To all this Miller replied abruptly, that it was useless to argue with him, as his mind was made up.  They might furnish him, or not, as they pleased, with the necessary supplies, but he was determined to part company here, and set off with the trappers.  So saying, he flung out of their presence without vouchsafing any further conversation.

Much as this wayward conduct gave them anxiety, the partners saw it was in vain to remonstrate.  Every attention was paid to fit him out for his headstrong undertaking.  He was provided with four horses, and all the articles he required.  The two Snakes undertook to conduct him and his companions to an encampment of their tribe, lower down among the mountains, from whom they would receive information as to the trapping grounds.  After thus guiding them, the Snakes were to return to Fort Henry, as the new trading post was called, and take charge of the horses which the party would leave there, of which, after all the hunters were supplied, there remained seventy-seven.  These matters being all arranged, Mr. Miller set out with his companions, under guidance of the two Snakes, on the 10th of October; and much did it grieve the friends of that gentleman to see him thus wantonly casting himself loose upon savage life.  How he and his comrades fared in the wilderness, and how the Snakes acquitted themselves of their trust respecting the horses, will hereafter appear in the course of these rambling anecdotes.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Scanty Fare.—­A Mendicant Snake.—­Embarkation on Henry River—­Joy of the Voyageurs.-Arrival at Snake River.—­Rapids and Breakers.—­Beginning of Misfortunes.—­Snake Encampments.—­Parley With a Savage.—­A Second Disaster.—­ Loss of a Boatman.—­The Caldron Linn.

While the canoes were in preparation, the hunters ranged about the neighborhood, but with little success.  Tracks of buffaloes were to be seen in all directions, but none of a fresh date.  There were some elk, but extremely wild; two only were killed.  Antelopes were likewise seen, but too shy and fleet to be approached.  A few beavers were taken every night, and salmon trout of a small size, so that the camp had principally to subsist upon dried buffalo meat.

On the 14th, a poor, half-naked Snake Indian, one of that forlorn caste called the Shuckers, or Diggers, made his appearance at the camp.  He came from some lurking-place among the rocks and cliffs, and presented a picture of that famishing wretchedness to which these lonely fugitives among the mountains are sometimes reduced.  Having received wherewithal to allay his hunger, he disappeared, but in the course of a day or two returned to the camp, bringing with him his son, a miserable boy, still more naked and forlorn than himself.  Food was given to both; they skulked about the camp like hungry hounds, seeking what they might devour, and having gathered up the feet and entrails of some beavers that were lying about, slunk off with them to their den among the rocks.