CHAPTER XIX.
On the Platte--A False Alarm--The Cheyennes--Fremont's Account of his Buffalo Hunt--Division of the Party--Fremont's Journey up the South Fork--The Band of Indians--Arrival at St.Vrain's Fort--The Journey to Fort Laramie.
Fremont and his party, after traveling something over three hundred miles from the mouth of the Kansas reached the Platte river, where they encamped in a charming place near Grand Island.

The country was most beautiful, though they suffered somewhat from the violent storms which frequently broke over them.
The noon halt was made and all were lounging about the camp, when one of the men on guard called an alarm.

Everybody sprang to his feet and grasped his rifle, expecting an attack from Indians.

A strange wild looking company were seen approaching, but, as they came closer, they were discovered to be white men.

They were a striking sight, numbering fourteen, in the most ragged and woebegone condition imaginable.