They had determined, therefore, to rejoin their comrades, and share their lot.
One avenue of hope was thus closed upon the anxious sojourners at the Caldron Linn; their main expectation of relief was now from the two parties under Reed and M'Lellan, which had proceeded down the river; for, as to Mr.M'Kenzie's detachment, which had struck across the plains, they thought it would have sufficient difficulty in struggling forward through the trackless wilderness.

For five days they continued to support themselves by trapping and fishing.

Some fish of tolerable size were speared at night by the light of cedar torches; others, that were very small, were caught in nets with fine meshes.

The product of their fishing, however, was very scanty.

Their trapping was also precarious; and the tails and bellies of the beavers were dried and put by for the journey.
At length two of the companions of Mr.Reed returned, and were hailed with the most anxious eagerness.