This intelligence added to the anxiety of Mr.Hunt for the fate of Mr.M'Kenzie and his people, who had kept on.
Mr.Hunt now followed up the little river, and encamped at some lodges of Shoshonies, from whom he procured a couple of horses, a dog, a few dried fish, and some roots and dried cherries.

Two or three days were exhausted in obtaining information about the route, and what time it would take to get to the Sciatogas, a hospitable tribe on the west of the mountains, represented as having many horses.

The replies were various, but concurred in saying that the distance was great, and would occupy from seventeen to twenty-one nights.

Mr.Hunt then tried to procure a guide; but though he sent to various lodges up and down the river, offering articles of great value in Indian estimation, no one would venture.

The snow, they said, was waist deep in the mountains; and to all his offers they shook their heads, gave a shiver, and replied, "we shall freeze! we shall freeze!" at the same time they urged him to remain and pass the winter among them.
Mr.Hunt was in a dismal dilemma.