatersoftheCassieRiver，andsoonfoundthemselveslaunchedonanimmense
　　sandydesert。Southwardly，ontheirleft，theybeheldtheGreatSaltLake，spreadout
　　likeasea，buttheyfoundnostreamrunningintoit。Adesertextendedaroundthem，
　　andstretchedtothesouthwest，asfarastheeyecouldreach，rivallingthedesertsof
　　AsiaandAfricainsterility。Therewasneithertree，norherbage，norspring，norpool，nor
　　runningstream，nothingbutparchedwastesofsand，wherehorseandriderwereindangerofperishing。Theirsufferings，atlength，becamesogreatthattheyabandonedtheirintendedcourse，
　　andmadetowardsarangeofsnowymountains，brighteninginthenorth，wherethey
　　hopedtofindwater。Afteratime，theycameuponasmallstreamleadingdirectly
　　towardsthesemountains。Havingquenchedtheirburningthirst，andrefreshed
　　themselvesandtheirwearyhorsesforatime，theykeptalongthisstream，which
　　graduallyincreasedinsize，beingfedbynumerousbrooks。Afterapproachingthe
　　mountains，ittookasweeptowardthesouthwest，andthetravellersstillkeptalongit，
　　trappingbeaverastheywent，onthefleshofwhichtheysubsistedforthepresent，husbandingtheirdriedmeatforfuturenecessities。Thestreamonwhichtheyhadthusfalleniscalledbysome，MaryRiver，butismore
　　generallyknownasOgden”sRiver，fromMr。PeterOgden，anenterprisingandintrepid
　　leaderoftheHudson”sBayCompany，whofirstexploredit。Thewildandhalf-desert
　　regionthroughwhichthetravellerswerepassing，iswanderedoverbyhordesof
　　Shoshokoes，orRootDiggers，theforlornbranchoftheSnaketribe。Theyareashy
　　people，pronetokeepalooffromthestranger。Thetravellersfrequentlymetwiththeir
　　trails，andsawthesmokeoftheirfiresrisinginvariouspartsofthevastlandscape，so
　　thattheyknewthereweregreatnumbersintheneighborhood，butscarcelyeverwereanyofthemtobemetwith。Afteratime，theybegantohavevexatiousproofsthat，iftheShoshokoeswerequietby
　　day，theywerebusyatnight。Thecampwasdoggedbytheseeavesdroppers；scarcea
　　morning，butvariousarticlesweremissing，yetnothingcouldbeseenofthemarauders。
　　Whatparticularlyexasperatedthehunters，wastohavetheirtrapsstolenfromthe
　　streams。Onemorning，atrapperofaviolentandsavagecharacter，discoveringthathis
　　trapshadbeencarriedoffinthenight，tookahorridoathtokillthefirstIndianheshould
　　meet，innocentorguilty。Ashewasreturningwithhiscomradestocamp，hebeheldtwo
　　unfortunateDiggers，seatedontheriverbank，fishing。Advancinguponthem，he
　　levelledhisrifle，shotoneuponthespot，andflunghisbleedingbodyintothestream。
　　TheotherIndianfledandwassufferedtoescape。Suchistheindifferencewithwhich
　　actsofviolenceareregardedinthewilderness，andsuchtheimmunityanarmedruffian
　　enjoysbeyondthebarriersofthelaws，thattheonlypunishmentthisdesperadomet
　　with，wasarebukefromtheleaderoftheparty。Thetrappersnowleftthesceneofthis
　　infamoustragedy，andkeptonwestward，downthecourseoftheriver，whichwound
　　alongwitharangeofmountainsontherighthand，andasandy，butsomewhatfertile
　　plain，ontheleft。Astheyproceeded，theybeheldcolumnsofsmokerising，asbefore，in
　　variousdirections，whichtheirguiltyconsciencesnowconvertedintoalarmsignals，toarousethecountryandcollectthescatteredbandsforvengeance。Afteratime，thenativesbegantomaketheirappearance，andsometimesin
　　considerablenumbers，butalwayspacific；thetrappers，however，suspectedthemof
　　deep-laidplanstodrawthemintoambuscades；tocrowdintoandgetpossessionof
　　theircamp，andvariousothercraftyanddaringconspiracies，which，itisprobable，
　　neverenteredintotheheadsofthepoorsavages。Infact，theyareasimple，timid，
　　inoffensiverace，unpractisedinwarfare，andscarceprovidedwithanyweapons，
　　exceptingforthechase。Theirlivesarepassedinthegreatsandplainsandalongthe
　　adjacentrivers；theysubsistsometimesonfish，atothertimesonrootsandtheseeds
　　ofaplant，calledthecat”s-tail。TheyareofthesamekindofpeoplethatCaptainBonnevillefounduponSnakeRiver，andwhomhefoundsomildandinoffensive。Thetrappers，however，hadpersuadedthemselvesthattheyweremakingtheirway
　　throughahostilecountry，andthatimplacablefoeshungroundtheircamporbesettheir
　　path，watchingforanopportunitytosurprisethem。Atlength，onedaytheycametothe
　　banksofastreamemptyingintoOgden”sRiver，whichtheywereobligedtoford。Herea
　　greatnumberofShoshokoeswerepostedontheoppositebank。Persuadedtheywere
　　therewithhostileintent，theyadvanceduponthem，levelledtheirrifles，andkilledtwenty
　　fiveofthemuponthespot。Therestfledtoashortdistance，thenhaltedandturned
　　about，howlingandwhininglikewolves，andutteringthemostpiteouswailings。The
　　trapperschasedthemineverydirection；thepoorwretchesmadenodefence，butfled
　　withterror；neitherdoesitappearfromtheaccountsoftheboastedvictors，thata
　　weaponhadbeenwieldedoraweaponlaunchedbytheIndiansthroughouttheaffair。
　　Wefeelperfectlyconvincedthatthepoorsavageshadnohostileintention，buthad
　　merelygatheredtogetherthroughmotivesofcuriosity，asothersoftheirtribehaddonewhenCaptainBonnevilleandhiscompanionspassedalongSnakeRiver。ThetrapperscontinueddownOgden”sRiver，untiltheyascertainedthatitlostitselfina
　　greatswampylake，towhichtherewasnoapparentdischarge。Theythenstruckdirectly
　　westward，acrossthegreatchainofCaliforniamountainsinterveningbetweentheseinteriorplainsandtheshoresofthePacific。Forthreeandtwentydaystheywereentangledamongthesemountains，thepeaksand
　　ridgesofwhichareinmanyplacescoveredwithperpetualsnow。Theirpassesand
　　defilespresentthewildestscenery，partakingofthesublimeratherthanthebeautiful，
　　andaboundingwithfrightfulprecipices。Thesufferingsofthetravellersamongthese
　　savagemountainswereextreme：forapartofthetimetheywerenearlystarved；at
　　length，theymadetheirwaythroughthem，andcamedownupontheplainsofNew
　　California，afertileregionextendingalongthecoast，withmagnificentforests，verdant
　　savannas，andprairiesthatlookedlikestatelyparks。Heretheyfounddeerandother
　　gameinabundance，andindemnifiedthemselvesforpastfamine。Theynowturned
　　towardthesouth，andpassingnumeroussmallbandsofnatives，posteduponvariousstreams，arrivedattheSpanishvillageandpostofMonterey。Thisisasmallplace，containingabouttwohundredhouses，situatedinlatitude37°；
　　north。Ithasacapaciousbay，withindifferentanchorage。Thesurroundingcountryis
　　extremelyfertile，especiallyinthevalleys；thesoilisricher，thefurtheryoupenetrate
　　intotheinterior，andtheclimateisdescribedasaperpetualspring。Indeed，all
　　California，extendingalongthePacificOceanfromlatitude19°；30”to42°；north，isrepresentedasoneofthemostfertileandbeautifulregionsinNorthAmerica。LowerCalifornia，inlengthaboutsevenhundredmiles，formsagreatpeninsula，which
　　crossesthetropicsandterminatesinthetorridzone。Itisseparatedfromthemainland
　　bytheGulfofCalifornia，sometimescalledtheVermilionSea；intothisgulfemptiesthe
　　ColoradooftheWest，theSeeds-ke-dee，orGreenRiver，asitisalsosometimescalled。
　　Thepeninsulaistraversedbysternandbarrenmountains，andhasmanysandyplains，
　　wheretheonlysignofvegetationisthecylindricalcactusgrowingamongthecleftsof
　　therocks。Whereverthereiswater，however，andvegetablemould，theardentnatureof
　　theclimatequickenseverythingintoastonishingfertility。Therearevalleysluxuriantwith
　　therichandbeautifulproductionsofthetropics。Therethesugar-caneandindigoplant
　　attainaperfectionunequalledinanyotherpartofNorthAmerica。Thereflourishthe
　　olive，thefig，thedate，theorange，thecitron，thepomegranate，andotherfruits
　　belongingtothevoluptuousclimatesofthesouth；withgrapesinabundance，thatyield
　　agenerouswine。Intheinterioraresaltplains；silverminesandscantyveinsofgoldaresaid，likewise，toexist；andpearlsofabeautifulwateraretobefisheduponthecoast。ThepeninsulaofCaliforniawassettledin1698，bytheJesuits，who，certainly，asfaras
　　thenativeswereconcerned，havegenerallyprovedthemostbeneficentofcolonists。In
　　thepresentinstance，theygainedandmaintainedafootinginthecountrywithoutthe
　　aidofmilitaryforce，butsolelybyreligiousinfluence。Theyformedatreaty，andentered
　　intothemostamicablerelationswiththenatives，thennumberingfromtwenty-fiveto
　　thirtythousandsouls，andgainedaholdupontheiraffections，andacontrolovertheir
　　minds，thateffectedacompletechangeintheircondition。Theybuiltelevenmissionary
　　establishmentsinthevariousvalleysofthepeninsula，whichformedrallyingplacesfor
　　thesurroundingsavages，wheretheygatheredtogetherassheepintothefold，and
　　surrenderedthemselvesandtheirconsciencesintothehandsofthesespiritualpastors。
　　Nothing，wearetold，couldexceedtheimplicitandaffectionatedevotionoftheIndian
　　convertstotheJesuitfathers，andtheCatholicfaithwasdisseminatedwidelythrough
　　thewilderness。ThegrowingpowerandinfluenceoftheJesuitsintheNewWorldat
　　lengthexcitedthejealousyoftheSpanishgovernment，andtheywerebanishedfrom
　　thecolonies。Thegovernor，whoarrivedatCaliforniatoexpelthem，andtotakecharge
　　ofthecountry，expectedtofindarichandpowerfulfraternity，withimmensetreasures
　　hoardedintheirmissions，andanarmyofIndiansreadytodefendthem。Onthe
　　contrary，hebeheldafewvenerablesilverhairedpriestscominghumblyforwardtomeet
　　him，followedbyathrongofweeping，butsubmissivenatives。Theheartofthe
　　governor，itissaid，wassotouchedbythisunexpectedsight，thatheshedtears；buthe
　　hadtoexecutehisorders。TheJesuitswereaccompaniedtotheplaceoftheir
　　embarkationbytheirsimpleandaffectionateparishioners，whotookleaveofthemwith
　　tearsandsobs。Manyofthelatterabandonedtheirheriditaryabodes，andwanderedoff
　　tojointheirsouthernbrethren，sothatbutaremnantremainedinthepeninsula。The
　　FranciscansimmediatelysucceededtheJesuits，andsubsequentlytheDominicans；but
　　thelattermanagedtheiraffairsill。Buttwoofthemissionaryestablishmentsareat
　　presentoccupiedbypriests；therestareallinruins，exceptingone，whichremainsa
　　monumentoftheformerpowerandprosperityoftheorder。Thisisanobleedifice，once
　　theseatofthechiefoftheresidentJesuits。Itissituatedinabeautifulvalley，abouthalf
　　waybetweentheGulfofCaliforniaandthebroadocean，thepeninsulabeinghere
　　aboutsixtymileswide。Theedificeisofhewnstone，onestoryhigh，twohundredand
　　tenfeetinfront，andaboutfifty-fivefeetdeep。Thewallsaresixfeetthick，andsixteen
　　feethigh，withavaultedroofofstone，abouttwofeetandahalfinthickness。Itisnow
　　abandonedanddesolate；thebeautifulvalleyiswithoutaninhabitant——notahumanbeingresideswithinthirtymilesoftheplace！Inapproachingthisdesertedmission-housefromthesouth，thetravellerpassesover
　　themountainofSanJuan，supposedtobethehighestpeakintheCalifornias。From
　　thisloftyeminence，avastandmagnificentprospectunfoldsitself；thegreatGulfof
　　California，withthedarkblueseabeyond，studdedwithislands；andinanother
　　direction，theimmenselavaplainofSanGabriel。Thesplendoroftheclimategivesan
　　Italianeffecttotheimmenseprospect。Theskyisofadeepbluecolor，andthesunsets
　　areoftenmagnificentbeyonddescription。Suchisaslightandimperfectsketchofthisremarkablepeninsula。UpperCaliforniaextendsfromlatitude31°；10”to42°；onthePacific，and
　　inland，tothe
　　greatchainofsnow-cappedmountainswhichdivideitfromthesandplainsofthe
　　interior。Thereareabouttwenty-onemissionsinthisprovince，mostofwhichwere
　　establishedaboutfiftyyearssince，andaregenerallyunderthecareoftheFranciscans。
　　Theseexertaprotectingswayoveraboutthirty-fivethousandIndianconverts，who
　　resideonthelandsaroundthemissionhouses。Eachofthesehouseshasfifteenmiles
　　squareoflandallottedtoit，subdividedintosmalllots，proportionedtothenumberof
　　Indianconvertsattachedtothemission。Someareenclosedwithhighwalls；butin
　　generaltheyareopenhamlets，composedofrowsofhuts，builtofsunburntbricks；in
　　someinstanceswhitewashedandroofedwithtiles。Manyofthemarefarintheinterior，
　　beyondthereachofallmilitaryprotection，anddependententirelyonthegoodwillof
　　thenatives，whichneverfailsthem。Theyhavemadeconsiderableprogressinteaching
　　theIndianstheusefularts。Therearenativetanners，shoemakers，weavers，
　　blacksmiths，stonecutters，andotherartificersattachedtoeachestablishment。Others
　　aretaughthusbandry，andtherearingofcattleandhorses；whilethefemalescardand
　　spinwool，weave，andperformtheotherdutiesallottedtotheirsexincivilizedlife。No
　　socialintercourseisallowedbetweentheunmarriedoftheoppositesexesafterworking
　　hours；andatnighttheyarelockedupinseparateapartments，andthekeysdeliveredtothepriests。Theproduceofthelands，andalltheprofitsarisingfromsales，areentirelyatthe
　　disposalofthepriests；whateverisnotrequiredforthesupportofthemissions，goesto
　　augmentafundwhichisundertheircontrol。Hidesandtallowconstitutetheprincipal
　　richesofthemissions，and，indeed，themaincommerceofthecountry。Grainmightbe
　　producedtoanunlimitedextentattheestablishments，werethereasufficientmarketforit。Olivesandgrapesarealsorearedatthemissions。Horsesandhornedcattleaboundthroughoutallthisregion；theformermaybe
　　purchasedatfromthreetofivedollars，buttheyareofaninferiorbreed。Mules，whicharehereofalargesizeandofvaluablequalities，costfromseventotendollars。Thereareseveralexcellentportsalongthiscoast。SanDiego，SanBarbara，Monterey，
　　thebayofSanFrancisco，andthenorthernportofBondago；allaffordanchoragefor
　　shipsofthelargestclass。TheportofSanFranciscoistoowellknowntorequiremuch
　　noticeinthisplace。Theentrancefromtheseaissixty-sevenfathomsdeep，andwithin，
　　wholenaviesmightridewithperfectsafety。Twolargerivers，whichtaketheirrisein
　　mountainstwoorthreehundredmilestotheeast，andrunthroughacountry
　　unsurpassedforsoilandclimate，emptythemselvesintotheharbor。Thecountry
　　aroundaffordsadmirabletimberforship-building。Inaword，thisfavoredportcombines
　　advantageswhichnotonlyfititforagrandnavaldepot，butalmostrenderitcapableofbeingmadethedominantmilitarypostoftheseseas。SuchisafeebleoutlineoftheCaliforniancoastandcountry，thevalueofwhichismore
　　andmoreattractingtheattentionofnavalpowers。TheRussianshavealwaysashipof
　　waruponthisstation，andhavealreadyencroachedupontheCalifornianboundaries，
　　bytakingpossessionoftheportofBondago，andfortifyingitwithseveralguns。Recent
　　surveyshavelikewisebeenmade，bothbytheRussiansandtheEnglish；andwehave
　　littledoubt，that，atnoverydistantday，thisneglected，and，untilrecently，almost
　　unknownregion，willbefoundtopossesssourcesofwealthsufficienttosustaina
　　powerfulandprosperousempire。Itsinhabitants，themselves，arebutlittleawareofits
　　realriches；theyhavenotenterprisesufficienttoacquaintthemselveswithavast
　　interiorthatliesalmostaterraincognita；norhavetheytheskillandindustrytocultivate
　　properlythefertiletractsalongthecoast；nortoprosecutethatforeigncommercewhich
　　bringsalltheresourcesofacountryintoprofitableaction。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter39[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter39GaylifeatMonterey——Mexicanhorsemen——Abolddragoon——Useofthe
　　lasso——Vaqueros——Noosingabear——Fightbetweenabullandabear——Departurefrom
　　Monterey——Indianhorsestealers——Outragescommittedbythetravellers——Indignationof
　　CaptainBonnevilleTHEWANDERINGBANDoftrapperswaswellreceivedatMonterey，theinhabitants
　　weredesirousofretainingthemamongthem，andofferedextravagantwagestosuch
　　aswereacquaintedwithanymechanicart。Whentheywentintothecountry，too，they
　　werekindlytreatedbythepriestsatthemissions；whoarealwayshospitableto
　　strangers，whatevermaybetheirrankorreligion。Theyhadnolackofprovisions；being
　　permittedtokillasmanyastheypleasedofthevastherdsofcattlethatgrazethe
　　country，oncondition，merely，ofrenderingthehidestotheowners。Theyattendedbull-fightsand
　　horseraces；forgotallthepurposesoftheirexpedition；squanderedaway，
　　freely，thepropertythatdidnotbelongtothem；and，inaword，revelledinaperfectfool”sparadise。WhatespeciallydelightedthemwastheequestrianskilloftheCalifornians。Thevast
　　numberandthecheapnessofthehorsesinthiscountrymakeseveryoneacavalier。
　　TheMexicansandhalfbreedsofCaliforniaspendthegreaterpartoftheirtimeinthe
　　saddle。Theyarefearlessriders；andtheirdaringfeatsuponunbrokencoltsandwildhorses，astonishedourtrappers；thoughaccustomedtotheboldridersoftheprairies。AMexicanhorsemanhasmuchresemblance，inmanypoints，totheequestriansofOld
　　Spain；andespeciallytothevain-gloriouscaballeroofAndalusia。AMexicandragoon，
　　forinstance，isrepresentedasarrayedinaroundbluejacket，withredcuffsandcollar；
　　bluevelvetbreeches，unbuttonedatthekneestoshowhiswhitestockings；bottinasof
　　deerskin；around-crownedAndalusianhat，andhishaircued。Onthepommelofhis
　　saddle，hecarriesbalancedalongmusket，withfoxskinroundthelock。Heiscasedin
　　acuirassofdouble-folddeerskin，andcarriesabull”shideshield；heisforkedina
　　Moorishsaddle，highbeforeandbehind；hisfeetarethrustintowoodenboxstirrups，of
　　Moorishfashion，andatremendouspairofironspurs，fastenedbychains，jingleathis
　　heels。Thusequipped，andsuitablymounted，heconsidershimselfthegloryofCalifornia，andtheterroroftheuniverse。TheCalifornianhorsemenseldomrideoutwithoutthelaso[sic]；thatistosay，along
　　coilofcord，withaslipnoose；withwhichtheyareexpert，almosttoamiracle。Thelaso，
　　nowalmostentirelyconfinedtoSpanishAmerica，issaidtobeofgreatantiquity；andto
　　havecome，originally，fromtheEast。Itwasused，wearetold，byapastoralpeopleof
　　Persiandescent；ofwhomeightthousandaccompaniedthearmyofXerxes。Bythe
　　SpanishAmericans，itisusedforavarietyofpurposes；andamongothers，forhauling
　　wood。Withoutdismounting，theycastthenoosearoundalog，andthusdragittotheir
　　houses。Thevaqueros，orIndiancattledrivers，havealsolearnedtheuseofthelaso
　　fromtheSpaniards；andemployittocatchthehalf-wildcattlebythrowingitroundtheirhorns。Thelasoisalsoofgreatuseinfurnishingthepublicwithafavorite，thoughbarbarous
　　sport；thecombatbetweenabearandawildbull。Forthispurpose，threeorfour
　　horsemensallyforthtosomewood，frequentedbybears，and，depositingthecarcassof
　　abullock，hidethemselvesinthevicinity。Thebearsaresoonattractedbythebait。As
　　soonasone，fitfortheirpurpose，makeshisappearance，theyrunout，andwiththe
　　laso，dexterouslynoosehimbyeitherleg。Afterdragginghimatfullspeeduntilheis
　　fatigued，theysecurehimmoreeffectually；andtyinghimonthecarcassofthebullock，
　　drawhimintriumphtothesceneofaction。Bythistime，heisexasperatedtosuch
　　frenzy，thattheyaresometimesobligedtothrowcoldwateronhim，tomoderatehis
　　fury；anddangerouswoulditbe，forhorseandrider，werehe，whileinthisparoxysm，tobreakhisbonds。Awildbull，ofthefiercestkind，whichhasbeencaughtandexasperatedinthesame
　　manner，isnowproduced；andbothanimalsareturnedlooseinthearenaofasmall
　　amphitheatre。Themortalfightbeginsinstantly；andalways，atfirst，tothedisadvantage
　　ofBruin；fatigued，asheis，byhispreviousroughriding。Roused，atlength，bythe
　　repeatedgoringofthebull，heseizeshismuzzlewithhissharpclaws，andclingingto
　　thismostsensitivepart，causeshimtobellowwithrageandagony。Inhisheatandfury，
　　thebulllollsouthistongue；thisisinstantlyclutchedbythebear；withadesperateeffortheoverturnshishugeantagonist；andthendispatcheshimwithoutdifficulty。Besidethisdiversion，thetravellerswerelikewiseregaledwithbull-fights，inthegenuine
　　styleofOldSpain；theCaliforniansbeingconsideredthebestbull-fightersintheMexicandominions。AfteraconsiderablesojournatMonterey，spentintheseveryedifying，butnotvery
　　profitableamusements，theleaderofthisvagabondpartysetoutwithhiscomrades，on
　　hisreturnjourney。Insteadofretracingtheirstepsthroughthemountains，theypassed
　　roundtheirsouthernextremity，and，crossingarangeoflowhills，foundthemselvesin
　　thesandyplainssouthofOgden”sRiver；intraversingwhich，theyagainsuffered，grievously，forwantofwater。Inthecourseoftheirjourney，theyencounteredapartyofMexicansinpursuitofagang
　　ofnatives，whohadbeenstealinghorses。ThesavagesofthispartofCaliforniaare
　　representedasextremelypoor，andarmedonlywithstone-pointedarrows；itbeingthe
　　wisepolicyoftheSpaniardsnottofurnishthemwithfirearms。Astheyfinditdifficult，
　　withtheirbluntshafts，tokillthewildgameofthemountains，theyoccasionallysupply
　　themselveswithfood，byentrappingtheSpanishhorses。Drivingthemstealthilyinto
　　fastnessesandravines，theyslaughterthemwithoutdifficulty，anddrytheirfleshfor
　　provisions。Sometheycarryofftotradewithdistanttribes；andinthisway，theSpanish
　　horsespassfromhandtohandamongtheIndians，untiltheyevenfindtheirwayacrosstheRockyMountains。TheMexicansarecontinuallyonthealert，tointerceptthesemarauders；buttheIndians
　　areapttooutwitthem，andforcethemtomakelongandwildexpeditionsinpursuitoftheirstolenhorses。TwooftheMexicanpartyjustmentionedjoinedthebandoftrappers，andproved
　　themselvesworthycompanions。Inthecourseoftheirjourneythroughthecountry
　　frequentedbythepoorRootDiggers，thereseemstohavebeenanemulationbetween
　　them，whichcouldinflictthegreatestoutragesuponthenatives。Thetrappersstill
　　consideredtheminthelightofdangerousfoes；andtheMexicans，veryprobably，
　　chargedthemwiththesinofhorse-stealing；wehavenoothermodeofaccountingfor
　　theinfamousbarbaritiesofwhich，accordingtotheirownstory，theywereguilty；hunting
　　thepoorIndianslikewildbeasts，andkillingthemwithoutmercy。TheMexicansexcelled
　　atthissavagesport；chasingtheirunfortunatevictimsatfullspeed；noosingthemroundtheneckwiththeirlasos，andthendraggingthemtodeath！Sucharethescantydetailsofthismostdisgracefulexpedition；atleast，suchareallthat
　　CaptainBonnevillehadthepatiencetocollect；forhewassodeeplygrievedbythe
　　failureofhisplans，andsoindignantattheatrocitiesrelatedtohim，thatheturned，with
　　disgustandhorror，fromthenarrators。HadheexertedalittleoftheLynchlawofthe
　　wilderness，andhangedthosedexteroushorsemenintheirownlasos，itwouldbuthave
　　beenawell-meritedandsalutaryactofretributivejustice。Thefailureofthisexpedition
　　wasablowtohispride，andastillgreaterblowtohispurse。TheGreatSaltLakestill
　　remainedunexplored；atthesametime，themeanswhichhadbeenfurnishedso
　　liberallytofitoutthisfavoriteexpedition，hadallbeensquanderedatMonterey；andthe
　　peltries，also，whichhadbeencollectedontheway。Hewouldhavebutscantyreturns，
　　therefore，tomakethisyear，tohisassociatesintheUnitedStates；andtherewasgreat
　　dangeroftheirbecomingdisheartened，andabandoningtheenterprise。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter40[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter40Traveller”stales——Indianlurkers——PrognosticsofBuckeye——Signsandportents——The
　　medicinewolf——Analarm——Anambush——ThecapturedprovantTriumphofBuckeye——
　　Arrivalofsupplies——Grandcarouse——Arrangementsfortheyear——Mr。Wyethandhisnew-leviedband。THEhorrorandindignationfeltbyCaptainBonnevilleattheexcessesoftheCalifornian
　　adventurerswerenotparticipatedbyhismen；onthecontrary，theeventsofthatexpeditionwere
　　favoritethemesinthecamp。TheheroesofMontereyborethepalminallthegossipingsamong
　　thehunters。TheirglowingdescriptionsofSpanishbear-baitsandbull-fightsespecially，were
　　listenedtowithintensedelight；andhadanotherexpeditiontoCaliforniabeenproposed，thedifficultywouldhavebeentorestrainageneraleagernesstovolunteer。Thecaptainhadnotlongbeenattherendezvouswhenheperceived，byvarioussigns，that
　　Indianswerelurkingintheneighborhood。ItwasevidentthattheBlackfootband，whichhehad
　　seenwhenonhismarch，haddoggedhisparty，andwereintentonmischief。Heendeavoredto
　　keephiscamponthealert；butitisasdifficulttomaintaindisciplineamongtrappersatarendezvousasamongsailorswheninport。Buckeye，theDelawareIndian，wasscandalizedatthisheedlessnessofthehunterswhenan
　　enemywasathand，andwascontinuallypreachingupcaution。Hewasalittlepronetoplaythe
　　prophet，andtodealinsignsandportents，whichoccasionallyexcitedthemerrimentofhiswhite
　　comrades。Hewasagreatdreamer，andbelievedincharmsandtalismans，ormedicines，and
　　couldforetelltheapproachofstrangersbythehowlingorbarkingofthesmallprairiewolf。This
　　animal，beingdrivenbythelargerwolvesfromthecarcassesleftonthehuntinggroundsbythe
　　hunters，followsthetrailofthefreshmeatcarriedtothecamp。Herethesmelloftheroastand
　　broiled，minglingwitheverybreeze，keepsthemhoveringabouttheneighborhood；scenting
　　everyblast，turninguptheirnoseslikehungryhounds，andtestifyingtheirpinchinghungerby
　　longwhininghowlsandimpatientbarkings。TheseareinterpretedbythesuperstitiousIndians
　　intowarningsthatstrangersareathand；andoneaccidentalcoincidence，likethechance
　　fulfillmentofanalmanacprediction，issufficienttocoverathousandfailures。Thislittle，
　　whining，feast-smellinganimalis，therefore，calledamongIndiansthe“medicinewolf；“andsuchwasoneofBuckeye”sinfallibleoracles。Onemorningearly，thesoothsayingDelawareappearedwithagloomycountenance。His
　　mind
　　wasfullofdismalpresentiments，whetherfrommysteriousdreams，ortheintimationsofthe
　　medicinewolf，doesnotappear。“Danger，“hesaid，“waslurkingintheirpath，andtherewouldbe
　　somefightingbeforesunset。”Hewasbanteredforhisprophecy，whichwasattributedtohis
　　havingsuppedtooheartily，andbeenvisitedbybaddreams。Inthecourseofthemorningaparty
　　ofhunterssetoutinpursuitofbuffaloes，takingwiththemamule，tobringhomethemeatthey
　　shouldprocure。Theyhadbeensomefewhoursabsent，whentheycameclatteringatfullspeed
　　intocamp，givingthewarcryofBlackfeet！Blackfeet！Everyoneseizedhisweaponandranto
　　learnthecauseofthealarm。Itappearedthatthehunters，astheywerereturningleisurely，leading
　　theirmulewellladenwithprimepiecesofbuffalomeat，passedclosebyasmallstreamoverhung
　　withtrees，abouttwomilesfromthecamp。SuddenlyapartyofBlackfeet，wholayinambush
　　alongthethickets，sprangupwithafearfulyell，anddischargedavolleyatthehunters。Thelatter
　　immediatelythrewthemselvesflatontheirhorses，putthemtotheirspeed，andneverpausedto
　　lookbehind，untiltheyfoundthemselvesincamp。Fortunatelytheyhadescapedwithouta
　　wound；butthemule，withallthe“provant，“hadfallenintothehandsoftheenemyThiswasa
　　loss，aswellasaninsult，nottobeborne。Everymansprangtohorse，andwithrifleinhand，
　　gallopedofftopunishtheBlackfeet，andrescuethebuffalobeef。Theycametoolate；the
　　marauderswereoff，andallthattheyfoundoftheirmulewasthedentsofhishoofs，ashehad
　　beenconveyedoffataroundtrot，bearinghissavorycargotothehills，tofurnishthescamperingsavageswithabanquetofroastmeatattheexpenseofthewhitemen。Thepartyreturnedtocamp，balkedoftheirrevenge，butstillmoregrievouslybalkedoftheir
　　supper。Buckeye，theDelaware，satsmokingbyhisfire，perfectlycomposed。Asthehunters
　　relatedtheparticularsoftheattack，helistenedinsilence，withunruffledcountenance，then
　　pointingtothewest，“thesunhasnotyetset，“saidhe：“Buckeyedidnotdreamlikeafool！“AllpresentnowrecollectedthepredictionoftheIndianatdaybreak，andwerestruckwith
　　what
　　appearedtobeitsfulfilment。Theycalledtomind，also，alongcatalogueofforegone
　　presentimentsandpredictionsmadeatvarioustimesbytheDelaware，and，intheirsuperstitious
　　credulity，begantoconsiderhimaveritableseer；withoutthinkinghownaturalitwastopredict
　　danger，andhowlikelytohavethepredictionverifiedinthepresentinstance，whenvarioussignsgaveevidenceofalurkingfoe。ThevariousbandsofCaptainBonneville”scompanyhadnowbeenassembledforsometime
　　at
　　therendezvous；theyhadhadtheirfilloffeasting，andfrolicking，andallthespeciesofwildand
　　oftenuncouthmerrymaking，whichinvariablytakeplaceontheseoccasions。Theirhorses，as
　　wellasthemselves，hadrecoveredfrompastfamineandfatigue，andwereagainfitforactive
　　service；andanimpatiencebegantomanifestitselfamongthemenoncemoretotakethefield，andsetoffonsomewanderingexpedition。