The most intense anxiety was felt concerning them, and apprehensions that they might have been cut off by the savages.

At the time of Mr.Hunt's arrival at St.Louis, the Missouri Company were fitting out an expedition to go in quest of Mr.
Henry.

It was to be conducted by Mr.Manuel Lisa, the partner already mentioned.
There being thus two expeditions on foot at the same moment, an unusual demand was occasioned for hunters and voyageurs, who accordingly profited by the circumstance, and stipulated for high terms.

Mr.Hunt found a keen and subtle competitor in Lisa, and was obliged to secure his recruits by liberal advances of pay, and by other pecuniary indulgences.
The greatest difficulty was to procure the Sioux interpreter.

There was but one man to be met with at St.Louis who was fitted for the purpose, but to secure him would require much management.