Page:The Columbia river , or, Scenes and adventures during a residence of six years on the western side of the Rocky Mountains among various tribes of Indians hitherto unknown (Volume 1).djvu/192



Remarkable case of Mr. Pritchard, who was thirty-five days lost—Situation of Spokan House—Journey to the Flathead lands, and description of that tribe—Return to Spokan House—Christmas day—Horse-eating—Spokan peculiarities—Articles of trade—A duel.

After partaking of some refreshment we naturally reverted to the cause of my égaremens. It was easily explained. M'Lennan and I, as already mentioned, could only get one horse between us. On the morning of the 17th I had ridden from ten o'clock until twelve, at which hour we breakfasted. It was then M'Lennan's turn to mount. The party were divided into three divisions, and kept up rather a straggling march while in the plains. Every one had his own business to mind. Those who set off first, thought I was with the second or third division; while they imagined I was with the first. In this manner they continued on for upwards of two hours, until it became my turn to ride, when M'Lennan, after galloping up and down the line of march, missed me. On communicating the intelligence to Mr. Clarke, he at once ordered