Beyond them, across the Ohio, was the formidable cloud of Indian tribes, the terror of which always overhung the settlers.

West of them was a vast waste of forest spreading away far beyond the Mississippi, and, so it was supposed, inhabited only by wild animals.

It was thought well to verify this supposition and therefore the exploring expedition set out.
Each member of the party carried a rifle, hunting knife and ammunition, and in addition they led three pack horses bearing more ammunition, their meal, jerked venison and buffalo meat.

This little army expected to live upon the country, but it took the food as a precaution.
They started early of a late but bright summer morning, and Henry found all his old love of the wilderness returning.

Now it would be gratified to the full, as they should be gone perhaps two months and would pass through regions wholly unknown.