Both were volunteers; and to the successful man was promised a pair of pistols--not as a reward, but as a token of gratitude for a service which would free us all from much anxiety." At the end of four days, Mr.Preuss surprised and delighted his friends by walking into camp.

He had lived on roots and acorns and was in the last stages of exhaustion.
Shortly the advance party reached Sutter's Fort where they received the most hospitable treatment.

All their wants were abundantly supplied, and provisions were sent back to Fitzpatrick and his party..