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 chief was dressed in his blue clothes and his odd hat, and wore his long knife by his side. His hair hung in a tail. Patrick Gass was dressed as always. His eyes twinkled at Peter, as if to say: "Now, what are you going to do?"

Peter knew what he was going to do. He was going to stay with the 'Nited States.

But the slim chief's face betrayed no sign. He simply waited. For this Captain Meriwether Lewis, of the First United States Infantry, the leader of the exploring expedition sent out by President Jefferson and Congress, was not much given to smiles, and was strong on discipline. A thorough young soldier, he, who felt the heavy responsibility of taking the expedition safely through, with the help of Captain Clark.

"Here's what I've found, Merne," announced Captain Clark, with half a laugh.

"Who is he, Will?" Captain Lewis's query was quick, and his brows knitted a trifle.

"He says he's white. I found him in the forec'sle when I went in to see about Floyd."

"How is Floyd?"

"No better."

"How'd that boy get there?"

"Ran away from the Otoes, he says, and hid himself in the bows beyond the bulkhead. Like as not he's been there a day or two."

"What's your name?" demanded the Long Knife Chief, of Peter.