Page:California Digital Library (IA openingwestwithl00sabirich).pdf/223

 XVI

THE WINTER AT FORT CLATSOP

But no ships from the United States or any other nation were to be found. Only the long gray swells appeared, as far as eye could see, rolling in to burst thunderously upon the white sands and the naked rocks; and the only people ashore were the Indians. Ships and white men had been here, said the Indians, during the summer; and many of the Indians spoke a curious mixture of English and native words. Captain Lewis discovered a place, in the bay, where white men had camped.

A high point overlooking the lonely ocean was given the name Cape Disappointment.

"Now, wouldn't it have been a fine end to our trip from the Mississippi clane to the Paycific if a nice big ship all stocked with flour an' p'taties an' boots an' socks had been waitin' for us," quoth Pat. "Sure, mebbe the United States has forgotten us."

"We'll have to build winter quarters at once, Will," said Captain Lewis. "The rain is rotting all our goods and clothes, and spoiling our provisions. We must get under cover. There'll be no ships before next summer, according to the Indians."

"Timber for cabins, wood for fires, game and fresh water for the messes, and shelter from the ocean