CHAPTER VIII.
THE BLACK EAGLE'S NEST.
In the log school-house, Lewis and Clarke's Expedition was used as a reading-book.

Master Mann had adopted it because it was easy to obtain, and served as a sort of local geography and history.
In this book is an account of a great black eagle's nest, on the Falls of the Missouri; and the incident seemed intensely to interest the picturesque mind of Benjamin.
"Let us go see," said Benjamin, one day after this poetic part of Lewis and Clarke's narrative had been read.
"What do you mean ?" asked Mr.Mann.
"I carry canoe, and we go and find him!" "What ?" "The black eagle's nest." "Why ?" "I'll get a plume--wear it here.

Please father.

I love to please father." There was to be a few weeks' vacation in a part of September and October, and Benjamin's suggestion led Mr.Mann to plan an excursion to the Falls of the Missouri at that time.

The old chief would be glad to have Benjamin go with him and help hunt, and carry the canoe.