Fifty miles north from us were the forks of the Nu-eleje-sha-wako river, towards which the Umbiquas were going, to be near to water, and also to fall upon the path from the settlement to the post.

Thus they would intercept any messenger, in case their expedition should have been already discovered.

Their direct road to the post was considerably shorter, but after the first day's journey, no sweet grass nor water was to be found.

The ground was broken and covered with thick bushes, which would not allow them to pass with the horses.

Besides this reason, an Indian always selects his road where he thinks he has nothing to fear.