CHAPTER XXIII.
The Return--Suffering for Food--A Royal Feast--On the Lewis Fork--Fort Hall--Division of the Party--Arrival at Dalles--The Sierra Nevada--Preparations for the Passage Through the Mountains--Fremont's Account.
The explorers remained in camp the next day and boiled down some of the water from the lake, thereby obtaining considerable salt.

The following morning was clear and beautiful and they returned by the same route, ascending the valley of Bear River toward the north.
The expected Fitzpatrick and the provisions did not show themselves and the party began to suffer for food.

When their situation became serious, Fremont permitted a horse to be killed and then all enjoyed one of their old fashioned feasts.
But this supply could not last long, and still they failed to meet their expected friends.

After a time they encountered an Indian who had killed an antelope, which they quickly purchased and another feast made every heart glad.

By way of dessert, a messenger galloped into camp with the news that Fitzpatrick was close at hand with an abundant supply of provisions.
The next morning the two parties united and continued the journey together.