CHAPTER XIV.

Captain Lewis proceeds before the main body in search of the Shoshonees; his ill success on the first interview.  The party with captain Lewis at length discover the source of the Missouri.  Captain Clarke with the main body still employed in ascending the Missouri or Jefferson river.  Captain Lewis’s second interview with the Shoshonees attended with success.  The interesting ceremonies of his first introduction to the natives, detailed at large.  Their hospitality.  Their mode of hunting the antelope.  The difficulties encountered by captain Clarke and the main body in ascending the river.  The suspicions entertained of captain Lewis by the Shoshonees, and his mode of allaying them.  The ravenous appetites of the savages illustrated by singular adventure.  The Indians still jealous, and the great pains taken by captain Lewis to preserve their confidence.  Captain Clarke arrives with the main body exhausted by the difficulties they underwent. 354

CHAPTER XV.

Affecting interview between the wife of Chaboneau and the chief of the Shoshonees.  Council held with that nation, and favourable result.  The extreme navigable point of the Missouri mentioned.  General character of the river and of the country through which it passes.  Captain Clarke in exploring the source of the Columbia falls in company with another party of Shoshonees.  The geographical information acquired from one of that party.  Their manner of catching fish.  The party reach Lewis river.  The difficulties which captain Clarke had to encounter in his route.  Friendship and hospitality of the Shoshonees.  The party with captain Lewis employed in making saddles, and preparing for the journey. 381

CHAPTER XVI.

Contest between Drewyer and a Shoshonee.  The fidelity and honour of that tribe.  The party set out on their journey.  The conduct of Cameahwait reproved, and himself reconciled.  The easy parturition of the Shoshonee women.  History of this nation.  Their terror of the Pawkees.  Their government and family economy in their treatment of their women.  Their complaints of Spanish treachery.  Description of their weapons of warfare.  Their curious mode of making a shield.  The caparison of their horses.  The dress of the men and of the women particularly described.  Their mode of acquiring new names. 407

CHAPTER XVII.