CHAPTER XLI.
Spring Arrangements at Astoria .-- Various Expeditions Set Out.-The Long Narrows .-- Pilfering Indians .-- Thievish Tribe at Wish-ram .-- Portage at the Falls--Portage by Moonlight .-- An Attack, a Route, and a Robbery .-- Indian Cure for Cowardice .-- A Parley and Compromise .-- The Despatch Party Turn Back .-- Meet Crooks and John Day .-- Their Sufferings .-- Indian Perfidy .-- Arrival at Astoria.
AS the spring opened, the little settlement of Astoria was in agitation, and prepared to send forth various expeditions.

Several important things were to be done.

It was necessary to send a supply of goods to the trading post of Mr.David Stuart, established in the preceding autumn on the Oakinagan.

The cache, or secret deposit, made by Mr.Hunt at the Caldron Linn, was likewise to be visited, and the merchandise and other effects left there, to be brought to Astoria.

A third object of moment was to send despatches overland to Mr.Astor at New York, informing him of the state of affairs at the settlement, and the fortunes of the several expeditions.
The task of carrying supplies to Oakinagan was assigned to Mr.Robert Stuart, a spirited and enterprising young man, nephew to the one who had established the post.