Three Indian boys were discovered hiding in the grass, in great alarm.

Captain Clark at once dismounted from his horse, and, making signs of amity, went after the boys.

He calmed their terrors, and, giving them some bits of ribbon, sent them home.
"Soon after the boys reached home, a man came out to meet the party, with great caution; but he conducted them to a large tent in the village, and all the inhabitants gathered round to view with a mixture of fear and pleasure these wonderful strangers.

The conductor now informed Captain Clark, by signs, that the spacious tent was the residence of the great chief, who had set out three days ago with all the warriors to attack some of their enemies toward the southwest; that he would not return before fifteen or eighteen days, and that in the mean time there were only a few men left to guard the women and children.

They now set before them a small piece of buffalo-meat, some dried salmon, berries, and several kinds of roots.