The next day, they rose hungry and alert, and set out with the dawn to climb the mountain, which was steep and difficult.  Traces of volcanic eruptions were to be seen in various directions.  There was a species of clay also to be met with, out of which the Indians manufactured pots and jars, and dishes.  It is very fine and light, of an agreeable smell, and of a brown color spotted with yellow, and dissolves readily in the mouth.  Vessels manufactured of it are said to impart a pleasant smell and flavor to any liquids.  These mountains abound also with mineral earths, or chalks of various colors; especially two kinds of ochre, one a pale, the other a bright red, like vermilion; much used by the Indians, in painting their bodies.

About noon, the travellers reached the “drains” and brooks that formed the head waters of the river, and later in the day, descended to where the main body, a shallow stream, about a hundred and sixty yards wide, poured through its mountain valley.

Here the poor famishing wanderers had expected to find buffalo in abundance, and had fed their hungry hopes during their scrambling toll, with the thoughts of roasted ribs, juicy humps, and broiled marrow bones.  To their great disappointment, the river banks were deserted—­a few old tracks showed where a herd of bulls had some time before passed along, but not a horn nor hump was to be seen in the sterile landscape.  A few antelopes looked down upon them from the brow of a crag, but flitted away out of sight at the least approach of the hunter.

In the most starving mood they kept for several miles further along the bank of the river, seeking for “beaver signs.”  Finding some, they encamped in the vicinity, and Ben Jones immediately proceeded to set the trap.  They had scarce come to a halt, when they perceived a large smoke at some distance to the southwest.  The sight was hailed with joy, for they trusted it might rise from some Indian camp, where they could procure something to eat, and the dread of starvation had now overcome even the terror of the Blackfeet.  Le Clerc, one of the Canadians, was instantly despatched by Mr. Stuart, to reconnoitre; and the travellers sat up till a late hour, watching and listening for his return, hoping he might bring them food.  Midnight arrived, but Le Clerc did not make his appearance, and they laid down once more supperless to sleep, comforting themselves with the hopes that their old beaver trap might furnish them with a breakfast.

At daybreak they hastened with famished eagerness to the trap.  They found in it the forepaw of a beaver, the sight of which tantalized their hunger, and added to their dejection.  They resumed their journey with flagging spirits, but had not gone far when they perceived Le Clerc approaching at a distance.  They hastened to meet him, in hopes of tidings of good cheer.  He had none to give them; but news of that strange wanderer, M’Lellan.  The smoke had risen from his encampment which took fire