Shields had stopped to purchase a dog, and being separated from the rest of the party, two Indians pushed him out of the road, and attempted to take the dog from him.

He had no weapon but a long knife, with which he immediately attacked them both, hoping to put them to death before they had time to draw their arrows; but as soon as they saw his design they fled into the woods.

Soon afterward we were told by an Indian who spoke Clatsop, which we had ourselves learned during the winter, that the Wahclellahs had carried off Captain Lewis' dog to their village below.

Three men well armed were instantly despatched in pursuit of them, with orders to fire if there was the slightest resistance or hesitation.

At the distance of two miles they came within sight of the thieves, who, finding themselves pursued, left the dog and made off.