The encampment, scattered up and down the river front, had become more and more congested.

Men began to know one another, families became acquainted, the gradual sifting and shifting in social values began.

Knots and groups began to talk of some sort of accepted government for the common good.
They now were at the edge of the law.

Organized society did not exist this side of the provisional government of Oregon, devised as a _modus vivendi_ during the joint occupancy of that vast region with Great Britain--an arrangement terminated not longer than two years before.
There must be some sort of law and leadership between the Missouri and the Columbia.

Amid much bickering of petty politics, Jesse Wingate had some four days ago been chosen for the thankless task of train captain.
Though that office had small authority and less means of enforcing its commands, none the less the train leader must be a man of courage, resource and decision.