Indeed, nothing could prevail upon the latter to part with their prime horses, which had been trained to buffalo hunting.
As Mr.Hunt would have to abandon his boats at this place, Mr.Lisa now offered to purchase them, and such of his merchandise as was superfluous, and to pay him in horses to be obtained at a fort belonging to the Missouri Fur Company, situated at the Mandan villages, about a hundred and fifty miles further up the river.

A bargain was promptly made, and Mr.Lisa and Mr.Crooks, with several companions, set out for the fort to procure the horses.

They returned, after upwards of a fortnight's absence, bringing with them the stipulated number of horses.
Still the cavalry was not sufficiently numerous to convey the party and baggage and merchandise, and a few days more were required to complete the arrangements for the journey.
On the 9th of July, just before daybreak, a great noise and vociferation was heard in the village.

This being the usual Indian hour of attack and surprise, and the Sioux being known to be in the neighborhood, the camp was instantly on the alert.

As the day broke Indians were descried in considerable number on the bluffs, three or four miles down the river.
The noise and agitation in the village continued.