The men who bore the burdens of its exacting life were mostly stalwart striplings who, before the down of adolescence fairly sprouted on their chins, could swing the ax, drive a plow, close with a bear or kill an Indian.

Clark was not yet twenty-seven when he made his famous campaign.

A tall, brawny youth, whose frontier experience had enriched a native character of the best quality, he marched on foot at the head of his little column, and was first to test every opposing danger.

Was there a stream to wade or swim?
Clark enthusiastically shouted, "Come on!" and in he plunged.

Was there a lack of food?
"I'm not hungry," he cried.