Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/97

Rh or twenty-three wagons. The start he says was made six weeks too late, and in order to get through in season hard driving became necessary, even traveling at night being required. This was exhaustive on both men and animals.

It was a year of great disturbance among the Indians, and upon arriving at Fort Laramie Doctor Keil, who was conducting the party in person, was urged by the United States Commandant to remain at that point over the season, as he feared the trip would not be completed in safety. This advice, anxiously given, was not, however, accepted by the doctor. He felt that by adopting a conciliatory policy he could easily make his way through the Indian country, and said that he would not now turn back or halt, as he had started with the purpose of going through. The event proved the correctness of the doctor's opinion. Though in constant dread, and with ceaseless vigilance being required, there was no serious trouble. On Ham's Fork of the Green River the first Indians were seen, the Platte Valley seeming to have been deserted entirely. Doctor Keil very wisely treated these first visitors courteously, and gave them a good meal of victuals. This was a part of his policy of getting through without trouble.

The next morning, however, it was reported by the guard that five of the cattle were missing. Rapps was at once detailed to institute a search, and with a small party began scouring the plains. Finally going somewhat farther than he had intended, out of a hollow seen in the clear mountain air with perfect distinctness, a band of mounted Indians were seen to emerge driving the lost animals. It was a great relief to find that these were not hostiles, but were the very ones that had been treated so well the night before, and they were bringing