He had spoken several days previously with Mr.Reed and Mr.M'Kenzie, who with their men were on the opposite side of the river, where it was impossible to get over to them.

They informed him that Mr.
M'Lellan had struck across from the little river above the mountains, in the hope of falling in with some of the tribe of Flatheads, who inhabit the western skirts of the Rocky range.

As the companions of Reed and M'Kenzie were picked men, and had found provisions more abundant on their side of the river, they were in better condition, and more fitted to contend with the difficulties of the country, than those of Mr.
Crooks, and when he lost sight of them, were pushing onward, down the course of the river.
Mr.Hunt took a night to revolve over his critical situation, and to determine what was to be done.

No time was to be lost; he had twenty men and more in his own party, to provide for, and Mr.Crooks and his men to relieve.

To linger would be to starve.