We find there is a current belief that it was cowardice and fear of this one rapid that caused these men to separate from the party.  The more one hears of this separation, the more it seems that it was a difference of opinion on many matters, and not this one rapid, that caused them to leave.  These men had been trappers and hunters, one might say pioneers, and one had been with Major Powell before the river exploration.  They had gone through all the canyons, and had come through this far without a fatality.  They had seen a great many rapids nearly as bad as this, and several that were worse, if one could judge by its nature when we found it.  They were not being carried by others, but had charge of one boat.  They did smash one boat in Disaster Rapid in Lodore Canyon, and at that time they claimed Major Powell gave them the wrong signal.  This caused some feeling.

At the time of the split, the food question was a serious one.  There were short rations for a long time; in fact there was practically no food.  After an observation, Major Powell informed them that they were within forty-five miles of the Virgin River, in a direct line.  Much of the country between the end of the canyon and the Virgin River was open, a few Mormon settlements could be found up the Virgin Valley.  He offered them half of the small stock of provisions, when they persisted in leaving, but they refused to take any provisions whatever, feeling sure that they could kill enough game to subsist on.  This one instance would seem to be enough to clear them of the stigma of cowardice.  The country on top was covered with volcanic cinders.  There was little water to be found, and in many ways it was just as inhospitable as the canyon.  The cook had a pan of biscuits, which he left on a rock for them, after the men had helped the party lift the boats over the rocks at the head of the rapid.  After landing in safety around a bend which hid them from sight, the boating party fired their guns, hoping they would hear the report, and follow in the abandoned boat.  It is doubtful if they could hear the sound of the guns, above the roar of the rapid.  If they did, they paid no attention to it.  The younger Howland wished to remain with the party, but threw his lot with his brother, when he withdrew.

While these men did not have the Major’s deep scientific interest in the successful completion of this exploration, they undoubtedly should have stayed with their leader, if their services were needed or desired.  It is more than likely that they were insubordinate; they certainly made a misguided attempt, but in spite of these facts it scarcely seems just to brand them as cowards.  Two days after they left, the boating party was camped at the end of the canyons.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE LAST PORTAGE AND THE LAST RAPIDS