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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78040 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Frontispiece: PRESIDENT AND OLD PIONEER]
+
+  Signature of President Coolidge
+  from the White House,
+  March 25, 1926.
+
+PRESIDENT AND OLD PIONEER
+
+Calvin Coolidge and Ezra Meeker, two stalwart Americans--the
+President a New Englander, and Mr.  Meeker a native of Ohio, though
+for nearly all his adult life a resident of the Pacific Northwest.
+Mr. Meeker was a youth past fourteen when the late John C. Coolidge,
+father of the President, was born.  Photograph taken on the White
+House grounds, near the Executive Offices, in October 1924, just
+after Mr. Meeker had flown in an aeroplane from Washington State to
+the City of Washington: and the old gentleman took advantage of the
+opportunity to say to the President--as he had to President Theodore
+Roosevelt near the same spot on November 29, 1907--that the memory of
+the Pioneers should be preserved, and the route of the Oregon Trail
+suitably and permanently marked.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Frontispiece: EZRA MEEKER]
+
+EZRA MEEKER
+
+Born December 29, 1830.  Only survivor (1926) among the adults who
+passed over the Oregon Trail in their own outfits at the height of
+the migration of 1852.  Founder and President of the Oregon Trail
+Memorial Association, Inc.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+  KATE MULHALL
+
+
+  A Romance of the
+  OREGON TRAIL
+
+  By
+  EZRA MEEKER
+
+  Author of: Ox-Team Days, Pioneer Reminiscences,
+  The Busy Life of 85 Years, Pioneer Stories for
+  Children, Story of the Lost Trail to Oregon
+
+
+  Drawings by Margaret Landers Sanford, Rudolf A. Kauach
+  and Oscar W. Lyons
+  Map of the Oregon Trail, and photographs
+
+
+[Illustration: (oxen and wagon)]
+
+
+  Published by
+  EZRA MEEKER
+  18 OLD SLIP, NEW YORK CITY
+
+
+
+
+  THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED AS A TRIBUTE OF DEVOTION TO
+  THE MEMORIES OF
+
+  PHOEBE BAKER MEEKER
+
+  MY MOTHER
+
+  ELIZA SUMNER MEEKER
+
+  MY WIFE
+
+  WHO CROSSED THE OREGON TRAIL AS A YOUNG MOTHER IN 1852,
+  AND WAS AFTERWARD THE COMPANION OF MANY YEARS OF MY LIFE
+
+  THE HEROINES OF THE PLAINS
+  AND 20,000 PIONEERS
+
+  MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN--BURIED IN UNMARKED GRAVES,
+  ALONG THAT GREAT HIGHWAY OF HISTORY TO THE FAR NORTHWEST
+
+  Copyrighted 1926
+  By EZRA MEEKER
+
+  All rights reserved
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+FOREWORD: Ezra Meeker, the Author
+  By Robert Bruce.
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Early Life in Missouri; A Farewell Party; Kate's Suitors
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+Off for Oregon; Crossing the Missouri; Encountering the Buffalo;
+Troubles with the Indians
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Trials of the Long Trail; Dangerous River Crossings; the Death of
+Catherine; West of the Rockies; Separation of the Party; New Homes in
+the Oregon Country
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A Massacre and a War; Kate Mulhall, Deputy Sheriff; A Race for a
+Wife; The Wedding and Charvaree; A Delayed and Adventurous Honeymoon
+on Puget Sound
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+An Encounter with Pirates, and a Fortunate Deliverance; Ben Found;
+His prompt start for Missouri and unexpected arrival; a Son born to
+the Peltons
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+The Wedding of Ben and Linda; A second Overland Trip; Massacre of
+nearly all the Company; Binding up the Wounds; The Trip resumed;
+Survivors reach the Oregon Country
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Linda's hope never realized; Death of David Mulhall; Craig's promise
+remembered; Lessons from a Trail-marking Outfit; Decision to make the
+trip
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+The Start for the Rockies; Re-discovery of the Old Trail;
+Recollections of Burnt River; All signs of Ben's grave obliterated; A
+granite Monument erected near the Lone Pine and wagon tire at the
+grave of Catherine Mulhall: Closing Scenes
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+The Missionary's Story--The Lewis and Clark Expedition; Outline
+History of the Oregon Missions; Jason Lee's great sermon; Massacre of
+Marcus and Narcissa Whitman; Destruction of the Mission, &c
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+President and Old Pioneer ...... Frontispiece
+
+Ezra Meeker, the author ...... Frontispiece
+
+Condensed map of the Oregon Trail and National Road
+
+Farewell Party at the Mulhall Homestead in Missouri
+
+A near catastrophe in crossing the Missouri
+
+Typical emigrant outfit on the Oregon Trail
+
+Using a wagon-box as a "boat"
+
+Under the Yoke for the first time
+
+A Corral at an overnight stop on the Trail through the Indian Country
+
+Almost "Down and Out"
+
+Monument along the Clover Creek Highway, near Tacoma, Washington
+
+Reduced to a Hand Cart
+
+The honeymoon party on Puget Sound
+
+"Help Yourself
+
+"Babe in the Woods"
+
+Scene after the Massacre
+
+Tracks on the Oregon Trail made nearly a century ago
+
+The lone pine
+
+Jason Lee's great sermon
+
+Dr. John McLoughlin welcoming Mrs. Whitman and Mrs. Spalding to Fort
+Vancouver
+
+Arrival of the Sager orphans at the Whitman Mission
+
+------------
+
+The front cover design combines a distant view of the majestic
+mountain of the Pacific Northwest with a pictorial representation of
+one of the great falls on the western slope of the Rocky
+Mountains--both landmarks enshrined in the memories of the few
+surviving Pioneers over the Oregon Trail.
+
+
+
+
+{5}
+
+FOREWORD
+
+EZRA MEEKER, THE AUTHOR
+
+  A LIFE SPAN OF MORE THAN NINETY-FIVE YEARS FROM THE
+  ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON TO THE
+  PRESIDENCY OF CALVIN COOLIDGE
+
+By ROBERT BRUCE
+
+Ezra Meeker was born December 29, 1830, about ten miles east of
+Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, while Andrew Jackson was President of
+the United States, John C. Calhoun, Vice President, and Martin Van
+Buren, Secretary of State.  There had been only six
+Presidents--Washington, John Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and
+John Quincy Adams; and the last three were still living.
+Considerable numbers could remember listening to the Declaration of
+Independence at Philadelphia or elsewhere; a trifle less than half a
+century had elapsed since the decisive victory at Yorktown, and
+survivors among men who served in the armies of the Revolution were
+younger than the average of Civil War veterans in 1926.
+
+Although we are accustomed to think, read and speak of the Oregon
+Trail as "old," the route to which that name has since been given did
+not come into existence until several years after Mr. Meeker was
+born.  So the shadow thrown upon the screen of time by the living
+figure of this remarkable man is longer than we may say figuratively
+is cast by the highway itself; and while the latter has been
+gradually passing into the background of history and romance, he is
+still carrying forward with singleness of purpose and unabated energy
+what will probably be left to posterity as the most important work of
+his whole busy life.
+
+Prior to 1830, neither the people east of the Mississippi nor the
+Government at Washington had adequate conceptions of the
+geographical, political or future commercial importance of the
+Pacific Northwest; and the wonderful developments there in the last
+seven decades have grown out of the overland migration of the 40s and
+50s, or at least owe much to it, historically and practically.
+
+{6}
+
+A most appropriate symbol of the "Course of Empire" from the valleys
+of the Mississippi and Missouri to the Columbia River and Puget Sound
+country would be a miniature wagon--sometimes idealized as a "prairie
+schooner"--carrying many thousands of home seekers into what now
+comprises all of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, with contiguous parts
+of Wyoming and Montana.  Except for that great human movement, of
+which the author of this Romance is the only survivor among the men
+who went over the Trail with their own outfits in 1852, that region
+would have continued primarily a fur-hunting territory for many years
+later than was actually the case, and then in all probability have
+become a part of the British Dominions in America.
+
+As a youth, Ezra Meeker saw recruits somewhat older than himself
+leave for the Mexican War; he was intensely interested in reports
+about the far-away and then almost legendary Oregon Country before
+there was any established travel to it, and heard echoes of the
+discovery of gold in California--though he was not, as frequently
+stated, a "Forty-Niner."  Accounts of opening the Panama Railroad in
+1855, with its considerable effect upon the subsequent emigration to
+the Pacific Coast, and of the Crimean War, reached the family cabin
+built with his own hands in "Old" Oregon.  Mr. Meeker is now the only
+one left from the adults residing in Washington Territory when it was
+created in 1853.
+
+For more than fifty years he was a farmer and hop grower in the Puget
+Sound region, meanwhile spending four winters introducing hops from
+Washington and Oregon in the European market; and was also at one
+time a prospector and miner in the Yukon.  Within the span of his
+life the population of the United States has increased from less than
+Thirteen Millions, then living mostly along the Atlantic seaboard, to
+about a Hundred and Fifteen Millions occupying the whole country to
+the western ocean.  So far as we have been able to ascertain, Mr.
+Meeker is the only person who ever undertook an important work of
+fiction in his 95th year; and this has been done to revive and
+preserve the experiences and memories of his youth, in connection
+with the efforts of two decades to mark the Trail and honor the
+Pioneers.
+
+{7}
+
+PREFACE
+
+Having thrice crossed the Oregon Trail by ox-team, first during the
+year 1852 accompanied by a courageous young wife, the second and
+third times during the years 1906-10, erecting monuments to mark the
+Trail and perpetuate the memory of the pioneers who traversed it,
+again in an automobile in 1915, and finally over 1,300 miles of it in
+an aeroplane in October, 1924, presumably none will question that the
+author can write from his own experiences.
+
+One hundred and seventy-one granite monuments have already been
+erected on or near-by the general route of the Oregon Trail, along
+which twenty thousand died. An effort is now being made to portray
+the scenes and experiences of these pioneers in moving pictures with
+fidelity to historical accuracy, that present and future generations
+may know what happened in the winning of the great Farther West.
+
+The names of the actors in this romance are fictitious; but the
+characters are as the writer knew them. The incidents are based on
+occurrences in real pioneer life, many of which the author saw, some
+of which he experienced, and all he knows to be in accordance with
+the truth.
+
+[Signature of Ezra Meeker]
+
+New York City, January 1926.
+
+
+
+
+{8}
+
+[Illustration: Condensed map of the National Road and Oregon Trail,
+the first transcontinental route, which did more than any other to
+"bind the nation together in a common brotherhood, and thus
+perpetuate and preserve the Union." The journeys described in this
+volume were made over these two great lines of travel.]
+
+
+
+
+{9}
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+  EARLY LIFE IN MISSOURI; A FAREWELL PARTY;
+  KATE'S SUITORS
+
+
+Kate Mulhall was just twenty when her father crossed the Missouri
+River and the Great Plains on their way to the "Oregon Country."
+Prior to the day of their departure for that far-away region of
+mystery and romance, she had never been outside the restricted
+neighborhood where she was born--in La Fayette County, Missouri,
+whose every third inhabitant was a slave; had never seen a railroad,
+and until a short time before, not even a cook-stove.  All of her
+life had been in a real pioneer environment; but she grew up strong,
+hearty and self-reliant upon the plain and wholesome food, the pure
+air and active outdoor life of what was then the frontier.
+
+She was of the brunette type, with dark hair and lustrous eyes that
+fairly sparkled with the delight of being interested in the fields
+and flowers, grand old woods full of wild life, birds, animals and
+everything about the home or farm.  Of more than the average height,
+her movement was lithe and free; her form an excellent subject for an
+artist's brush.  Outdoor life appealed to her nature, and she took a
+joyful satisfaction in all of its activities.
+
+Kate was an expert horsewoman and a crack shot {10} with the rifle,
+often picking a wild turkey off the lower limb of a forest tree at
+one or two hundred yards.  In addition to that splendid game bird,
+timorous water-fowl were abundant on the rivers and in ponds; deer,
+grouse and pheasants in the wood and brakes; rabbits and squirrels
+almost everywhere; and the "razor-back" hog, wild and ferocious,
+roamed the forests and dense thickets of Missouri in those pioneer
+days.  Many a litter of pigs, sprung from domesticated ancestors,
+lived by digging out edible roots under the surface, or hunted
+beneath the heavy fall of autumnal leaves for the more nutritious
+acorns, beechnuts and walnuts.
+
+The constant search for food developed an independent life which soon
+relapsed into the state of nature; so wild hogs became, like the deer
+and turkey, common property for the hunter's rifle.  From these
+various kinds of game Kate kept the Mulhall family table well
+supplied with substantial and seasonable food.  Missouri also
+harbored among its inhabitants not a few wild men, contact with whom
+sometimes involved taking desperate chances.
+
+David Mulhall, Kate's father, was a typical non-slaveholding farmer
+of that period in Missouri--honest but not "progressive" in the
+present general understanding of that word.  He was intensely
+prejudiced against the negroes, but bitterly opposed to the
+institution of slavery.  Because of these well-known views, he was
+regarded with suspicion by a majority of his slaveholding neighbors;
+and, in fact, {11} looked down upon as belonging to the "poor white
+trash" of the South who worked with their hands.
+
+Many others like him migrated from Missouri because of their hatred
+of slavery, though usually carrying with them a prejudice against the
+black man.  Others left that region for "free territory" because of
+the bitter class prejudice existing between those who owned negroes
+and those who did not; and the latter particularly to save their
+children from the necessity of competing with slave labor.
+
+Mulhall was by nature and training an easy-going person, who believed
+in "letting well enough alone"; and was, therefore, averse to going
+out upon a world of uncertainties, or taking unnecessary chances for
+bettering his condition.  He was born before the advent of railroads
+in the United States, when oxen supplied the principal means of
+transportation, and "hog and hominy" comprised the basic food supply
+for a majority of the people.
+
+The sickle cut his grain, which was thrashed by the flail; and the
+wind separated it from the chaff.  Boiled wheat frequently took the
+place of white bread, as it was a long distance to a mill and usually
+a tiresome wait for the "turn" to have the grist ground; hominy was
+often substituted for johnny-cake or corn pone when the meal was all
+gone.  It is difficult for a generation accustomed to an abundance of
+every kind of food, including luxuries, to realize how the American
+farmer lived in the early part of the nineteenth century.
+
+{12}
+
+A rather large one-room cabin was the home of the Mulhalls--with a
+loft overhead, the fireplace in one end and the bedroom, curtained
+off for the parents, in the other.  Kate's room was in the loft with
+the younger children--all girls--reached only by a ladder fastened to
+the wall; the patter of rain on the roof often lulled the youngsters
+to sleep, whether they willed it or not.
+
+Kate was not one of those who constantly chafe for things they cannot
+have and lament over their fate.  She was too healthy in mind and
+body to give way to discontent--was satisfied with her lot, and proud
+of the class to which she belonged.  Nor would she willingly exchange
+places with anyone who lived in idleness and comparative affluence
+upon the involuntary labor of fellow mortals of a different color.
+
+Fine qualities of head and heart combined with an exceptionally
+attractive personality to make her very popular with the young men of
+marriageable age and inclinations in all the country around.  Nor
+were all of her admirers of her own circle; at least one belonged to
+those prone to consider themselves superior to white families who
+owned no servants.  But at the time this story begins, Kate had no
+serious intention of taking any step that would abridge her personal
+freedom; there was plenty of time for that.
+
+But whenever there were any "doings" in the neighborhood--dances,
+spelling bees, sociables or camp-meetings--she was sure to be on
+hand, and {13} never lacked for an escort home.  Sometimes it would
+be Ben Hardy, at other times James Price or one of the Shaeffer boys.
+She had never gone anywhere with Isaac Pelton, although she always
+treated him in a friendly way at such places, and actually admired
+him more than any of the other young men of her acquaintance.
+
+He was a fine looking young man, sensible and well-behaved; but when
+the thought that he belonged to the slave-holding class--most of whom
+either sneered at her kind of people, or acted patronizingly towards
+them--came vividly into her mind she said to herself, in effect,
+"Banish the thought!  Never will I come to terms of intimacy with one
+of those would-be aristocrats, however nice he may be personally."
+
+Isaac was really a victim of circumstances.  Born of a slaveholding
+family, he had a good education and bore himself like a gentleman,
+never assuming any airs of superiority over his neighbors, whatever
+their station in life.  As a matter of fact, he deplored the
+conditions that separated him from those with whom he felt he had
+more in common than with his own people.  There were many like him in
+those days.
+
+Standing six feet in his stockings, he was erect in bearing and
+rather slender in frame, though no weakling when it came to physical
+prowess; "of stature tall and slender frame, but firmly knit" would
+apply to Isaac Pelton.  His hair was brown and his {14} eyes grey,
+indicating mental alertness; a slightly prominent chin and firm-set
+lips stamped him as one not easily swayed from his course.
+
+At a neighborhood gathering just prior to the beginning of this
+story, Isaac noticed that Kate had no escort; so, availing himself of
+a favorable opportunity, he approached her and in a very gentlemanly
+way offered to see her home.  It was the first time Pelton had ever
+done anything of the kind; Kate seemed embarrassed for a moment, and
+blushed perceptibly.
+
+If only her feelings were to guide her actions, she would have
+cheerfully accepted the offer, for she really liked Isaac and admired
+his many good qualities; but again that class barrier arose in her
+mind, and she courteously declined.  He knew it would be useless to
+try to press his suit further just then; so retired, defeated for the
+moment but not discouraged.
+
+Pelton had been studying Kate for quite a while, and as time went on,
+the more interested he became; her sterling qualities appeared to
+greater advantage every time he had an opportunity to observe her.
+He felt that she was the one woman he could love and cherish
+throughout his life; and no matter how great the obstacles in his
+path, he would win her.
+
+Notwithstanding the rebuff, he felt sure that she had no personal
+objection to him, but was actuated by what she deemed a principle.
+Were he not the owner of human chattels, he believed his advances
+would have been more favorably received; that {15} barrier must
+somehow or other be removed before he could hope to be successful.
+He was right, but that was a wakeful night for Kate.  The more she
+thought about it the worse she felt; she regretted wounding Pelton's
+feelings, but it would have strained her principles to have accepted
+his offer.
+
+As she lay awake pondering over recent events, Kate began to realize
+that Pelton was more to her than she had imagined; and remembered the
+many small courtesies extended by him when they met at the frequent
+neighborhood gatherings.  Both were fond of flowers, and she now
+recalled the many new bouquets slipped into her hand with a list of
+their names and classifications.  She remembered, too, that unlike so
+many of the neighborhood boys Isaac always had something sensible to
+say, and was an attentive listener; that at times he seemed reserved,
+almost timid, in her presence.
+
+An almost forgotten incident of two or three years before now came
+vividly to her mind; how when the matter came to his attention,
+Pelton hunted up and soundly thrashed a ruffian who had used
+insulting language to her.  These and other incidents helped to
+banish sleep.  As her mind was absorbed with thoughts relating to
+Isaac, in a dreamy sort of way Kate began to realize for the first
+time in her life that a strange feeling of more than friendship,
+admiration or simply respect possessed her.  She loved Pelton in
+spite of herself.
+
+Then the hateful words "slave" and "slaveholder" {16} stole into her
+mind to break the reverie, causing her to again exclaim half aloud to
+herself, "Banish the thought!"  The present generation can scarcely
+realize the virulence and intensity of the feeling generally held by
+the slaveholding class against anyone who condemned that system.
+Kate was well aware of this, and naturally inferred that Pelton was
+imbued with the same sentiments.
+
+Her attitude was due to some definite facts within her personal
+observation or knowledge, of which a single instance will suffice
+here.  One James Smith, of Pike County, had recently published in a
+local paper the following advertisement: "For Sale: six yoke of oxen;
+two nigger wenches; four buck niggers; three nigger boys, one barrel
+pickled cabbage and various other articles of merchandise," stating
+as his reason for selling, "I'm g'wine to Californy."  This gave
+assurance that the sale was genuine and conveyed the intimation that
+bargains in slaves might be picked up there.
+
+After Kate had recovered somewhat from the excitement incident to
+refusing Pelton's offer to accompany her home, the mother reminded
+her that Isaac did work with his own hands and was shunned by many of
+his class because of it.  "But, mother," she replied, "you know I
+have no thought of marrying anyway!"  Nevertheless she could not help
+being vexed for allowing herself to be influenced by such a prejudice.
+
+Kate had known Pelton, or rather of him, almost {17} her whole life,
+having often seen him at the meeting-house and upon other public
+occasions.  She was conscious of some admiration for him; but had no
+thought of betraying her secret by act or manner, although she may
+unconsciously have done so.  One thing Kate was sure of--she never
+would place herself in a position for others to look patronizingly
+upon her; nor would she ever become the wife of a man who held
+slaves.  Perhaps Kate had never thought about this as a rule of life;
+it was an expression of her nature.
+
+According to common gossip in the neighborhood, she had two or three
+suitors, but there was nothing to warrant such an assumption.  James
+Price had been known to spend a Sunday evening or two at the Mulhall
+cabin, and Ben Hardy had twice gone home with Kate from singing
+school.  Coming to Kate's ears, this gossip annoyed her.  "Couldn't a
+body be civil without being talked about?" she asked herself.  Then
+her mother would say, "Well, what's the difference?  Some people do
+get married, you know, and there's no harm in talking about it.
+Father and I were married once upon a time, and it didn't hurt us
+even if people did talk."
+
+Kate couldn't fathom what was running in her mother's mind, for she
+had said time and again that she was not going to marry and leave
+home.  But when alone, she was troubled by the thought that she did
+feel just a little jealous when she heard that Isaac Pelton had gone
+home with Linda Shaeffer two {18} Sundays ago, and that James Price
+had also paid attentions to her.
+
+"Fudge," she said to herself, "what's the matter with me?" and
+pinched her arm until it hurt for having such a thought.  She should
+really be glad of it, for Linda was her friend.  But, in spite of her
+effort to banish it, the idea would come back when thinking of Pelton
+as Linda's beau.
+
+James Price was of a good family, but several years older than either
+of the girls; in fact, as thought in those days, bordering on
+bachelordom.  He was of good address, but not ambitious to make his
+mark in the world, aside from mingling with the petty politicians of
+the county; and might have passed for one of them.  Price called
+twice at the Mulhall cabin and stayed unusually late; there was
+nothing to indicate that he had come to "see" Kate, but the sharp
+eyes of the mother easily detected the object of his visit, and later
+she told Kate so.
+
+The Hardys lived on a rented farm not far from the Mulhalls and they
+had been neighbors for several years.  Kate and Ben attended school
+together, had pulled on the long grapevine in the tug-of-war on the
+same team or on opposite sides; had been to candy pullings in the
+sugar making season, and twice were the last "spelled down" as
+captains of the two opposing camps of spellers.  But that they were
+old enough to marry seemingly never occurred to either of them.
+
+Ben was the opposite of Kate in complexion, figure {19} and general
+appearance.  While Kate was very dark, Ben was fair--almost
+pale--with deep blue eyes; Kate's eyes were almost coal black and her
+face was full, while Ben's was spare.  Ben stuttered just a little,
+but enough to be noticed and occasionally to amuse those with whom he
+was not well acquainted.  Ira Hardy, Ben's father, was not thrifty in
+worldly matters.  Some would say he was shiftless or indolent;
+whatever the cause, the elder Hardy suffered by the imputation, and
+his son Ben with him.
+
+One day Kate came home from a visit to her Uncle Tim's with the news
+that he was going to Oregon.  Her cousin Jacob had written of
+mountains miles high where you could see snow all summer, and yet it
+would be warm in the valley; and the grass remained green all winter.
+Potatoes were selling there for three dollars a bushel, eggs sixty
+cents a dozen and butter for seventy-five cents a pound; daisies
+bloomed in December and apple trees would bear in three years from
+the graft.  Jacob also wrote that there were no wild turkeys or bees
+in all that region; if his father could bring a swarm of honey bees
+he would be able to sell them for a thousand dollars spot cash.  He
+added a statement about there being no slavery in Oregon.
+
+What most impressed father Mulhall was the report of no slavery
+there, and that the grass remained green all winter.  They all knew
+that what Jake wrote would be found true; but he had neglected to
+describe the difficulties of a trip to Oregon--the {20} danger,
+fatigue, intolerable dust, alkali water and a thousand other things
+which would not fit into such a fine picture.
+
+"I tell you, Catherine, if you will agree to it and Kate will go
+along, I've a notion to go to Oregon this very next year."  "But what
+will you do with the farm?" the good wife inquired by way of
+response.  "What's the use of a farm if we can't make any money on
+it?  Sam Kemper sold nearly a full steam-boat load of hogs for a
+hundred dollars, and just went off leaving his farm to be sold for
+taxes."  "I'm in favor of going, and that's all I have to say," was
+Kate's comment as she climbed the ladder to the loft.
+
+That night again Kate was wakeful; try as best she could to sleep,
+her eyes would remain open.  Gradually the vision of Oregon faded
+from her mind, but that jealous thought of Linda would not down.
+Nevertheless, what was Isaac Pelton to her?  Didn't she scorn the
+very thought; and hadn't she erected a lasting barrier between them?
+
+It soon became known that Squire Mulhall was going to Oregon the next
+spring, and an unexpected buyer came for the farm; it went at a low
+price, but that was better than leaving it to be eaten up with taxes.
+Preparations now began in earnest for the great journey.
+
+Kate wanted the mare Nell to ride, and when she thought about the
+side-saddle, remarked to her mother, "I'm going to have a saddle I
+can ride with {21} comfort and safety, and they may say what they
+please.  You and the children must have Dick and Ned and a carriage
+like Sam McCoy's," Kate continued; "they'll take you through all
+right."
+
+Squire Mulhall was a quiet man, of few words and meant whatever he
+said.  He did not hesitate to condemn slavery, though not from the
+housetop; but would not conceal his real sentiments, thereby
+incurring the displeasure of his neighboring slaveholders without
+forfeiting their respect.  Some other subjects, one of which was the
+use of whisky--upon which he held positive opinions--developed real
+enemies; he said as little as possible about them, and went the even
+tenor of his way.
+
+That was before the time of temperance societies or of saloons as
+known in later days, when the school-master, or even the parson,
+would take a "wee drop"--sometimes more.  Whisky, obtainable in
+almost all retail stores at twenty-five cents or less a gallon, was
+usually in evidence at social gatherings and often in the harvest
+fields.
+
+"Catherine"---the Squire speaking to his wife--"I've a notion to
+invite in the neighbors before we go, and include all.  Maybe some
+won't come, but I want them to know I bear no ill will to any of
+them; what do you say?"
+
+"Such a crowd--you wouldn't know what to do with them," was
+Catherine's cautious response.
+
+Kate suggested, "Send them to the barn and let them dance on the
+thrashing floor."
+
+{22}
+
+"That's the thing," continued Mulhall, "the women folks put off their
+extra duds in the cabin, and the men go to the barn--plenty of room
+there."
+
+"Anything to please you and Kate; I'll do the best I can, but you're
+undertaking a big job," Catherine said.
+
+And so plans were laid for a farewell party during the months before
+the start was to be made for Oregon.
+
+"Let me see," asked the Squire, "how will we go about inviting 'em;
+post up notices, would you say?"
+
+"You wouldn't want that man Tracer, who treated you so last year and
+said so many mean things, would you?" inquired Kate.
+
+"Why not?  It didn't hurt me a bit; it did him.  Let 'em all come and
+wipe the slate clean," Mulhall responded.
+
+"It would be better to write the invitations and send them around,"
+Kate said.
+
+"Well, well, have your way," answered the Squire, "but I'd like to
+invite everybody."
+
+"How'd you expect to light the barn?  Candles would blow out or run
+down so fast they wouldn't last long," Catherine asked without
+receiving an answer.
+
+Next morning Kate went over to see Ben Hardy--called "Bennie" by
+everybody--to ask his help in making ready for the party.  Although
+just past nineteen, Ben hardly looked like a grown-up.  As a boy he
+had been a regular "towhead," and his hair hadn't darkened much yet
+which, with a light {23} complexion, made him look very young for his
+age.  Kate and Ben had always been good schoolmate friends, and she
+thought no more of asking a favor of him than she would of a younger
+brother old enough to help her.
+
+"I golly, you bet I'll help you," Ben said; and at once the two began
+the planning.
+
+Squire Mulhall's barn was large, with a capacious thrashing floor
+between the two mows, one for grain and the other for hay.  A wide
+door on either side opened the way for a team to drive in one way and
+out the other.
+
+"I've got it," Ben exclaimed after talking about how to light the
+barn; "we'll take two or three barrels, knock out the ends, fill them
+with dirt and stick torches in the dirt.  You just leave it to me,
+Kate, and I'll make that barn floor so light you can see to read.
+Besides," he added, "it's full moon that night."
+
+Any reader who may have had the experience of cutting down a "coon
+tree" by the light of a hickory bark torch will readily understand
+the origin of Ben's idea.  Coons were plentiful in the Missouri
+bottom lands; a story is told that during the Civil War some people
+were compelled to adopt a diet of elm bark fried in coon grease as a
+substitute for bread and butter.
+
+Meanwhile Squire Mulhall was busy cleaning up things about the barn,
+fixing a long table where the women folks could put their
+knickknacks, and bought {24} a half dozen tin cups, which he said
+would be enough to go around with the "gourds" they had.  These were
+to be placed by the cider barrel that would stand just outside the
+barn where all could help themselves.
+
+Mulhall rode over to see if Pelton would let Andrew come and play for
+the dancers, and Jennie help Catherine in the house; and added, "Of
+course they can bring Margie along."  Pelton had already received an
+invitation from Kate, and wondered if it was written in her own hand;
+it was real neat and Ben Hardy had delivered it.  Pelton didn't dream
+of being jealous of Ben, thinking of him as a mere boy, not realizing
+there was but a year's difference in age between Ben and Kate.
+
+"Why, yes," Pelton said, "you can call on me to help in any way I
+can; and I will bring over a barrel of cider."
+
+Mulhall said he had already provided for a barrel, but Pelton thought
+one wouldn't be enough and said he would bring another.  One of the
+neighbors provided a bushel of hickory nuts; another some walnuts,
+and the like.  Still another, not to be outdone, brought a good
+supply of leaf tobacco he had raised, and a great number of cob
+pipes; many women smoked in that day.[1]
+
+Mother Hardy said it would never do to leave {25} Catherine all the
+work of providing for so large a crowd, and the other women thought
+the same; so word came to her not to bother about the table at the
+barn, for they would bring their own dishes and enough of everything
+all the people could eat.  The fact was, when the word passed around
+that Squire Mulhall was going to give a farewell party, with
+everybody invited, class prejudice broke down.  Or at least it was
+suspended; apparently everyone was pleased, and ready to join to make
+it a great success.
+
+A few days before the party, a man rode up to the door of the Mulhall
+cabin.
+
+"Won't you come in?" was the Squire's greeting.  Without seeming to
+notice the invitation, the stranger asked, "Is this Squire Mulhall?"
+
+"Yes, won't you come in?" was the renewed invitation.
+
+"I jest come to tell ye," the stranger continued, "I live down in
+Jackson Township where that feller last year came and talked so mean
+about ye.  We believed him and talked about as mean as he did; but it
+was all a lie.  So we got together yesterday and signed this paper to
+let you know afore you go to Oregon that we now know it was all a
+lie, and don't want you to hold anything against us.  If ye will let
+us, we want to bring up a nice fat critter and barbecue it for your
+friends; ye needn't turn yer hand over to pay a cent, and we will
+bring a lot of things to go with it."
+
+The man's manner was proof of his sincerity.  {26} After the Squire
+had assured him that he and his friends would be welcome without
+bringing anything, but that they might bring whatever they wanted to,
+the stranger rode off without going into the cabin.
+
+Hearing what had been said, Kate came near, threw her arms around her
+father's neck and kissed him for teaching her by this example to be
+kind to one's enemies.  She kissed him again and again, while her
+tears wetted his cheek as well as her own, saying "I shall never
+forget it"; and she never did.
+
+At last the day of the party arrived and with it, true to promise, a
+large delegation of men and women from Jackson Township, with two
+wagon-loads of lumber and the "critter"--a fine fat beef--in another
+wagon to be barbecued.  In an incredibly short time the lumber was
+unloaded and a dozen willing hands were laying a floor just outside
+the barn for dancing, while some were erecting tables and others
+digging a pit for the barbecue.
+
+This is no overdrawn picture; the pioneers were accustomed to do for
+themselves, and not stand by to be waited on.  Thereby hangs a big
+story of pioneer life, full of self-reliance and independence, the
+simple life that developed manhood and joy in the household and on
+the farm.
+
+For the time being, Ben's usual occupation was gone; the older men
+fairly drove him away, and told him to be ready to take part in the
+dance.  The women in the cabin did the same for Kate, who {27} then
+started up the ladder to dress for the great occasion.
+
+Andrew and Stinson's colored man Sam often spent happy hours singing
+and playing together; and Sam was asked to come along with his banjo.
+When the music began every elderly dame remembered her younger days;
+soon the cabin was full of dancers as in the long ago, and the songs
+were of the kind that bring rapturous joy.  Nothing moves the
+emotions more than the pathetic melody in the old folklore songs of
+the negro race; in this case the souls of the two experts were in the
+music.
+
+[Illustration: FAREWELL PARTY AT THE MULHALL HOMESTEAD IN MISSOURI,
+BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE OREGON COUNTRY, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE
+PAGE.]
+
+The visitors from Jackson Township had also brought fiddlers; dancing
+was going on in the barn and on the improvised floor near-by, as well
+as in the cabin.  For hours the tables were full of happy partakers
+of the barbecue and the abundant viands with which they were loaded.
+
+Ben and Kate had planned to have their first dance of the evening
+together; so when James Price asked her for it, she told him that he
+should have the next.  Ben was on hand for the engagement, and from
+that moment Price was jealous of him; as the evening wore on Ben and
+Kate again danced together, and then Price was sure he had a rival.
+Finally Pelton offered and was accepted; to Kate's own surprise she
+was dancing with a slaveholder, but justified herself by Squire
+Mulhall's lesson of forgiveness, though somehow there was more to it
+than she could explain to herself.
+
+{28}
+
+Probably disturbed by the noise and unusual light, the cock crowed at
+midnight, but nobody paid any attention to it.  At near daybreak the
+elderly folk began to leave; but the younger ones said they wouldn't
+go home till morning, and didn't.  By daylight the hay mow was full
+of sleeping men, Andrew and Sam were on their way home nodding, and
+the Jackson Township folks were loading their wagons; the big event
+passed into history, but the memory of it remained for many years.
+
+During the night word came to the cabin that some of the men were
+acting in an unseemly manner.  Catherine said to herself she'd bet
+the grocer had slipped some whisky into the barrel of cider he sent;
+in fact, was sure of it, as what she had tasted seemed unusually
+strong.  Going out to the barn and biding her time, she threw her
+apron over it and opened the faucet; the barrel was soon empty, and
+what had been left soaked the ground.
+
+Kate and her father were the last to leave the barn.  A bright
+shining sun spread over the scene; the symphony of song birds so dear
+to Kate's ears had nearly ceased, and the dew on the grass was fast
+disappearing, though some of it still glistened in the bright
+sunshine.  Nell, the favorite mare, whinnied to remind the Squire
+that she missed the usual early breakfast; Brindle and Star, though
+quietly and contentedly chewing their cuds, looked wistfully at Kate
+for her deft hands to relieve their full udders of milk.
+
+{29}
+
+After attending to the wants of Nell and Ned, the Squire hurried to
+the cabin where Catherine, who had returned some time before from the
+night's activities, lay in peaceful slumber.  Kate soon finished her
+task, and as usual took the milk to the cabin.  The cock of the yard
+had ceased to crow, and silence reigned over the scene so recently
+one of boisterous joviality.
+
+Throwing herself upon the bed without undressing, face resting upon
+her arm, Kate's mind was full of visions as well as of serious
+thoughts, particularly of the night just ended.  The memory of
+Pelton's breath upon her cheek as they participated in the dance
+became uppermost in her thoughts; in spite of herself, tears mingling
+joy, despair and contrition came involuntarily and wet the pillow.
+
+After what seemed to be hours in this mood, Kate fell into a troubled
+sleep which lasted until long after midday, when she was awakened by
+the gentle touch of her mother's hand accompanied by words of
+affection.  "Don't you think you had better have a bite?  It's long
+after dinner hour; father is up and it would be nice to eat together."
+
+Catherine had arisen a little after the usual hour, and given the
+children their breakfast, followed by permission for them to visit
+the children of a neighbor for the day, that the sleepers in the
+cabin might not be disturbed.  Mulhall arose with a slight headache,
+which he couldn't account for, unless it was drinking a little too
+much "cider"; Catherine kept {30} her own counsel, but of course knew
+what was the matter with the Squire's head.
+
+Other influences were at work upon Mulhall; the excitement incident
+to the warm greetings of his neighbors, and the general expression of
+genuine regret that the community was about to lose so valuable a
+member, had their natural reaction.  The Squire's thoughts also
+turned to the stern responsibilities confronting him, and how he was
+qualified to meet them.  Had he fully informed himself as to the
+obstacles to be encountered; was he personally fitted to safely make
+the long trip and not endanger the lives of his family?
+
+In a word, Mulhall awoke in a mood of anxiety, dissatisfied with
+himself and in fact with a stroke of the blues, so often fatal to
+true happiness.  The dinner passed moodily; the Squire had nothing to
+say, and Kate very little.  Strive as best she might, Catherine could
+not arouse the usual cheerfulness, and gave up in despair.
+
+We think of discontent as synonymous with pessimism, unhappiness,
+misery and many other ills of life; on the other hand it leads to
+enterprise, boldness and progress.  Had the pioneers been content
+with their lot, they would never have crossed the Missouri River;
+there might have been no long western trails, and the Oregon Country
+would probably not have been secured to the American Government.
+Civilization itself rests upon the spirit of adventurous discontent;
+so when Squire Mulhall arose from {31} the table in that frame of
+mind, he simply followed in the footsteps of many others, realizing,
+however, that he had not taken care to acquaint himself definitely
+with what lay ahead of them on the proposed trip.
+
+One day Pelton rode up in front of the cabin, hitched his horse and
+came to the door.  Kate, not knowing who was there, went to answer
+the call.
+
+"Is the Squire at home?" inquired the visitor.
+
+"Yes, he is at the barn," was her reply, as she invited him in while
+the little sister ran to call father.  Pelton disarmed all
+embarrassment by at once making inquiries about Oregon; and Kate
+could hardly do otherwise than to take a seat beside him to answer
+his questions--and more too--about Oregon and the proposed trip.
+
+Bess returned to say that, "Father will be in as soon as he puts the
+team away."  Neither Kate nor Pelton showed any signs of impatience
+at being left alone; she enjoyed talking about Oregon as much as he
+liked to hear her, and so they forgot everything except the topic of
+the great trip.
+
+Stamping his feet repeatedly to shake off the mud and partially clean
+his boots, father Mulhall's presence was announced; and at once in
+true pioneer spirit, he asked Isaac to have his horse put up and stay
+to supper.  Preparations for a frugal repast were well under way when
+Pelton arrived; but it would never do, the mother said, to sit a
+neighbor caller to such a picked-up meal.  So while the two {32} men
+went to the barn to care for the horses, Kate and her mother took
+counsel together.
+
+Only a few days before she had picked off a young turkey with her
+father's rifle; but the mother said the "leavings would at best make
+a mussed-up meal."  Just at dusk Kate went off to the barn for a
+chicken; she had no trouble securing a desirable fowl and quickly
+returned to the house.  They had plenty of "sassafras" bark for tea,
+and a small portion of last spring's run of maple sugar.
+
+One of the neighbors had found a bee tree and brought over a dish of
+honey that the mother had saved for special occasions.  Thirty years
+before, Daniel Boone discovered bee trees lower down the river; but
+the dry plain and lack of timber had served as a barrier to invasions
+farther west extending, as we have seen by Jake's letter, to the
+Oregon Country--and as we later know, to the whole of the Pacific
+coast.
+
+The children had an early supper and were out of the way, leaving
+only the four people to partake of the meal and join in the
+conversation, most of which was naturally about the proposed journey.
+During the evening it developed that Pelton knew more about the
+Oregon Country than the Mulhalls; so Kate couldn't help but surmise
+that his early inquiry about Oregon thinly veiled the real object of
+his visit.
+
+She was puzzled to know how anyone of spirit could come back after
+the rebuff she had administered to him; but could not help
+acknowledging to {33} herself that she had really enjoyed the visit,
+and wondered if she had in any way revealed her inmost feelings.
+Long before bedtime she climbed the ladder to the loft determined not
+to "make a fool of myself"; but as before, she couldn't go to sleep
+until long after their visitor had left.
+
+As Pelton rode home from the Mulhalls, he berated himself for not
+carrying out the design that prompted the visit, and let Kate know
+that he intended to free his slaves; then his pride would again rise
+up to justify hesitation.  Would Kate assume that this resolution was
+either a subterfuge, or simply to win her hand?  Could she respect a
+man who would sacrifice a principle, as Kate would assume that all
+slaveholders believed that slavery was right?  No, he must convince
+her by deed to prove the sincerity of his purpose, not by words of
+promise actuated by the motive to gain favor in her sight.
+
+Then came the question, could he free all of them?  Margie was a
+minor and if "free" could, under the laws of Missouri, be taken
+before the County Court and bound out to servile employment until of
+legal age; this was virtual slavery, and it would unquestionably be
+done upon motion by some one of the slaveholding class who might make
+application to the court to enforce the law.  The secret "Blue
+Lodges"--night riders in fact--law or no law, in conjunction with
+other organizations of similar aim, virtually ruled the State.  When
+Pelton arrived home and in accordance with life-long custom called
+Andrew, in {34} a fit of absent-mindedness he told him to take care
+of "Kate" instead of naming his saddle horse, "med."
+
+"Massa, what's you mean?" asked the servant.
+
+"Oh, I mean Ned, of course," was Pelton's reply.
+
+Andrew chuckled to himself and told Jennie he'd bet Massa had been
+off to see Kate Mulhall, bringing a response that she hoped he might
+"ketch her."  Pelton was vexed at himself, but now recalling the slip
+of the tongue, awoke to the consciousness of how completely the one
+name had taken possession of his mind.  He did not know that another
+was awake in the Mulhall cabin loft revolving his own name in her
+mind.
+
+The spark of hope to win Kate's hand was almost extinguished; yet he
+felt sure that only the slavery question prevented the successful
+prosecution of his suit.  Pelton thought he knew, and actually did
+know, her real feeling toward him, while Kate imagined that she might
+have given some manifestation during Pelton's visit--a possible
+unguarded word, a tone of the voice that spoke louder than words, or
+an expression of the eye that revealed her secret.  All these haunted
+her wakeful hours, and followed into the dreams of restless slumber.
+
+Who can fathom the essence of pure love, that flows from the heart
+like the fragrance of the flowers of the field, that knows no bounds,
+breaks all barriers; and, if disappointed, leaves a sting in memory
+through life?  Such was Isaac's love of Kate.  He had known her
+independent character and unselfish {35} devotion to her father, and
+last though not least, her altruistic actions on many occasions.  He
+was but two years older than Kate, and in health her equal; why
+should he not claim her and establish a happy home?  Then that
+monster slavery would arise to dispel his dreams.
+
+Pelton had inherited a part of his father's estate, including two
+slaves, Andrew and his wife Jennie.  Both were older than he; in
+fact, Jennie looked after his clothes when he was a boy, and he
+thought almost as much of her as of his own mother.  Pelton
+maintained his own household and "Mamma" Jennie took scrupulous care
+of it.
+
+She had a five-year-old girl that Isaac thought the cutest little
+thing he had ever seen--fat, chubby and always in good humor; and of
+course Jennie thought there never was another such a cute girl as her
+Margie.  Sometimes a cloud came over her face as she thought what
+might happen if "Massa" died, or got in debt and couldn't pay; but as
+yet little Margie had no forebodings, and her mother was careful not
+to open any way for such thoughts.
+
+Pelton had long contemplated setting free all three of them; but if
+he did, what could Andrew do for himself?  He might apportion enough
+land to make a home for them; but a black man was forbidden by law to
+own land, and in fact had no protection for property of any kind.  At
+one time he had seriously thought of going to Oregon himself, taking
+Andrew and Jennie with him to set them free there; but {36} word came
+that the pioneers had passed a law[2] forbidding negroes living in
+Oregon under penalty of the whipping post, if they did not leave
+after due warning.  Kate, in entire ignorance of Pelton's troubles
+and intentions, looked upon him as one of the class she could never
+treat with forbearance.
+
+Up to this time Isaac had kept his own counsel as to his plans; to
+let them be known would serve no good purpose and bring upon him a
+storm of obloquy and reproach from other slaveholders for endangering
+their property rights.  Within his recollection, the like had been
+done only once in the neighborhood, when Squire Young manumitted
+eleven slaves, and finally moved away to escape continual insult
+because of his act.  Pelton knew, or thought he knew, that Kate's
+impulsive action was because of her intense hatred of slavery and
+aversion to slaveholders; but anticipated the taunt that he had freed
+his negroes as the price of winning a wife.
+
+He had made the fateful visit in an undecided frame of mind--just
+drifting, though intending if the opportunity occurred to make a
+clean breast of his whole plan.  But soon after Kate left the room,
+he started for home while she lay sleepless on her bed in the loft.
+Here we leave them, each with a troubled mind, to take up another
+thread of the story.
+
+
+
+[1] The author remembers lighting his mother's pipe with a coal of
+fire nearly ninety years ago, before matches had come into general
+use.
+
+[2] This law, passed by the Provisional Government in 1843, was never
+enforced and soon repealed; but it served to illustrate the intense
+prejudice against the black man by pioneer settlers who nevertheless
+voted resolutely against making Oregon a slave State.
+
+
+
+
+{37}
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+OFF FOR OREGON; CROSSING THE MISSOURI; ENCOUNTERING THE BUFFALO;
+TROUBLES WITH THE INDIANS.
+
+
+Ben Hardy was employed to help break in the team and for other
+necessary preparations; also, if his father would consent, to make
+the entire trip with them.  Neither Ben, the Squire nor Kate knew
+anything about oxen; but all realized that they must have a team.
+
+A few days after the party at the Mulhall cabin, the trio
+experimented in breaking in some cows to the yoke.  Kate thought
+Brindle and Star would make a capital team, and at the first attempt
+succeeded in getting the yoke on Star--except that she broke away
+from them and circled around the yard with her tongue out, bucking
+and fiercely bellowing.  Kate quickly climbed the fence in dismay,
+wondering why gentle old Star should object to be yoked.
+
+Finally getting both cows under the yoke just before dinner call,
+Kate and her father went to the cabin while Ben started home for
+lunch.  Kate, the first one out after dinner, could hardly believe
+her eyes.  Star, yoked by them on the off side, stood on the near
+side, while Brindle had changed places with her, and was on the off
+side.  Kate knew perfectly well that she had been yoked up last and
+on the near side.
+
+{38}
+
+In her astonishment she at first overlooked the yoke hanging under
+the necks of the cows instead of resting on top; they had turned the
+yoke, and as a sailor might report such an incident--"the starboard
+ox was on the larboard side, the larboard ox on the starboard side,
+and the ox-yoke had left the hurricane deck and gone below."  Squire
+Mulhall could see the humor of the incident, but realized a very
+serious side to it, as illustrating how little they knew about
+outfitting for the great journey.
+
+He ordered the attempt to break in a team discontinued for the time
+being; and the next morning mounted Nell and rode off, ostensibly in
+search of a team, though, as he afterwards said, with a notion to
+look at the country north of the Iowa line.  "But what's the use of
+raising corn to burn in the stove to keep from freezing, or bacon as
+fuel for racing steamboats?"  While in Iowa he was asked if he knew a
+man by the name of Pelton reported to live in the county from which
+he had just come.
+
+"Yes, but what of it?" was the Squire's laconic reply.
+
+"Nothing," the stranger continued, "except he has been looking for
+land to settle free negroes on, and the neighbors didn't like it."
+
+Now for once in his life he had something to keep from Catherine, who
+had told him what she had surmised--and in fact knew--Kate's secret,
+although only through her motherly instinct to read signs often
+plainer than words.  Again Mulhall wavered; to tell {39} Catherine
+what he had heard would be equivalent to telling Kate, the apple of
+his eye.  He could not bear the thought of losing her; in fact had
+resolved never to go to Oregon unless Kate went along.
+
+During the Squire's search for a trained team (labor lost, for there
+were only here and there old, slow, broken-down or ill-matched oxen),
+he heard of a missionary or itinerant preacher who represented that
+he had been in Oregon.  Mulhall eagerly took the track of this man
+and followed it for days before overtaking him; but was well rewarded
+by finding his new acquaintance a very intelligent, well-read man
+with large experience in the Oregon Country--just the one he was
+seeking.
+
+But he had already been gone a week, was nearly a hundred and fifty
+miles from home, and Catherine would soon become very uneasy about
+him.  The minister would probably also talk more about missionary
+work than topics Mulhall was eager to discuss.  So on the second day
+arrangements were made for the two to go to the Mulhall home where
+the missionary could rest from his labors, recuperate his worn-down
+horse and confer at more length about outfitting for the trip to
+Oregon.[1]
+
+This was done, and following the counsel of the visitor, preparations
+for the trip went on apace.  The Squire purchased ten trim, well
+developed five-year-old steers, not off the range but farm raised,
+with two extras as a relief for lame or other temporarily {40} unfit
+ones in the teams.  In other matters the missionary's advice was
+adopted, with the result that when completed Mulhall's outfit was
+equal to any he afterwards saw on the plains, and far superior to the
+vast majority of them.
+
+Ben Hardy, whose mother hesitated but finally gave way to his
+pleadings, was engaged to take charge of one of the teams.  Mulhall
+offered such liberal compensation that Ben's father also consented,
+although the lad was still under age.  The Squire knew that Ben would
+be true to his interests, and thought of him not as the hired man,
+but as one of the family; in fact, he promised Ben one of the teams
+for his own when they arrived in Oregon.
+
+Ben had a secret of his own about which Mulhall knew nothing.  He and
+the Shaeffer boys were friends, and no one suspected that Ben's
+frequent visits to their home had any other attraction than a good
+time with the boys; nor did they dream that "Bennie," as they called
+him, had any thoughts about their sister.  But mother Shaeffer had
+detected more than mere friendship between Ben and Linda; and under
+the circumstances developments were not likely to be long delayed.
+
+Ben resolved to make a clean breast of it and know from Linda's
+spoken words that she loved him and would await his return, or
+possibly come to him; and firmly concluded not to go unless Linda
+would consent.  In this mood Ben boldly declared himself to Linda in
+a scene that need not be described here.  {41} Linda was a dutiful
+girl and would have no secret from her mother.  "I will go with you
+now if mother will consent," she said between smiles and tears; "or
+I'll wait until I can come to you."  The thought of having Linda go
+with him now had never entered Ben's mind until she suggested it,
+subject to her mother's consent.
+
+"I'll be true to you, Ben, to the end," she said and submitted
+willingly to the sealing of the promise by a responsive kiss.  "Come
+tomorrow night, Ben, and we'll talk it over with mother;" and so they
+parted.
+
+Ben went home living in a new world, with increased confidence in the
+future and a happiness never before experienced.  This scene was
+enacted a week before the start was to be made; and meanwhile Ben was
+busy at the Mulhalls' from dawn to twilight.  Two ox-teams, each with
+two yoke of oxen, and a yoke of cows were used to haul fuel from a
+distant woodland for the new owner of the farm, training the teams
+and drivers to the road, as well as a token of good will.
+
+Kate and her mother were busy preparing and cooking various articles
+of food, while the Squire was laying in a stock of provisions, water
+containers, tents and other necessities for a journey of more than
+two thousand miles extending over a probable period of six months.
+Mulhall had been warned that once across the Missouri River, he would
+be in the Indian Country and unable to renew his {42} equipment
+except from overloaded outfits, abandoned property, or by dealing
+with the sharpers of the so-called trading posts, some of them
+regular dens of thieves, often kept by renegade white men.
+
+A mishap to one of the teams on the road detained Ben until long
+after dark; and when he reached the Mulhall barn, the teams and all
+the loose stock had still to be cared for.  So he could not keep his
+appointment with Linda; and it was near midnight when he crawled into
+the hay mow to snatch a few hours of sleep before daybreak.
+
+"I wonder why Ben didn't come to-night as he said he would?"; and in
+spite of all efforts, Linda's voice betrayed her deep solicitude.
+
+"I'll warrant he had good reasons," the mother responded; but Linda
+could not be satisfied in her own mind.  The great journey was to
+begin the following Monday, and it was only seven days before the
+start.  Upon awaking Tuesday morning, Ben resolved that at all
+hazards he would go to see Linda that day.
+
+On his way to the Shaeffer home, conflicting thoughts ran through
+Ben's mind.  What would Mulhall say?  What would his own mother and,
+particularly Linda's mother, say?  If she could go along, it would
+enable them to make an earlier start in life; and each would be
+entitled to a hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government
+free, whereas in a year or two at most, neither could secure any
+without purchase.
+
+It was late Tuesday night when Ben left the Shaeffer {43} home after
+a long visit with Linda.  The mother did not positively forbid her
+going now, but strongly advised against it; upon second thought Linda
+herself began to doubt the advisability of such a move, though
+willing to go and share the hardships with Ben if he thought best.
+
+With tears that could not be restrained by either, they decided that
+Ben had better go alone.  Who can fathom the sacrifice of such a
+decision or decide as to the wisdom of it?  Once made, cheerfulness
+returned, plans for the future were laid and sacred vows renewed; and
+life opened to them anew.
+
+The wagons were loaded and the tent set up well in advance, so the
+start could be made early on the following Monday.  When the time
+came, Kate had saddled Nell, and Dick and Ned had been hitched to the
+carriage for an hour; but the start was delayed, and Squire Mulhall
+remained in the cabin.  At length, after consulting with Ben, the
+conclusion was reached that the ox-teams should go ahead and the
+carriage would follow later.
+
+Catherine assumed a bold, cheerful attitude while the preparations
+were being made, and concealed her pent-up grief at leaving.  Several
+of her children were born in the cabin, and one of them had died in
+it.  She had passed many happy hours within its humble walls, and
+tender memories came vividly to mind.  Even Mulhall was moved with
+emotion as never before, and determined to wait quietly until
+Catherine recovered her composure.
+
+{44}
+
+No one without the experience of parting with one can realize the
+deep feeling of affection for the home, even if it is only a cabin.
+The love of a lowly dwelling is often more intense than that of a
+princely palace, for a cabin becomes a part of one's self.  No wonder
+that the good housewife should shed tears of regret upon parting with
+the home she had loved so well and so long.
+
+After all the neighbors who came to bid Godspeed to the Mulhalls had
+left, Catherine quietly came out of the cabin, entered the carriage
+and drove in the track of the ox-teams without looking back, shedding
+a tear or making any sign of distress.  The struggle was ended and
+the die cast, although the sacrifice required supreme courage.
+
+In spite of all their efforts, Kate and the two younger sisters were
+unable to drive the loose stock fast enough to keep up with the
+ox-team, and finally lost one cow in the brush.  Riding forward to
+overtake Ben and have him make an early camp, Kate had a foretaste of
+what was ahead of them on the journey.
+
+Ben found a convenient barnyard and plenty of feed for the cattle,
+and a cheerful grass plat for the camp.  He quickly had the tent up,
+fire in the stove and the oxen fed when the carriage and Kate arrived
+with the loose stock.  Whoever has had the experience of a good camp
+under favorable conditions will realize the cheerful atmosphere that
+enlivens the spirits of all; the bracing air, the novelty and keen
+{45} appetites due to the exertion of the journey, combined to bring
+joy and contentment.
+
+They were only eight miles from the old home; but the start had been
+made, and all considered it a good distance for the first day.  Early
+in the calm, warm mid-April evening, the sharp notes of the bob white
+quail rang in the ears of the campers, soon followed by the shrill
+whistle of the whippoorwill in the near-by meadow.  Millions of
+fireflies, with their mysterious alternating of light and darkness,
+were floating in the air.  Contentment reigned supreme in the camp,
+and care for the morrow was soon forgotten in peaceful slumber.
+
+Difficulties and trials beset the early part of every trip like the
+Mulhalls'.  In the deep, sticky Missouri mud, a well trained team
+drawing a light load could flounder through with great exertions; but
+with half-trained oxen and a heavy load it was frequently necessary
+to double the teams, or lighten the loads and make a second trip.
+
+Walking alongside his wagon or prying up a wheel deeply sunk in the
+mire, Ben became bespattered with mud from head to foot, but did not
+lose patience.  The cows would not keep in the road, often compelling
+Kate to dismount and go after them on foot.  Neither would swear,
+though both at times felt like doing so; but when night came, they
+laughed off their troubles in the camp.
+
+They had been acquainted for years, but neither had fully measured
+the other until now.  "I golly, {46} Kate, it's rough driving the
+cows, isn't it?"  "Yes; but what about the teams?  I think you catch
+it worse than I do."  Their mutual trials drew them closer together;
+and each had unlimited faith in the other.
+
+Squire Mulhall had great confidence in Ben when he engaged him for
+the trip, but every day his admiration for the lad increased as
+better acquaintance brought out his sterling character.  Thoughts of
+Ben for a son-in-law flitted across his mind, and would involuntarily
+return; but he kept it to himself--the second secret from Catherine.
+
+Finally, after a long struggle encountering mud, rain, wind-storms
+and quicksand, the Mulhall outfit arrived on the high bluffs
+overlooking the Missouri and the great encampment of emigrants.
+Hundreds of tents near the ferry landing and extending back from the
+river revealed the magnitude of the great western movement of the
+50's.  Squire Mulhall could not do otherwise than camp with the
+motley throng, and turned the ox-teams out to graze with several
+thousands of other stock in the river bottoms.
+
+Looking around to size up the situation, he found people there from
+several States, of all conditions in life and with nearly as varied
+outfits as there were camps--scarcely any two alike.  Here was one
+bound, like himself, for Oregon; right alongside, another emigrating
+to California; next a group of Mormons going to Salt Lake--all
+waiting their turn to be crossed over the Missouri by the two scows
+called a ferry.
+
+{47}
+
+The throng consisted of all ages from the very old to the infant in
+arms, and were in various moods.  Near-by would be a religious
+meeting with singing, praying and preaching; others were engaged in
+pitching quoits, card playing or foot racing--anything to dispel the
+tedium incident to the long delay on the Iowa side of the river.
+Some of these people had been camping there fully two weeks, waiting
+for their numbers to be called, and might be obliged to remain
+several days more.  A brisk trade in "turns" naturally resulted; in
+one case fifty dollars was paid to entitle the purchaser to immediate
+crossing.
+
+Open gambling was seen in many places, and a great crowd congregated
+around a race-track.  In a stroll of a couple of hours Mulhall
+noticed a number of intoxicated men, though not many were boisterous;
+the intoxicants evidently came from the camps.  Here, as back in
+Missouri, whisky was pure but cheap (averaging 25c a gallon), and no
+regulation as to sale or disposal.
+
+One corner of the encampment was particularly clean and orderly; no
+litter of papers or cast-off articles of any kind were in sight, and
+there was an entire absence of gambling, card playing or other
+amusements.  Two of the emigrants in peculiar garb were digging a pit
+in which to bury rubbish.  The men were usually either reading
+well-worn Bibles, writing or amusing the children, while the women
+were generally caring for the camp, sewing or knitting; one was
+weaving cloth on a hand-loom, and {48} another spinning yarn on an
+old-time wheel, the sharp tones of the spindle vibrating in the air.
+
+It was like part of a long established and law-abiding eastern
+community transplanted to the edge of civilization.  A brief
+conversation disclosed that these campers were from a Methodist
+settlement in central Indiana, and that their pastor, though
+temporarily holding service at a near-by village, was traveling with
+them.  Mulhall thanked them for the invitation to attend the evening
+meeting and continued his stroll, intending to do so if Catherine and
+Kate would accompany him.
+
+The next group of camps visited presented a very different
+appearance.  More than half of the party, which was bound for the
+Mormon settlement at Salt Lake City, had recently arrived from
+Europe.  There were very few men; the greater part were women who
+huddled in tents almost devoid of camp conveniences, while a number
+of their ragged and dirty-faced children were playing in the vicinity.
+
+Men and women alike showed a sober mien; here and there a man would
+be reading a Bible, and Mulhall noticed one reading the Book of
+Mormon.  Like the Methodists, they held religious services every
+evening.  There were very few wagons for so large a party, making the
+problem of their transportation unusually difficult.  In a corner of
+the encampment were a number of hand-carts which a portion of those
+belonging to this camp intended to use in crossing the plains; and
+one man with a {49} wheelbarrow completed the picturesque assemblage.
+
+With the invitation in mind, the Squire and Catherine prepared to
+attend the Methodist meeting that same evening.  Kate said, "Ben,
+let's go, too."
+
+"I golly, Kate, that's just what I was going to say," Ben replied.
+So all dressed in their best and walked toward the Methodist camp,
+for which they had started, along a path which led near the Mormon
+part of the encampment.
+
+Seeing the people gathering for religious services Mulhall, more out
+of curiosity than otherwise, suggested that they stop and listen for
+awhile.  Catherine had only a faint idea of what "Mormon" meant; but
+held a deep prejudice against them, and said that she preferred to
+attend what she considered a real religious meeting.  But as the rest
+of the party desired to hear the Mormons, Catherine consented, and
+all took seats among those provided for strangers.
+
+The minister, a burly figure somewhat uncouth but evidently sincere,
+opened the meeting by reading a chapter from the Old Testament; he
+took his text from the chapter read, and to their surprise preached a
+real orthodox sermon, differing little from what they had often heard
+from itinerant Methodist preachers passing through their
+neighborhood.  On the way back to their camp Mulhall berated himself
+for not attending the Methodist meeting as originally intended; he
+resolved to do so the next evening, and all the others said they
+would accompany him.
+
+True to the resolution, preparations were made to {50} go as the next
+evening approached.  Ben had left early in the morning to look after
+their cattle running at large in the Missouri bottoms with thousands
+of others belonging to the numerous camps, and at dusk had not
+returned.  Three of the oxen could not be found; whether they had
+strayed off on their own account or had been stolen he could not
+tell, but strongly suspected the latter.  He did not return until
+dark and then was tired and hungry; Kate said she wouldn't go until
+Ben had dinner, and her mother was of the same mind.
+
+Mulhall lost interest in the meeting when Ben came with the news; the
+loss of three of his best oxen would be very serious, and he was then
+in no mood to think of anything else.  Early the next morning Kate
+saddled Nell and Ben borrowed a saddle for Ned; after an early
+breakfast the two mounted and started down the wide river bottom to
+look for the strays.  Toward the end of nearly an all-day search they
+were found about seven miles from camp; but from that time on either
+Ben or the new hired man always stayed out with the herd.
+
+A few mornings after the night watch had been inaugurated Ben, having
+had Dick for a bedfellow the night before, remarked, "I golly, I
+snuggled up close to his back and slept as warm as wool."  That was
+the beginning, for him, of an experience shared by many pioneers,
+including the author; and is the origin of the term "bedfellow of the
+ox."
+
+A few evenings later, when everything was still and {51} calm, and
+not a breath of air stirring, Mulhall, while sitting in front of his
+camp, heard a number of voices in the distance.  The sound came from
+the direction of the Methodist camp; he thought he caught a word or
+two, but was not sure.
+
+Just then a gentleman passing by asked, "Do you hear the Methodists?"
+"Is that noise of voices we hear the Methodists?" Mulhall asked.
+"Yes, they have been going on that way for an hour," answered the
+stranger, who passed on and disappeared from sight.
+
+Kate and Catherine had both retired for the night, but Mulhall
+resolved to go and hear what they were saying and see what they were
+doing.  He walked briskly in the direction of the sound, sure enough,
+it was a "Methodist awakening," as the participants expressed it.
+
+The reader would not doubt this part of the narrative if he had ever
+attended a meeting of the "shouting Methodists" of Indiana in early
+days, particularly after a sermon where endless punishment was
+preached for unbelievers.  Now the Squire saw some of the men and
+women who a few days before were sedate in their industrious camp,
+shouting and violently gesticulating; some were fairly dancing in an
+ecstasy of joy, others praying or lying down as if in a trance or
+stupor.
+
+When, after waiting three weeks, Mulhall's turn came to cross the
+river, he concluded to send one team and wagon ahead with the tent
+and cooking outfit; {52} Ben and Kate went along with it to establish
+and prepare the camp for the remainder of the party.  About
+mid-stream the boat upset.  The heavy running-gear of the wagon
+immediately sank out of sight; but the bed, though partly submerged,
+and with Ben and Kate in it, continued to float, though it was being
+carried away from the scene of the mishap by the strong current.
+
+Sometimes the outfit would sink to near the top of the cover, and in
+another moment the whirl of the turbulent current would leave the
+greater part of it visible again.  Ben managed to remove the cover
+that had entrapped them, so they were not in immediate danger of
+drowning; he at once began throwing heavy things overboard, the stove
+first and then whatever else could be found to lighten the load.
+
+At a bend of the river in sight from the crossing, the bed grounded
+on a sand-bar projecting upstream from the head of an island, and
+swung around broadside, affording the imprisoned occupants a safe
+landing.  Seeing their peril, two Indians plunged fearlessly into the
+Missouri, and swam out to the rescue; others immediately followed in
+canoes, and soon landed both of them safely on the west side of the
+great river.  Yet we sometimes hear thoughtless people say, "there
+are no good Indians but dead Indians!"
+
+Kate returned to the Iowa side by the next boat, but Ben remained
+awhile longer on the west side to care for the team that had swam
+across.  One wagon, {53} the yokes, chains and a considerable part of
+the outfit had been lost.  After arranging for the care of the team,
+Ben crossed back about dark to rejoin the remainder of the party
+still waiting there, and to consult with the Squire.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: NEAR CATASTROPHE IN CROSSING THE MISSOURI]
+
+Illustrating a scene witnessed by the author and many other Pioneers
+to the Oregon Country.  The sinking of the wagon, endangering the
+life of Kate Mulhall, the heroine of this story, and her rescue by
+Ben Hardy, as described on the opposite page, make a stirring
+incident of overland travel in the early 50s.  An interesting
+reference to this "near catastrophe" a half century later, will be
+found on page 231.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: TYPICAL EMIGRANT OUTFIT ON THE OREGON TRAIL]
+
+"Prairie schooner" unit of a line made up of vehicles drawn by
+horses, mules, oxen or cows, with three yoke of oxen (driven by a man
+walking along the left-hand side of the farther yoke), followed by
+the captain of the train and protected by an armed guard at the rear.
+Many an outfit like this one starting out in good condition was
+reduced to the situation illustrated in the drawing on page 75 before
+the end of the long journey.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+At the time of the accident, Catherine was at the camp and knew
+nothing about it until told by Kate herself; then she fell upon her
+knees to offer thanks for the rescue of her daughter.  When told that
+Kate had been saved by Ben's courage and cool-headed action, she gave
+way to tears of joy and gratitude, and exclaimed, "Where is he?
+Where is he, the dear, dear boy?"  When he arrived, mother Mulhall
+kissed him again and again; even the Squire had difficulty in
+controlling his emotions, while Kate seemed dazed and said little.
+Of course the deep gloom in the camp was accompanied by rejoicing
+that there had been no loss of life.
+
+The emigrants flocked around to praise Ben's act of bravery; but he
+made light of it, saying anybody but a coward would have done the
+same, and he wasn't entitled to any special praise.  That evening an
+elderly Quaker with his wife and daughter came to Mulhall's camp.
+
+"We came to see thee," he said, "to join in praise to God for his
+mercy in restoring thy son and daughter to thee; and further to tell
+thee the Spirit moves us to proffer aid to enable thee to repair thy
+loss."  The Squire was deeply impressed with the evident sincerity of
+the man, and felt to some extent relieved {54} from the feeling of
+depression he had been striving to dispel.
+
+Catherine was unable to conceal her emotion or control herself; the
+shock upon the poor woman's nerves had been too great.  Kate arose
+from a cot to assure her mother that she would be all right again in
+a little while, but seemingly without effect until the Quaker lady's
+sympathetic words wrought a change of promised relief.
+
+One of the ferrymen came into the camp and witnessed the scene of the
+Quakers striving to alleviate Catherine's anguish.  The two women
+were about the same age; and the daughter of the Quaker family had
+been a great comfort to Kate in her distress.  Grasping the
+situation, and seeing that he could do nothing at the moment, the
+ferryman soon withdrew, beckoning Mulhall to follow him outside.
+
+"I come," he said, "to tell you we think we ought to replace your
+wagon and outfit, and will do so to-morrow.  A number of parties who
+have concluded not to go any farther will sell their wagons and
+outfits at a reasonable price.  Come and see us in the morning."
+
+At the moment Mulhall was more concerned about his wife than over the
+loss of a part of the outfit; but the calls of the Quaker and the
+ferryman were appreciated more for the sympathy manifested than for
+the offer of material aid.  The Quakers stayed until long after
+midnight.  Catherine had been induced to lie down; and with the hand
+of the good {55} Samaritan on her brow, had fallen asleep and
+peacefully rested.
+
+Kate's companion had exercised much the same influence upon her as
+the Quaker mother had upon Mrs. Mulhall; and shortly after midnight
+she also passed from consciousness to sweet slumber.  The three
+visitors then noiselessly withdrew, and deep silence fell upon the
+camp.  Catherine slept late and awakened calm, and reassured when she
+found that Kate was up and preparing breakfast.
+
+True to promise, on the following day the ferryman gave the Squire
+his choice of three wagons and outfits; and before night he was ready
+to cross the Missouri to the Indian Country, then extending across
+the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.  Mulhall was confronted
+with a perplexing situation--one team was now on the west side of the
+river, and the other on the east or Iowa side.  The hired man, who
+shall be nameless, seemed to delight in using his long whip-lash on
+the oxen, and goaded them to unnecessary exertion; and had proven
+very unsatisfactory in other ways.  His language was also offensive;
+and when the Squire found that he had been indulging immoderately in
+liquor, summarily discharged him.
+
+Fortunately for Mulhall, at this juncture Douglas Craig, the young
+man with the outfit presented to him by the ferryman, came highly
+recommended and expressed a desire to continue on the trip; the
+Squire immediately engaged him, and never had cause to {56} regret
+it.  As soon as Mulhall could move his camp to the landing, he
+crossed over without much difficulty, leaving Ben to follow when he
+could get the cattle up from the bottoms.
+
+That night the campers heard the shrill whistle of a steamer from
+down the river, and soon saw the lights of the "Ajax" as it moved
+slowly up to the landing.  A great throng greeted the captain as he
+came ashore, and vociferously clamored to be ferried across the
+river, with the promise of extra compensation if done that night.  So
+the occupation of the open-scow ferryman was gone, and the steamer
+took its place; after that a hundred wagons with their teams were
+crossed by day and nearly as many at night.
+
+One can scarcely imagine the confusion that followed the congestion
+on the one road leading, out from the landing place on the western
+side of the river.  Outfits had been separated and cattle gone
+astray, children were separated from their parents, and thieving
+Indians mingled with the throng.  Mulhall soon brought together his
+outfit (small as compared with some trains of fifty wagons) and drew
+off to a nearby camping place.
+
+He had been cautioned by the missionary not to join in the rush to
+drive furiously forward, as others would certainly be doing.  Kate
+became very impatient at the delay of a day that her father
+considered necessary to have everything in readiness.  On the fourth
+day they were confronted with a narrow {57} but deep river; and there
+was another struggle to get across.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: USING A WAGON-BOX AS A "BOAT"]
+
+Many of the Pioneers crossed the rivers on the Oregon Trail with all
+of their outfits, except the oxen, in the manner shown by the
+illustration.  At best it was a hazardous adventure; at one place on
+the North Platte nine men were drowned in making the attempt.  The
+author crossed the Snake River twice by this method and swam his
+oxen; this photograph, taken in 1912 on the "Loup Fork," a tributary
+of the Platte River in Nebraska, shows his improvised craft in the
+middle of that great stream, and will convey some idea of the dangers
+encountered by the emigration of which he was a part.  See pages 57,
+69-70 and 213.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The confusion was increased by many coming into camp every hour day
+and night.  Some were using a scow ferry entirely inadequate to
+accommodate the great numbers suddenly brought upon the scene; others
+were crossing on rafts, and still others in their boat-shaped
+wagon-boxes.  A few had constructed "bull boats" (a light form of
+willow twigs, with a buffalo hide bottom).
+
+Douglas Craig, the new man of the Mulhall outfit, proved to be an
+expert horseman and an all-around stockman; he soon managed to get
+the cattle over, while Ben crossed the wagons.  An account of the
+experiences and daily incidents of even one such outfit as Mulhall's
+in its slow progress westward would fill a larger volume than this.
+So we will attempt only to briefly sketch the trials confronting the
+bold pioneers who passed over the Oregon Trail in the early days
+before the rivers were bridged, supply depots established or
+protection from the Indians given by the Government.
+
+"What's that dark shade on the land?" Kate asked her father as she
+rode up to his carriage.  Mulhall turned his glass in the direction
+indicated for a moment and replied, "Why as I live, that's buffalo."
+In the clear atmosphere of the plains an object many miles away often
+seems near-by.  Kate was ready in an instant to go and bag some big
+game, but knew her mother would not consent; so she called to Ben,
+{58} "Take my rifle and Nell, and get one.  I'll drive your team."
+
+By this time the whole line on the road had discovered the herd, and
+nearly all the men were making preparations to join in the big hunt.
+Just ahead there seemed to be a great commotion, teams turning out of
+the road and horsemen riding furiously back and forth.  One, racing
+down the line, shouted in a loud voice, "Unhitch, unhitch; form
+corrals with your wagons; a buffalo stampede is coming.  Quick,
+quick; don't shoot, don't shoot;" and like Paul Revere, he passed on
+to repeat the warning.
+
+Mulhall had fallen in with several independent outfits and in the
+evenings the group had been forming a circle of wagons to guard
+against the loss of stock and lighten the burden of the night-watch.
+In a very short time the wagons were arranged and the loose stock
+placed inside the circle; but the buffalo were all traveling in one
+direction on their annual migration, not a stampede.  Nothing but
+some insurmountable obstacle could turn the herd from the course that
+its almost incredible numbers were pursuing.
+
+In their migratory movements buffalo are, as one might say,
+controlled by instinct like birds of the air.  Here was a living
+mass, to all appearances one vast unit, passing over many miles of
+the trail, each animal traveling in the same direction as if guided
+by a compass or the North Star.  The emigrants could do no more than
+guard their own stock and let {59} the buffalo continue their
+majestic procession for hours.
+
+After the mass had gone on and only stragglers remained in sight, the
+ban against shooting was removed and an exciting buffalo hunt was on.
+Ben followed Kate's suggestion by taking Nell and trying with his
+rifle to bring down a fat buffalo cow.  Not being either an expert
+horseman or a crack shot, he had a rather prolonged and exciting
+race; but finally succeeded in securing a fine heifer.  He could have
+more easily shot an old buffalo, as many did; but was out more to add
+to their depleted larder than for the excitement of the chase.
+
+When Ben returned to camp it was evident that he was in virtual
+collapse, his strength nearly gone and his pulse weak.  Thoroughly
+alarmed, mother Mulhall did everything she could to arouse him from
+the stupor into which he had fallen, but all to no purpose.  Kate
+fairly ran over to the near-by camp for a doctor, who partially
+revived him but cautioned him to be careful and patient for several
+days.  When questioned, the physician answered evasively as to a
+possible fatal result.
+
+An epidemic of cholera was ravaging the camps and taking a fearful
+toll; only the day before the Squire and Catherine halted the
+carriage before a newly made burying-ground and counted forty-four
+graves, none more than three days old.  Only those in the best of
+health seemed immune from the scourge.  Mother Mulhall reproached
+herself for consenting to {60} let Ben go on the hunt, and retired to
+pray in secret for his recovery.
+
+Kate showed unmistakable evidences of deep grief, and also blamed
+herself for having encouraged Ben to go; she remained by his bedside
+throughout the night, and was reluctant to leave when morning came.
+As the day wore on there were signs of recovery, and by the third day
+he had sufficiently improved to warrant resuming their journey.
+Meantime more than a thousand wagons had passed on, leaving many
+detained in stricken camps to bury their dead.
+
+Mulhall had been a witness to the great epidemic that lined the trail
+for a thousand miles with uncounted graves of dead pioneers.  He had
+lost considerable weight on the way; how much he did not know, but
+realized the fact by the fit of his clothes.  Catherine said the
+difference in food had wrought the change, to which the Squire
+responded that in such case he would probably lose in strength, while
+he felt stronger than for many years before.  The fact gradually
+dawned upon him that the regular exercise taken on the trip had
+increased his strength while reducing his weight.
+
+Under the hot sun Kate became tanned, but lost none of the fire in
+her eye nor her cheerfulness of spirit, although her patience was
+often tried by the wilful ways of the loose stock.  The two little
+sisters helped her part of the time, until the sand became too hot
+for their bare feet; but were always welcomed {61} in the carriage
+driven by their mother.  When Ben was transferred to the carriage,
+their place of refuge was gone; after that one at a time would ride
+behind Kate, or she would often trudge along afoot while the two
+little ones rode Nell.
+
+All the past glamour of the trip had now gone out of Kate's mind; but
+she could not admit to herself any regret that they were on the way
+to Oregon.  At least they were free from the hated question of
+slavery!  Then her mind would revert to Pelton, with the thought that
+she might have been too rash in her manner of rejecting his advances;
+had she known what her father knew--that Isaac intended at all
+hazards to free his slaves--grief would have seized her in spite of
+all efforts to restrain it.
+
+Kate had intuitively come to discern what was in her father's mind
+with reference to Ben, and believed that her mother felt the same way
+as her father.  When such thought came into her own mind, the vision
+of Pelton rose above them all.  Love Ben?  Yes--as a brother; and
+then she would try to think of something else.
+
+"What's this?" Squire Mulhall asked aloud rather excitedly to
+himself, stopping his team in the middle of the road.  Soon both
+wagons were driven to the outside, opening a passage for other teams
+pressing on from behind.  "What's happened, stranger that you are
+here by the roadside with no team?" It needed only a short time to
+explain that the family had started across the plains with a {62}
+neighbor who owned a team; but after some altercation, the neighbor
+became abusive, stopped and hurriedly pitched the bedding and
+clothing of the others out of the wagon, driving on with all the
+provisions.
+
+"How long since?" the Squire asked.  "About two hours ago," the
+stranger answered.  "Put your things in my other wagon and let your
+wife and children get in here until we reach camp tonight," said the
+Squire, thoroughly aroused and with indignation manifest in his
+voice.  "Perhaps we will overtake the brute by nightfall."
+
+The family consisted of husband and wife, both apparently honest and
+intelligent, and three small children, the oldest about eight.
+Leaving his team in charge of the stranger as soon as they were back
+on the road (which was literally filled with passing wagons and loose
+stock), he soon found Kate; and taking Nell, rode on ahead as rapidly
+as possible.
+
+He soon encountered a train of a dozen wagons which had no sooner
+been passed than another one of thirty was overtaken; each vehicle
+closely followed the one in front, and to make headway it was
+necessary to ride alongside the road, often obstructed by sage-brush.
+That evening the Squire said he believed that he had been obliged to
+go around at least five hundred wagons to gain five miles on the
+moving trains, all the while keeping a sharp lookout for the outfit
+which abandoned the family now traveling with him.
+
+It was learned that the culprit, who had been {63} recognized by the
+description, passed on just before dark and would probably travel all
+night.  Three armed men were mounted and given instructions to
+continue on far enough during the night to be sure they were ahead of
+the outfit, and then to stop and wait for it.  Just at daylight they
+overtook the guilty party and soon convinced him that resistance was
+useless and submission to arrest his only safe course.
+
+The "unwritten law" of the plains was a tacit consent that all
+grievances, misdemeanors or accusations of crime must be laid before
+a jury of elderly men; and no one should take the law into his own
+hands--in a word, no mob violence.  Squire Mulhall soon succeeded in
+bringing together several of the older pioneers, who resolved to take
+immediate action; swift and adequate justice was administered, and
+the incident was almost immediately closed.  This code of action
+prevailed all along the line; no one was punished without a hearing,
+but there were no delays on technicalities, or any appeals.
+
+Mulhall's trail followed the track that Marcus Whitman had made from
+the west bank of the Missouri River nearly two decades before, when
+that famous missionary was on the way to overtake the expedition of
+the American Fur Company before it reached the Indian tribe reported
+as hostile to white men passing through their country.  It will be
+recalled how Dr. Whitman swam the Platte where it was a mile wide,
+and re-crossed with the cattle until nearly exhausted, while Mrs.
+Whitman and {64} Mrs. Spalding were towed over in a frail bullboat by
+two Indian women swimming, accompanied by Indian boys who assisted
+them heroically.
+
+On the sixth day out from this river, definite information was
+received that a camp of thirty Indian lodges was disputing the right
+of the emigrants to proceed farther without payment of toll for each
+wagon.  A number of outfits which had already refused to pay were
+encamped there; Mulhall considered this a wise move until he could
+reconnoiter and find out just how serious the situation was.
+
+After the rumor of the obstruction had been confirmed the evening
+before, the firing of a rifle startled the camp.  Unobserved, Kate
+had slipped out of the camp with her rifle; if there was going to be
+trouble with the Indians, she would have a fresh load in it.  The
+next day, when her father had concluded to go ahead and ascertain the
+facts about the detention, Kate said she would go along.
+
+Mulhall had not thought of taking arms with him; but Kate noticed
+that a number had gone forward carrying their guns, and said it was
+better to be prepared.  Catherine firmly approved the move, and added
+that they would put the camp in best shape possible for defense.
+Experienced pioneers all agree that the most retiring and apparently
+timid women usually were the most courageous in times of danger on
+the plains, whether from Indians or other causes.
+
+Kate mounted Ned, bareback, while her father {65} rode Nell.  It was
+a ride of six miles past several camps and many teams standing in the
+road; and hundreds of excited men were found at the point of
+detention.  The place chosen by the Indians was a small ravine where
+a recent washout had been bridged by a train of emigrants that had
+passed on sometime previous.
+
+On the farther side the Indians were camped; most of the men were
+mounted, but had not put on their war paint.  They were intending to
+dispute the crossing until payment was made for passing through their
+country--a plausible claim, as the white man's government had made no
+treaties with them.
+
+Here the dilemma--whether to pay toll or force their way
+through--confronted the responsible men of the emigrant column.  Was
+it just to force their way across the country if the Indians owned
+it?  What right had the white man to pass through it, kill their
+buffalo, turn his oxen out on their range to eat off the grass, or to
+burn the scant supply of fuel?
+
+Many of the pioneers had never thought about this and were puzzled;
+but when the Chief said, "One cow, one wagon," all saw instantly that
+to submit meant the disintegration or even stopping of the whole
+emigration.  As that tribe did not claim to own the country farther
+than to the next river crossing, a similar demand might be made again
+and again.
+
+While the improvised council was discussing this {66} question, there
+was a great commotion.  Many who did not go near the council had
+driven their teams close to the disputed bridge-head, when one bold
+pioneer spoke in a loud voice, "You fellows get ready to follow; I'm
+going across that bridge if I have to run right over an Injun!" and
+he did.  The Indian narrowly escaped; other teams followed in quick
+succession; the blockade was broken, and for the next twenty-four
+hours, day or night, scarce a moment passed without a wagon on that
+bridge.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: UNDER THE YOKE FOR THE FIRST TIME]
+
+In their struggles to shake it off, Brindle and Star had reversed the
+yoke, as described on page 38.  Large numbers of cows were "broken"
+like oxen, and in many instances helped to make up a "team."  This
+incident is recalled, half a century later, by the visit to the old
+homestead in Missouri described on page 234.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+[1] See "The Missionary's Story," pages 235-283.  E.M.
+
+
+
+
+{67}
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+  TRIALS OF THE LONG TRAIL; DANGEROUS RIVER
+  CROSSINGS; THE DEATH OF CATHERINE; WEST OF
+  THE ROCKIES; SEPARATION OF THE PARTY; NEW
+  HOMES IN THE OREGON COUNTRY.
+
+
+The Dust--clouds of which were so dense that oftentimes the leaders
+of a team could not be seen--became almost intolerable.  Kate adopted
+the sensible practice of starting early in the morning with the
+carriage and loose cattle so that her mother might escape as much of
+it as possible.  One day Mulhall saw her riding hastily back to the
+team.
+
+"Father," she exclaimed, "Ned has dropped dead in the harness and the
+carriage can't go any farther."  Craig had been ill for several days
+and Mulhall was driving the team.  Leaving it to Kate, he rode ahead
+to find Catherine in distress and his favorite, trusty horse lying
+stiff beside the carriage.  Unsaddling Nell and harnessing her
+alongside Dick, the Squire started the outfit on the road, advising
+Catherine to camp as soon as a suitable place could be found.
+
+The little twin girls had forgotten their loose stock, which by this
+time was widely scattered; part of it had gone on with the other
+herds, and some was on either side of the road.  One old lame cow,
+Beckey, had laid down where the carriage stopped {68} and was
+unwilling to resume the journey.  It was late in the evening when all
+came together at the camp; three head of stock were missing; water
+could be procured only from a deep ravine half a mile distant; no
+fuel was in sight for a camp fire, and "buffalo chips" had
+disappeared from near camping grounds.
+
+With Ben's assistance, Kate unyoked both teams and started the oxen,
+whose tongues were out from thirst, and such of the loose stock as
+could be found, to the ravine for water.  The entire party had been
+without water for several hours before reaching camp; and how could
+they prepare food without it, or fuel or Kate's help?  Anyhow the
+oxen must have the first attention, and water procured for the camp;
+and it was a question whether or not they could get all the oxen out
+of the ravine after their thirst had been slacked.  It was past
+midnight when Kate lay down to rest, and for the first time on the
+trip she gave way to grief.  Her mother had gone to bed supperless;
+Kate had seen for some time that Catherine's strength was failing,
+and realized that the strain was likely to become too heavy for her
+to bear--a thought which fairly stunned and even terrified her.
+Blaming herself for favoring abandonment of the Missouri borne and
+undertaking the long trip, nature finally relieved her by deep and
+restful sleep.
+
+Mulhall and his fellow travelers had come to dread river crossings
+without bridges or established ferries more than the Indians, dust,
+the fatigue, lack of {69} grass for the oxen or anything else on the
+trail.  All were rejoiced to be safely across one, and hopeful that
+the next would be less dangerous; but in this they were often doomed
+to disappointment.
+
+As they left the sluggish current of the main Platte River to ascend
+its chief tributary the North Platte, the current was found to be
+swifter as the trail led gradually up the east slope of the Rocky
+Mountains.  An account of the crossing of one of these, written upon
+the spot at the time by W. P. Woods and preserved in his diary, will
+illustrate the difficulty and dangers to be surmounted:
+
+
+Thursday, June 21, 1849--We made an early start and drove 12 miles to
+the mouth of Deer Creek, where we found teams crossing the Platte.
+Four boats, each consisting of two dug-outs fastened together, had
+been made by emigrants who had crossed before and gone on, others
+buying their rights and continuing the work.  We paid $3 per wagon
+for the use of the boats, and swam the oxen.
+
+Just before reaching here the accidental discharge of a gun by a
+member of the Pittsburg Company, who was unloading a wagon to make
+the crossing, killed a man from Illinois, the ball passing through
+the body just above the heart.  A man was drowned here yesterday; and
+just 12 miles above seven men have been lost in two days while
+rafting their wagons across.
+
+
+Friday, June 22, 1849--We were roused early, and in good season
+commenced crossing our wagons.  The line for two miles along the
+river bank presented as busy an aspect as it ordinarily does in St.
+Louis, or any other small town in the States.  Wagons in pieces,
+boxes and chattels of all kinds made a scene of extraordinary
+activity far out in this uninhabited western country.
+
+Our "boat" was called the "Two Follies and Betsy," from their being
+two dugouts, with a log between them.  Joining forces with the twelve
+Cincinnati mule trains, the "boat" started off in style with 30 men
+to cordelle it against the current.  The men were obliged to work in
+the water, which {70} rendered it quite unpleasant; but by 4 o'clock
+P.M. we were across, and then drove the oxen down to swim.
+
+With all of our efforts, swimming and wading from that time until
+dark, we could only get three of them across; so had at last to let
+them return to the shore, and were obliged to keep watch of them
+until morning.  The water is remarkably swift and cold, the low
+temperature probably due to our proximity to the snows of the
+mountains.  To the south of us, about four miles from the Platte,
+there arises a range of very high pine-clad hills, which appears to
+terminate in the Laramie Mountains.
+
+
+Saturday, June 23, 1849--Again resumed our labors by recrossing the
+river for the purpose of crossing our ox-teams, but at first with no
+better success than the day before.  Here we witnessed scenes far
+surpassing anything the imagination ever conceived--the long to be
+remembered crossing of the Platte.  No pencil can portray or pen
+depict the scene as it really was.
+
+Fancy for one moment our feelings on observing the vast aggregation
+of oxen, mules, horses and wagons mixed indiscriminately with men
+clothed, half-clad and even almost naked, encountering the elements
+that were temporarily stopping our progress.  By about noon we
+succeeded in crossing; but both men and teams were extremely
+exhausted.
+
+The onlookers witnessed sights ranging from the laughable to the
+alarming.  In one place six men were assisted ashore by hanging to
+the tail of a mule, with a rider on him at that, while in another
+case extreme efforts were being made to save a man from drowning.  A
+boat, with a wagon containing women and children, sank but was saved
+by striking a bar.
+
+I was carried by the swift current outside the jam of cattle, and
+saved myself by catching hold of the tail of an ox as I passed him,
+and letting him tow me to shore.  Those scenes are over, though we
+shall long remember them.  We yoked our teams and drove on over a
+very rough sand road for about four miles, where we encamped on the
+river hank to feed our oxen and rest ourselves.  Many a man here
+wishes himself back in the States.[1]
+
+
+For a considerable sum, Mulhall secured a means of crossing by a
+train which had been provided for the emergency; and though not
+detained or endangered, {71} was much relieved when safely landed on
+the opposite shore.  He knew, however, there were two more crossings
+of a mighty river on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains about a
+thousand miles ahead of them.
+
+Catherine's strength had rapidly declined, and soon after the
+crossing just described it became evident that the day of her long
+rest was near at hand.  Mulhall's first impulse was to stop and camp
+until she recovered her strength; but if he dropped out of the
+passing throng and was left alone, the peril of Indians would be
+greatly increased.  He was in the mountains with no permanent
+settlements--in fact none on the whole length of the trail beyond the
+Missouri; during the winter which would be coming on with heavy falls
+of snow, his teams would undoubtedly perish, and his party suffer for
+lack of food and shelter.
+
+Taking charge of the carriage himself and driving carefully, he
+fancied that Catherine's strength was gaining; but alas, was doomed
+to disappointment.  The sorrowful end was not long delayed.  Among
+the fleeting clouds well up on the eastern slope of the Rockies,
+nearly a mile and a half in altitude above the home they had left in
+old Missouri, they buried her in the shifting sands of the Sweetwater
+River Valley.  Her last words to Kate, "Take good care of father,"
+rang in her ears ever afterward; and she did--loyally and
+faithfully--until the last day of his life.
+
+{72}
+
+Nearly prostrated by the calamity that had befallen them, Kate felt
+that she did not want to go any farther; but gradually recovered her
+sense of duty to the little orphaned sisters, her father and herself.
+The anguish in leaving the lone grave can only be known to those who
+have been through some such experience; and the thought that the
+little mound of sand would soon be leveled by the fierce winds of the
+mountain slope added poignance to the already overwhelming grief.
+
+Craig deeply sympathized with the stricken family.  Little Sarah, one
+of the twins, who was of an age to realize her great loss and yet not
+old enough to be resigned--if that age ever arrives--would not be
+calmed when the hour of burial came.  She clung to the rough box
+containing her mother's body, and with pitiable outcries pleaded with
+her father, "don't leave her here; _don't; don't!_"
+
+"Child, do you see the rift in yonder mountains?" Craig asked.
+Between deep sobs she answered, "Yes."
+
+"That's Split Mountain, two thousand feet high," Craig continued,
+"none other like it anywhere in sight of the trail.  The two
+mountains stand so close together the space between them seems from
+here like a black ribbon, although, we know they are many rods apart."
+
+The child fixed her gaze intently on the mountain while Craig
+continued, "That is almost exactly north of where your mother's grave
+will be; I saw the North Star last evening just above it."
+
+{73}
+
+Craig had arrested the child's attention for the moment, and in a
+tone of sympathy asked, "Did you notice those tracks in the stone
+made by the wagon wheels just where we turned off the trail to this
+camp?  They are so deep they will last forever."
+
+Craig had drawn the child's attention away from the bereavement, but
+had not arrested her deep grief; and added, "Those tracks will tell
+you where to stop to look for your mother's grave, if you ever come
+out to search for it when you grow up to be a woman--no others like
+them."
+
+This thought impressed the little girl as no other words Craig had
+ever spoken.  Between the long infrequent, tremulous sighs that could
+not be suppressed, she looked imploringly and trustfully into Craig's
+eyes while he continued, "You remember that grave we passed marked by
+a wagon tire half sunk in the ground?"
+
+"Yes," answered Sarah, hesitating a moment, "I remember the name,
+'Rebecca' inscribed on the tire, but have forgotten the other."
+
+"Winters," Craig thought to himself, and then said, "that's it,
+Rebecca Winters.  Now my little friend, I'll mark your mother's grave
+the same way, so you can find it the longest day you live;" and his
+own tears dropped on the hand of his little friend, which he held in
+his.
+
+The scene was enough to melt a heart of stone; the faltering voice,
+the Scotch brogue, the deep sympathy with the distressed child, and
+Sarah's {74} trustfulness somewhat relieved the feelings of all, and
+the burial was completed in silence.  Craig immediately afterwards
+disappeared from the camp, and returned after dark with a wagon tire
+noticed a few hours before they had camped.  It was from one of the
+several wagons that had been burned--mute evidence of a massacre
+where none were left to tell the story.
+
+Douglas Craig was an all-around, handy man; in his native country he
+had worked as a smithy, and was an expert with metals.  Early the
+next morning echoes of his work could be heard; he was inscribing the
+name, "Catherine Mulhall, died 185-; aged fifty-seven."
+
+All day long this labor of love went on with scarcely long enough
+intermission for a hasty dinner.  Kate and the little girls went out
+in search of flowers to decorate the grave, and were rewarded by
+finding an abundance of wild roses and several other varieties of the
+flora in that region.
+
+Kate noticed a very small but well formed pine tree that seemed
+likely to grow into a suitable landmark.  The thought came to her
+mind that they might transplant it to grow on the grave; and Ben said
+they could, without disturbing the roots.
+
+Both busied themselves nearly all day changing the beautiful little
+tree to its new home and planted it, with roots undisturbed, at the
+head of the grave, with a vigorous wild rose bush.  The girls
+gathered leaves and decaying wood to mulch the ground.  Before
+nightfall, the little mound built over the sacred {75} spot was
+partially leveled down, covered with flowers and the inscribed wagon
+tire set in place.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: A CORRAL AT AN OVERNIGHT STOP ON THE TRAIL THROUGH THE
+INDIAN COUNTRY; SEE PAGES 58 and 169]
+
+The illustration shows the nature of the precautions adopted for
+defense--soon abandoned when trains began to disintegrate and break
+into smaller units, making it easier for the Indiana to attack and
+sometimes massacre a company, with a result like that shown in the
+illustration opposite page 175.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: ALMOST "DOWN AND OUT"]
+
+Scenes like this were frequent on the Oregon Trail in the 50s, and
+are vividly remembered by a few survivors, including the author of
+this volume.  Many suffered from thirst, hunger and exhaustion,
+particularly on long drives through the desert regions; sickness and
+death often disrupted or even annihilated families.  When wagons were
+worn out or broken beyond repair, they were sometimes cut down to
+carts or abandoned, and members of the party continued along on foot,
+driving their live stock.  Most of those who passed through
+experiences like this survived the hardships of the overland journey,
+and some of them became leading citizens of the Pacific Coast and
+Rocky Mountain States.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The throng of moving teams could be traced for miles by the clouds of
+dust floating in the air; and the wagons were seen on the trail,
+which passed within a half mile of the grave.  Both horses lost flesh
+until they appeared like skeletons; and it was decided to leave the
+carriage there.
+
+Nearly all the horses of the emigrants had died for want of food and
+overwork, or both; and Mulhall feared he would soon lose his if
+conditions did not improve.  He had lost one ox by straying; another,
+lamed, was sold to a trader, and now a second one had gone lame.  It
+became necessary to reduce one team to two yoke, or yoke up an
+unbroken cow with the odd ox; the Squire chose the latter
+alternative, with one team weakened.
+
+Though at the eastern line of the Oregon Country when the summit of
+the Rocky Mountains was crossed, they were not yet half way on the
+long journey.  Reaching the crest of the Continent at the South Pass,
+they camped a short distance off the Trail; and when morning came
+found banks of snow in the hollows and on the northern slopes, and
+thin ice in the camp bucket.
+
+A month later the party was struggling along the banks of the Snake
+River, which had to be crossed twice; and they were still confronted
+by the Blue and Cascade Mountain ranges.  Apparently it was only a
+question of time when Mulhall would be {76} compelled to leave one of
+the wagons; this he did at the lower crossing of the Snake River,
+where two young pioneers[2] had lashed two wagon-boxes together, and
+constructed a platform to enable them to run a wagon onto it and
+cross the river without unloading.
+
+Mulhall soon arranged to send over the wagons by this improvised
+ferry, swimming the oxen and horses.  Ben mounted one of the horses
+and rode ahead as a decoy, while Craig and friendly helpers urged the
+oxen into the river until deep water was reached, when all followed
+Ben's lead and crossed safely.  While this was being done, a woman
+died from exhaustion, leaving three little orphaned children to the
+care of the stricken husband and father--a pathetic incident which
+revived Kate's grief.
+
+Men were never more loyal to one another than Ben and Craig were to
+Mulhall.  From all appearances, they might have been his own sons;
+Kate had treated them as brothers and the whole outfit including the
+little twins, were like one family.
+
+For several weeks Ben and Craig counseled between themselves as to
+the advisability, or possible necessity, of leaving father Mulhall
+after the last crossing of the Snake River, and going ahead on foot.
+Craig had carefully ascertained the amount of food on hand and
+calculated the quantity used each day to supply six persons
+constituting the party; and demonstrated to his own mind there was an
+insufficient {77} supply for the remainder of the trip, probably at
+least another three weeks.
+
+"We ought to go ahead, Ben," Craig said in his broad Scotch brogue,
+particularly when considering grave subjects.  "The two of us are
+consuming one-third of the daily food," he continued; "and, Ben, did
+you ever think of what an appalling calamity of famine would have
+overtaken us all had it not been for so many[3] dying on the way?"
+
+"Won't you speak to father Mulhall about it?" Ben hesitated to
+approach the Squire on the subject lest he might think of the
+suggestion as a proposal of desertion.  "Well, I'll talk to him,"
+Craig said, seeing that Ben was reluctant to do so.
+
+When broached on the subject by Craig, the Squire would not agree to
+it at all.  The sacrifice and danger to Craig and Ben was too great;
+better go upon short rations and all keep together; leave one wagon
+and kill one ox--"Anything rather than to have 'the boys' take the
+risks and endure such hardships," he said to Kate.
+
+That very morning Kate had given breakfast to two "tramps," who had
+been without food for forty hours, "Except a few grasshoppers, but
+not many," as one of them, a lad of twelve,[4] naively said, "they
+were too hard to catch."
+
+{78}
+
+A near famine now confronted the whole of the emigration; and finally
+all agreed that it was best for the two to go ahead on foot as they
+had discussed, for the young men could travel farther in one day than
+the ox-team could in two.  Before reaching a final conclusion Ben and
+Kate consulted together, keeping their own counsel as to what passed
+between them.  Ben and Craig had great respect for the Squire--if
+indeed affection would not be the more appropriate word; and it was
+with genuine feelings of regret that they parted from him.
+
+On the fifth day, when it was estimated that they were a hundred
+miles ahead of "father Mulhall," as they now called him, the young
+men met the relief train coming out from Portland to the rescue, and
+arranged to have him supplied with such articles of food as they knew
+Kate and he needed most.  Mulhall received the letter Ben had written
+and the provisions with tears of affection for "my boys," as he was
+fond of referring to them.
+
+The supplies sent out to relieve the pressing wants of the incoming
+pioneers were not for sale, but for relief.  If a man could pay, all
+right--the money received would be used to purchase more; but the
+majority who were unable to do so, were supplied without obligation
+as to future payment.  Ben and Craig soon felt their strength failing
+from reduced rations; so when they heard of supply trains ahead, they
+resumed their usual allowance, and soon regained normal condition.
+
+{79}
+
+Knowing that she must be uneasy about him, Ben wrote to his mother at
+the end of his journey, and even before he slept under a roof.  The
+trip had taken nearly two months longer than expected; and now he
+learned that another month would be required to send a letter back to
+Missouri.  Under present circumstances he could not encourage Linda
+to think of coming to him, or expect that he could soon return to her.
+
+Would she conclude that his love for her had declined, or lose faith
+in him if he wrote of the most insuperable barrier that now lay
+between them?  At the time it occurred, he had written to Linda the
+facts of Kate's and his adventure in crossing the Missouri.  The
+gossips had wagged their tongues and surmised that because he had
+rescued Kate, she would feel under obligations to marry him; and
+Squire Mulhall ardently wished that that, or something else, would
+bring about such a result.
+
+Ben and Kate were both annoyed, but could do nothing to silence the
+busybodies; to deny it would only whet their zeal.  So much talk
+going the rounds of the camp set Ben to wondering if the same gossip
+prevailed in his old neighborhood; and if so whether or not it had
+come to Linda's ears.
+
+In this perplexing mood Ben went to bed inside a dwelling for the
+first time in more than half a year, and woke up in the morning with
+the memory of pleasant dreams of home and Linda.  His anxiety to
+secure a home in the new country had not abated {80} one jot or
+tittle from the time he parted with her on the memorable Sunday
+evening before starting with Squire Mulhall for Oregon.  The last
+words from Linda, "I'll be true to you to the end, Ben," still rang
+in his ears as if spoken but yesterday, and had followed him across
+the greater part of the continent.
+
+At the parting with Kate he had given up his secret, reluctantly but
+prompted by intense loyalty to the girl of his choice.  If anything
+should happen to him, he wanted Linda to know from Kate of his
+undying love for her to the last; and from Kate's own lips, or by
+letter from her, the senseless nature of the gossip concerning them.
+
+Another matter he wished to confide to Kate--he was going to Oregon
+to secure a home for Linda and himself; and desired to make provision
+that Linda should fall heir to it in the event that he should die
+before they married.  Ben was prompted to these serious thoughts by
+the experience of being close to death's door twice on the trip--once
+in the near catastrophe while crossing the Missouri, and again at the
+buffalo hunt, from both of which he had emerged without serious
+consequences.
+
+He regretted to be parted from his mother for her sake and from Linda
+for her sake, but took very little thought for himself.  The tenets
+of endless punishment after death, widely taught in his boyhood days,
+never found lodgment in his brain.  He believed in a God of love, not
+of vengeance; and while clinging {81} to the present for the sake of
+those he loved, was resigned at any time to pass to the future life.
+
+Douglas Craig and Benjamin Hardy had become fast friends; their
+mutual trials and duties had drawn them closer together as the
+journey progressed.  "There isn't a lazy bone in Craig's body," the
+Squire said to Kate one day, to which she responded that the same
+could be said of Ben.  Mulhall readily assented, saying that he had
+been blessed with "two of the best boys God Almighty ever made;" and
+added, "your mother thought the same, God bless her memory."  Kate
+made no response, but the tears that came to her eyes at the mention
+of her mother's name expressed a deep and abiding sorrow.
+
+In the morning Ben learned that it would be eight days before the
+next mail to "the States," as the pioneers were accustomed to speak
+of all the country east of the Missouri River; and so did not write
+to Linda as planned.
+
+"Ben, I've a notion to go with you to hunt a claim," Craig said when
+he noticed the preparations Ben was making for the trip.  "I don't
+like the idea of parting with you just now," he continued; "besides,
+maybe it's best for me to take a claim anyway, and not depend
+altogether upon working at my trade."
+
+And so the two "boys," who had come down the Columbia River and to
+the southern part of the great territory, started off in search of a
+home for each.  Mulhall had determined to go into the northern {82}
+district of the Puget Sound; so they did not expect to meet him until
+such time as they learned where he had located.  After many days of
+searching, the spot that suited them was found, and a line agreed
+upon between the two adjoining claims.
+
+"I golly," Ben said, "why can't we build one cabin and locate it for
+the line to cut through the middle?  You can have your bed in one
+end, on your claim, and I can have mine in the other end on my
+claim;" and then he added, "if you want to work at your trade a part
+of the time you would not lose your residence; and if I"--.  But Ben
+stopped there, for he was near to revealing his secret, if he had not
+already done so by his manner and confusion.
+
+The pact was sealed and the cabin built; and here for the present we
+must leave our young friends to trace the fortunes or misfortunes of
+Squire Mulhall and his three girls.  In due time also we shall learn
+whether or not Ben could leave his claim before the four years'
+residence required by the law to secure a title; and whether Linda
+remained true to him through all that time.
+
+When Ben and Craig passed out of sight over the crest of the hill
+ahead, following the trail with packs on their backs, Mulhall could
+control his emotion no longer: and tears coursed down his cheeks as
+he spoke in a tremulous voice to Kate of their noble character and
+self sacrifices.  Kate, more demonstrative than her father, gave way
+without restraint to manifestation of distress in voice and weeping.
+{83} Observing the unusual scene, little Sarah joined with childish
+soothing words to Kate and her father; but the more she said the
+deeper their distress, until all restraint was abandoned and the
+three were relieved by tears and words of praise for the two "boys."
+
+David Mulhall, even though mild-mannered and gentle, was a man with a
+stout heart, and fully realized the gravity of the situation
+confronting him.  It was a race with famine and lingering starvation
+or death.  If he undertook to increase the speed of travel as some
+had done, his oxen would probably fail and leave him without a team;
+having noticed several such instances, he resolved to pursue the even
+tenor of his way.
+
+The first formidable barrier to be met was the Blue Mountain ranges,
+which must be crossed at an altitude of about 4,200 feet; that steep
+ascent could not be avoided, and many outfits were stranded along the
+slope of the mountain.  To lighten the load in the wagon, some
+clothing was packed on the horse Ned, while the girls and the Squire
+walked.
+
+By a succession of short drives and long rests, the summit was
+reached, though a long stretch of rough roads and steep hills was
+still ahead.  While not hazardous, the descent into the plains
+extending to the west and north was tiresome and tedious; it
+presented a scene of enchantment seldom equaled--the whole covered by
+a carpet of luxurious grass, dotted here and there with bands of
+Indian ponies and tepees of Indian villages.
+
+{84}
+
+Mulhall was now about twenty-five miles from the site of the Whitman
+Missionary Station, where help was given to all in need until the
+fateful day of the massacre, November 29, 1847.  Here, at the foot of
+the mountain, Mulhall left the trail of Ben and Craig, who had
+followed the Columbia route down the river leading to Portland, and
+joined the gathering hosts of the migration along the new trail
+northward to Puget Sound.
+
+It was a daring and momentous decision.  Two formidable barriers were
+in the track--the mighty Columbia, the second river in length and
+volume of water on the Continent, and the Cascade Range, which proved
+to be the most formidable mountain obstruction of the whole trip, far
+greater than that of the Rockies.
+
+As they passed the site of the former Whitman Mission, Mulhall
+tarried to view the locality which had witnessed the activities of
+Dr. Marcus Whitman and his gifted wife, Narcissa Prentiss Whitman, in
+their efforts to implant the Christian religion in the breasts of the
+Indians, and where they had relieved the suffering of many pioneer
+emigrants during eleven years of heroic struggle to maintain their
+mission.  The day of the supreme sacrifice came unheralded, as
+recalled by the grass-grown graves of the thirteen victims, which
+Mulhall viewed with bared head in the presence of the three
+daughters, who had so recently witnessed the closing of the earth
+over the precious remains of their mother.  When {85} shown the small
+grave and told the story of the drowning of the only child of the
+lonesome mother, Narcissa Whitman, Sarah's grief again became
+inconsolable, and only with great difficulty was she persuaded to
+leave the sacred grounds.
+
+The Columbia River, more than a mile wide and with a swift current,
+was directly in their path some thirty miles away.  How they were to
+cross was not yet definitely known, but it was the general belief
+that at the Hudson's Bay Company's fort, situated on the bank of the
+river, there would be some means of getting over it.
+
+After two more days of driving, Mulhall drew up to the camp of more
+than two hundred detained emigrants.  The first train to arrive,
+consisting of 148 people with thirty wagons, finding no means of
+crossing, undertook to build a boat large enough to carry a loaded
+wagon or several oxen.
+
+Driftwood lodged on a sand-bar above the fort furnished the material,
+and a whip-saw was set to work cutting the lumber; it ran day and
+night, and in eleven days the boat was launched.  Then the first
+crossing was made, and in four more days all were safely across,
+after the loss of fifteen days of precious time.
+
+Whether or not snow in the mountains would block the trail, weighed
+heavily upon the minds of the whole company.  The abundant grass in
+that locality had greatly strengthened the oxen and enabled them to
+make good progress, though as no wagons had {86} gone on ahead, it
+was necessary at times to stop and open the way.  Measured by the
+current of the river they must follow, there were still about 200
+miles between the crossing of the Columbia and the settlements on
+Puget Sound, about 100 of the whole following mountain streams.
+
+Evidences of that drive through the gorges had been left, sometimes
+on sand-bars with rounded boulders imbedded in the sand, and then in
+the shallow streams.  Other marks had been made on slippery boulders,
+until deep water compelled the emigrants[5] to cross the river or
+open a road through the timber and underbrush--one alternative and
+then another, until 62 crossings of the river were thus crudely
+recorded.
+
+Just beyond the summit, a rim of almost perpendicular rock was
+encountered, so steep that it was impossible to drive the wagons down
+the declivity.  Three steers were killed, and their hides cut into
+strips to lengthen the ropes assembled from the train; in that way
+thirty wagons were let down the mountain with the loss of only one of
+them.  The tree used as a snubbing post was deeply encircled by the
+wear of the ropes and finally killed; but it stood {87} sentinel over
+the scene for another quarter of a century.
+
+When Mulhall emerged from the deep forests of the foothills west of
+the Cascade Mountain range, he was fairly dazed at the sight that
+confronted him; and could scarcely believe his eyes.  The evergreen
+trees were so tall and dense that they obscured the light and made it
+difficult to read common print at the noon hour, while the bright
+shining sun spread light and warmth over the tops of the forest
+giants.  All through the mountains, the eyes of the pioneers had
+become accustomed to a lesser light than they had encountered in the
+open country.
+
+That forest is one of the greatest and most notable on the Continent
+or in the world.  Giant firs grow to a height of three hundred feet;
+large numbers of them measure six feet, with here and there one eight
+and in rare cases even twelve feet, in diameter.  A monster tree
+fifteen and a half feet through at the base, and probably a thousand
+years old, could be seen as one laboriously followed the trail.
+
+The mind of the Squire was affected in just about the same way as if
+he had suddenly emerged from a dark room into bright sunlight, with
+his eyes dimmed by the glare; it required time to recover and grasp
+the change.  He had arrived at what is locally known as "Elk Plains"
+on the eastern margin of the famed Nisqually Plains, a wide extent of
+prairie country extending to the Nisqually River, twenty miles away
+to the south and nearly that distance to Puget Sound {88} on the
+west.  The whole intervening space was interspersed with numerous
+small, clear lakes with pebbly bottoms into which the creeks emptied
+their limpid waters.
+
+Occasionally a creek would issue from a lake fed by springs in the
+bottom; in other cases there was no inlet or outlet, and yet the
+water was as pure and sparkling as that running in the creeks.  Here
+and there were small groves of evergreen timber surrounded by the
+prairies to lend enchantment to the landscape, a veritable fairy-land
+in the eyes of the wearied pioneers.  Unexpectedly, off to the east,
+a large number of sheep were seen quietly grazing on the stunted
+grass that covered the soil.
+
+Starting to drive toward one of the lakes, Mulhall suddenly came upon
+a herd of cattle that fled at the sight of his wagon and took refuge
+in a near-by grove.  Kate was sure she saw three deer fleeing with
+the cattle--the latter now as wild as any creature that roamed the
+plains.  At about the same time, a band of Indian ponies was suddenly
+encountered, as the outfit rounded a point of timber; the wild scene
+was then re-enacted as the ponies, with heads and tails in the air,
+snorted and ran.
+
+The sight of the deer fired Kate's imagination; she thought of the
+rifle in the wagon, but could not stop to try her hand on the game of
+that region.  She thought of Ben, who had saved her life--and Pelton
+too.  No flowers could grow in the deep forests; but here on the
+prairies and margins of the lakes and {89} creeks many species, the
+wild rose predominating, grew to perfection.  The little sisters
+eagerly picked some of the first flowers they had found for many
+weeks, and brought them to Kate as they had formerly done to their
+mother.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Photograph from Washington Historical Society, Tacoma
+
+[Illustration: MONUMENT TO BE SEEN ALONG THE CLOVER CREEK HIGHWAY,
+ABOUT TEN MILES SOUTH OF TACOMA, WASHINGTON]
+
+Here, in Mr. Meeker's story, Kate Mulhall unyoked her oxen for the
+last time: see page 89.  The inscription on the monument will be
+found on the reverse of this leaf.
+
+[Over]
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+  Fac-simile of inscription upon the monument shown on the reverse
+  of this leaf:
+
+  OCTOBER
+  1853    1913
+
+  COMMEMORATING
+  THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
+  OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE
+  FIRST EMIGRANT TRAIN
+  COMING DIRECT TO THE
+  PUGET SOUND VIA THE
+  NATCHESS PASS.  THEY
+  MADE THEIR LAST CAMP
+  OCT. 8TH 1853 ON THE
+  BANK OF CLOVER CREEK
+  THREE FOURTHS OF
+  A MILE SOUTH OF THIS
+  MONUMENT
+  ERECTED BY
+  WASHINGTON STATE HIST-
+  ORICAL SOCIETY--PIERCE COUNTY
+  PIONEER SOCIETY MEMBERS--DE-
+  SCENDANTS AND FRIENDS OF
+  THE NATCHESS EMIGRANT TRAIN
+
+[Over]
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The Squire soon came to the camp[6] on the margin of a creek, where
+he found more than half of the pioneers who had gone on ahead; and
+here, about twelve miles from Puget Sound, Kate unyoked her oxen for
+the last time.  A fine carcass of beef had been sent there for them
+by the Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company with the message,
+"divide this among yourselves;" and a near-by farmer brought a
+wagon-load of vegetables to give out "free for everybody."  Just then
+a team arrived from the fort with sugar, salt and other provisions,
+of which they were greatly in need, and told the pioneers to help
+themselves.
+
+All day and well into the night stragglers came in, some with teams
+and others with packs on their backs--all tired and hungry.  Fearing
+that their teams might be unable to climb the hill out of the valley,
+a few had stopped at the last river crossing, and early next morning
+an expedition was sent to assist them.
+
+As evening fell, all were safely camped together, with the
+consolation that not one life had been lost in the struggle over the
+mountain range.  All of the {90} 148 attended a prayer-meeting held
+by the light of the camp-fires; the pent-up feelings of emotion were
+usually accompanied by silent tears of joy, though some gave way to
+boisterous manifestations of thankfulness for deliverance from the
+hazards of the trail.
+
+Kate's spirits had risen; but not so with her father, who had made
+the perilous trip to secure a home and a farm.  This charming region
+was suitable only for grazing, and besides was in possession of a
+foreign corporation.  He was now in a strange land, without shelter
+for his family of girls or ready money, and so far as he knew without
+credit; with winter approaching, he could not stay in camp very long,
+and as he said afterwards, "I was stumped to know what to do."
+
+A large majority of those who crossed the mountains with him were in
+the same state of perplexity.  "I do not believe in that old saying,
+'misery loves company.'  To be sure, I did love that company of noble
+men and women, but not because they faced the trials that confronted
+me," was spoken many years later in a reminiscent mood.  Mulhall
+could not help being relieved at the happiness of the girls,
+especially the twins or "little buds," as he fondly called them.
+
+Sarah had recovered from the shock that so depressed her upon the
+death of her mother, and would often refer to her with tears of
+affection.  Not being old enough to enter deeply into or think
+seriously of the cares of life, the girls often joyfully roamed the
+{91} byways of the trail in search of flowers or anything new.
+
+"Mamma, what kind of a bird is this?" both asked at once.  They had
+now become accustomed to calling Kate "mamma," and she had not
+discouraged them in doing so.
+
+"That's a young robin," Kate answered, as she held the little bird in
+the palm of her hand; "where did you get it?"  "Mayn't we keep it as
+a pet?" Sarah anxiously inquired.
+
+"Yes," Kate answered, "but not as a prisoner;" and added, "it would
+be better off with its mother, don't you think?"
+
+"But its mother wasn't there; we found it on the grass and it
+couldn't fly," both again spoke at once.
+
+"Yes, but I am sure the mother was taking watchful care of her little
+one," said Kate.  The girls had set their hearts on having a pet, but
+agreed that it was not right to take the young bird away, and
+cheerfully returned it to the spot where they found it; after
+watching awhile they saw the mother bird come and feed the little one.
+
+The same evening the girls fairly raced to see who should first tell
+the story of an apron full of nuts they had found, and now exhibited
+them to "mam-ma."  "Where did you find them, girls?" Kate asked.  "In
+a hollow tree, the cutest little place you ever saw," Bess answered.
+
+"But that was the winter store of a squirrel; would it be right to
+rob the treasure of the squirrel, which {92} might starve before
+winter ended?"  The girls hadn't thought of it in that light; next
+morning without any further word from "mamma," they returned the nuts
+to the "cute squirrel's nest," and then started off for new
+adventures and discoveries.  All of them were greatly benefited by
+the vigorous outdoor life; the father was delighted to see the rosy
+cheeks of the little girls and the returned sparkle in Kate's eyes.
+
+"I have in my pocket a document that would be worth thousands of
+dollars back in Missouri; but here, where there are no banks, it is
+not worth the paper it is written on.  What is the good of it if one
+can't get the money the writing calls for?  No more than a pile of
+gold two thousand miles away from anything to eat," he said ruefully
+to Kate.
+
+He was not going to be idle; but the more Mulhall looked over the
+near-by country, the less he liked it.  Passing nearby the Hudson's
+Bay Company's fort he decided to go in and thank the Chief Factor for
+the beef sent to the pioneers; and to his surprise found a large
+stock of well assorted merchandise on the shelves of the store and
+numerous customers, principally Indians, buying or bartering furs for
+goods.
+
+Asked if he wanted to purchase anything, he answered that he had no
+money, whereupon the clerk, Edward Huggins, surmising that he had
+something to barter, suggested that he see the Chief Factor.  The
+Squire hadn't the least thought of buying anything when he went into
+the fort; but he did want to see {93} the head official and thank him
+for the beef.  He met Dr. William F. Tolmie, a slightly corpulent man
+with flowing locks and an almost florid complexion, who spoke with a
+Scotch brogue and had the bearing of a kindly gentleman.
+
+"Oh, that's nothing at all," he said in response to Mulhall's
+expression of thanks; "you could have had much more than that if you
+needed it."  As the thought of the paper in his pocket and the
+possibility of using it to establish a credit flashed through his
+mind, he produced the precious document and handed it to the Factor.
+
+A look of surprise followed the examination, for it represented a
+large sum for that time and place.  "Do you want the money on this?"
+the head official quietly asked, to which Mulhall--fairly stunned and
+for once off his guard--replied, "Not all of it now, but I do
+urgently need some immediate supplies."  "You can have either
+supplies or cash as may best suit your convenience--all of it, or
+part as you may wish, though we would be perfectly willing that you
+take all of it."
+
+After a dinner with the Factor while dressed in his well-worn
+plainsman's garb, which the host appeared not to notice, the business
+was consummated; and Mulhall received from the great Company a
+certificate of deposit payable on demand.  A cart was loaded with
+supplies and dispatched to his camp, and a servant was directed to
+take him to it.  Mulhall arrived there first, and found Kate a little
+dejected, as {94} the flour was all gone and only vegetables were in
+sight for the coming meal.
+
+She was surprised when the Squire leaned over her and imparted a kiss
+of joy at having rescued his little family from want, while the girls
+stood near-by in silent wonder.  The pressing situation had been
+carefully concealed from the children, who were now accustomed to
+being limited in the variety of food; and when told that they could
+not have bread for supper, thought nothing of it.  They were always
+associated with the memory of the cherished wife and mother now
+peacefully sleeping in the sands of the Sweetwater Valley near the
+summit of the Rocky Mountains; and "let them be happy" ran in the
+minds of both their father and Kate.
+
+Within two years after Mulhall had completed this to him important
+arrangement, a very different scene was enacted a few miles distant.
+The American Government at that time began dealing with the Indians
+in the country west of the Cascade Mountains as tribes by making a
+treaty[7] with them; and a sorry mess was made of it by adopting the
+policy of driving the hardest possible bargains regardless of the
+future welfare of the Indian or the white race.  Before another year
+elapsed a small war followed, with massacres of whites and Indians
+alike, a situation in which Mulhall became deeply involved.
+
+The great Hudson's Bay Company that so long ruled the Oregon Country
+was an English corporation, {95} with headquarters in London; it was
+incorporated May 2, 1670, for the purpose of trading with the Indians
+of North America.  Owing its origin and growth primarily to the fur
+business, it did not undertake to develop the agricultural
+possibilities of the country, a policy which had a far-reaching
+effect upon the history of that region.
+
+Had the Company encouraged settlement, as the Americans did when they
+arrived from the eastern and central western States, the final
+solution of the question as to which Government would come into final
+ownership of the Pacific Northwest might, and probably would, have
+been different.  It is generally believed that the firm hold of the
+American home builders influenced the minds of the English statesmen
+to yield in the final negotiations; they could not very well displace
+the large numbers of Americans who came to stay and build up the
+country.
+
+Wishing to avoid legal complications in the region where Mulhall and
+his comrades had landed, the management of the Company had organized
+a subsidiary under the name of the Puget Sound Agricultural Company;
+and thus thinly disguised, occupied the Nisqually Plains with their
+sheep, cattle and horses, plowed the fields and erected cabins, but
+for occupancy by employes instead of independent home builders.  The
+Factors (managers) of the Corporation were cultured gentlemen, known
+for their fair dealings alike with Indians and white people,
+following the policy of the parent organization; and it was {96} with
+the head official in that district that the Squire had dealt.
+
+After the arrival of the cart loaded with supplies from the fort,
+Kate sent part of them to several pioneer families that yet remained
+in camp, and then revised the plan for their own dinner.  Most of the
+big company had scattered, some to the timber camps, others to the
+shores of the Sound where shell fish abounded and a few to claims,
+already chosen, upon which they proposed to make their future homes.
+
+The first and most urgent problem was that of shelter for so many new
+arrivals.  In one notable instance a large hollow cedar stump served
+as "home" for a family of six until the husband and father was killed
+by the Indians.  The pathos of that story, with many a parallel in
+American history, is mentioned here to illustrate the difficulties
+and dangers encountered by the emigration of which the Squire and his
+family were a part.
+
+After dinner Mulhall and Kate took counsel far into the night, while
+the little girls were sleeping on their beds of boughs as peacefully
+as in a palace.  The faint yelping of a pack of coyotes in the
+distance could be heard; and the cougar (closely allied to the
+American panther) that infested the country, was abroad seeking his
+prey.  But Kate and her father paid no heed except to the all
+important subject as to their future; and it was midnight before a
+final conclusion was reached.
+
+The opening of a farm under the varied and often {97} trying
+conditions prevailing in that region was very different from what
+they had been accustomed to in Missouri; and Mulhall was past the
+meridian of life.  Why should he undergo a long period of toil to
+secure a competence, when he was possessed of sufficient means to
+live without the sacrifices incident to pioneer life on a new
+homestead?
+
+Kate said, "Let's go to the county town where the girls can attend
+school and there are neighbors;" her father was of the same mind and
+that question was speedily settled.  Then they thought of Ben Hardy,
+to whom Mulhall had promised one of the teams upon their arrival in
+Oregon as extra compensation for his services in crossing over the
+trail.  Not a word had passed between them about that understanding
+at the parting of the Snake River, after which the Squire was reduced
+to one team, and it was doubtful whether or not he could complete the
+long journey with the one that was left.
+
+"If I only knew where to reach him, I would send him enough money to
+buy a team," said Mulhall.  Ben had gone into southern Oregon while
+the Squire had moved into the northern part, several hundred miles
+away; they might be five hundred or even a thousand miles apart, for
+Oregon was a big country without roads or the means of speedy
+communication.  Where Ben had settled, or whither he had gone, was a
+problem difficult to solve.
+
+Kate said, "I hear there is a newspaper in Oregon; let's advertise."
+Mulhall thought a better plan {98} would be to secure a list of post
+offices and address a letter for Ben to all of them; "Anyway," the
+Squire said, "we must not leave a stone unturned till we find the
+boy."  Both retired to sleep and forgot their fortunes or
+misfortunes, but with a firm resolution to find Ben if they could.
+
+Following the decision to remove to the county town, Mulhall soon
+purchased a nearly finished house at the county seat.  The thriving
+village, built upon a slope facing west and fronting on a wide bay of
+Puget Sound, presented a charming view of the distant range of
+mountains bordering on the sea with perpetual snow-mantled peaks; the
+landscape of dark evergreen forest covered the islands and mainland
+in the nearer view.
+
+The wide bay was dotted with Indian canoes floating on the tide twice
+each day; and at intervals a ship would pass or drop anchor in front
+of the village to discharge freight or barter for a cargo of timber.
+The fort, a group of log cabins situated a short distance back from
+the water-front and out of sight of it, commanded a splendid view of
+the landscape.
+
+In the farther background, west of the Cascade Range, was Mount
+Rainier, completely encircled with a wonderland of timber and
+flowers--once seen never forgotten, and always cherished as the sight
+of a life-time.  That majestic mountain of the American Continent,
+"kingly and alone," a great dome separated from the mountain range,
+standing nearly three miles high and covered with perpetual snow, is
+the father {99} of seven rivers and twenty-eight glaciers, and has a
+base of several hundred square miles.  The alpine flower beds are
+simply wonderful to contemplate; according to John Muir, there are
+two hundred square miles between the timber and the summer snow-line
+circling the dome, with literally several thousand varieties of
+flowers, some of which force themselves up through the receding snow.
+
+Kate at once took up the task of searching for Ben.  Writing the
+first two words, "Dear Ben," she stopped to ask herself might he not
+think she penned them with a deeper meaning than merely a friendly
+beginning of a letter?  However, Ben was dear to her; he had saved
+her life, had been loyal to her father, was always kind to all,
+industrious and truthful.
+
+Before she had time to fully analyze what was passing in her mind,
+Kate began to realize that she was thinking of Ben more than as a
+brother.  Her pen hovered over the paper; but she finally laid it
+down with nothing more than the two words already written.  That
+evening at supper Kate asked her father if it would not be best for
+him to write to Ben.
+
+"Oh, no!  You know I scarcely ever write a letter; besides I am very
+busy on the house," replied Mulhall.  "You write, Kate, it's just as
+well."  The Squire did not have the least suspicion of why she should
+want him to write to Ben instead of doing so herself.  If he had, the
+more he would have preferred {100} that Kate write, for he sincerely
+wished that she should marry the "dear boy," as he always thought of
+him.
+
+Kate did not undertake to write to Ben that night, and the paper with
+the two words on it remained on her table untouched.  The idea that
+Ben might interpret them in a different way from what she intended
+would not down, while she half realized that they meant more to her
+than she was willing to acknowledge.  Not for mountains of gold would
+she betray the secret Ben had confided to her, and stand between his
+love for her very dear friend, Linda Shaeffer.
+
+But Linda was more than two thousand miles away, with what Kate
+thought an insuperable barrier between them.  The paper with the
+words "Dear Ben," was kept for several days without another word
+being added to it; and in fact the letter was never written.  Kate
+hesitated to trust herself.
+
+Hadn't she now abandoned all hope for the fruition of her first love,
+with a pang of regret and bitterness as she thought of Pelton?  She
+would resolve never to marry, but hereafter devote her life to
+altruistic work for young girls.  Kate had no knowledge of Isaac's
+resolution, while at that very moment he, with the one absorbing
+purpose in his mind, was feverishly carrying out plans to make the
+trip to Oregon and win her for his wife.
+
+A few days later an advertisement appeared in the two Oregon
+newspapers asking Benjamin Hardy to communicate with David Mulhall at
+a certain post {101} office, and learn something of interest to him.
+As weeks passed without response, the Squire and Kate were greatly
+worried, and wondered if some accident had befallen him.  She then
+began writing to postmasters with no better results.
+
+Kate was almost in despair.  Might it not be possible that he had
+found a good location, taken up a claim and then started back to
+Missouri for Linda?  More weeks passed, then months; and yet not a
+word came.  There was ever a warm corner in her heart for the
+playmate and companion of bygone school days; and she would never
+relax her efforts to unravel the mystery of his strange disappearance.
+
+Ben was hard at work, in ignorance of the search for him; but often
+wondered what had befallen father Mulhall, as he always thought of
+the Squire, Kate and the little girls after their separation on the
+Snake River.  He had written to Linda, but months elapsed and no
+answer had come.  Though often alone in his cabin with only one
+neighbor in sight, he was too busy to be lonesome; Craig was off
+working at his trade most of the time while Ben was making
+improvements on both of their claims.
+
+Once a month Craig would bring supplies to the cabin, stay over
+Sunday and then be off again.  They sorely needed a team; and Craig
+was gradually saving so that they might be able to buy one by
+planting time in the spring.  Ben gave no thought to the
+understanding by which he was to get a team from Mulhall; he would
+have rejoiced to hear of the safe {102} arrival and good fortune of
+the kind-hearted family which had treated him so tenderly in his
+sickness and, as he believed, saved his life.
+
+Ben had written a second letter to Linda, receiving no reply; but
+attributed the delay to the slow and uncertain mail service.  He was
+now in vigorous health, gaining in weight to surprise even himself;
+the pale spare face disappeared and a ruddy complexion took its
+place.  Pure Oregon air, simple diet and steady work had developed
+him so that an old-time acquaintance would hardly have known him.
+
+At last a letter written in a spirit of gloomy forebodings, came from
+Linda.  She had heard of the misfortunes of the Mulhalls, and could
+not see how she could ever reach Oregon; but remembered her vow to be
+ever loyal and true to Ben no matter what happened.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: REDUCED TO A HAND CART]
+
+A considerable number of Mormons traveled to Salt Lake City as shown
+in this illustration; described on pages 48-49.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+[1] While somewhat unusual to insert a quotation in a work of this
+character, no better description of the difficulties and dangers of
+crossing the Platte in pioneer times has been, or is ever likely to
+be written.  E.M.
+
+[2] Edward J. Allen and Ezra Meeker, the author of this historical
+narrative.--Editor.
+
+[3] It is estimated that fully 5,000 died that year on the Oregon
+Trail.
+
+[4] The author knew the lad who made the remark and of his
+experience; he was afterward a successful merchant in Tacoma,
+Washington.
+
+[5] The author personally knew a large majority of the people in that
+train, several of whom became prominent in the affairs of the
+Territory just founded, among them the actual personalities
+represented in this story by David Mulhall and his daughter Kate.  Of
+the 148 comprising it, not one of the adults is now left, and only
+two or three of the younger members who vividly remember these
+events; their generation has nearly passed, but the memories of their
+deeds fortunately remain.  E.M.
+
+[6] A granite monument, suitably inscribed, erected by the State of
+Washington to perpetuate the memory and location of this camp,
+attests the importance of the event.  See illustration and
+inscription inserted here.  E.M.
+
+[7] The Medicine Creek Treaty, December 26, 1854.
+
+
+
+
+{103}
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A MASSACRE AND A WAR; KATE MULHALL, DEPUTY SHERIFF; A RACE FOR A
+WIFE; THE WEDDING AND CHIVAREE; A DELAYED AND ADVENTUROUS HONEYMOON
+ON PUGET SOUND.
+
+
+The great body of pioneers just arrived, like those who had preceded
+them, were honest and earnest Christian people, though as in all
+movements of large numbers of men and women, there were a few mere
+adventurers.  Some left their former abodes for the good of the
+country and their own safety; others had fled from the consequences
+of unhappy marriages or acts of indiscretion, and though seldom
+criminals, preferred to let the past life fall into oblivion.
+
+So a "Mr. Smith" one might meet in the new community may have been
+Mr. Jones before leaving his former place of residence.  These were
+not necessarily bad men in the common meaning of that word, but were
+making a new start, generally with the firm purpose of leading
+upright lives in the future.  The reason for referring to this phase
+of pioneer life will appear later.
+
+Many thousands of Indians roamed through the country at the time of
+Mulhall's settlement in the new land of opportunity.  A friendly
+feeling then prevailed between the races as such, and instances {104}
+of sincere friendship between individual Indians and whites were not
+uncommon.  This ought never to have been disturbed.
+
+The honorable policy of the Hudson's Bay Company had won the
+confidence of the Indians by always keeping promises and giving fair
+value in trading with them; and they were inclined to believe in the
+rectitude of white people in general.  Unfortunately this good
+opinion was soon changed to one of distrust and hatred.
+
+Agents of the American Government came into the country to make what
+may, by courtesy, be called "treaties" with the natives.  The
+simple-minded and unsuspecting Indians were overreached, inveigled
+into surrendering their rights to practically their entire hunting
+grounds,[1] and otherwise outrageously wronged.  Indeed, when the
+nature of these transactions became known at Washington, the
+Government made restitution so far as possible, but too late to avert
+a cruel conflict.
+
+{105}
+
+That followed a massacre on October 28, 1855, by infuriated Indians
+of innocent pioneers--men, women and children--thirty miles away.  A
+friendly native brought the appalling news to Mulhall during the
+night of the same day the tragedy occurred.  Consternation reigned in
+the little village, the people not knowing to what extent the Indians
+might go in wreaking vengeance upon the white race.
+
+Measures of defense were immediately taken by the villagers as best
+they could but they were not very effective.  A log cabin that
+sheltered and protected many others besides the owner and his family
+was soon built; and is still preserved in the village where Mulhall
+dwelt, seventy years after the event.
+
+A breach which at once occurred between the military authorities and
+the civil officials nearly came to a clash of arms; confusion reigned
+supreme, and conditions verged on anarchy.  The military, though now
+obliged to wage war against the belligerent Indians, condemned
+various acts of the civilians which brought on an unnecessary
+conflict.  Overnight Mulhall, it might be said by natural selection,
+became Sheriff.
+
+By obeying orders from the military headquarters, which ran counter
+to those of the civil court, he was arrested for contempt, carried
+off to another county and confined.  Before being taken away he
+slipped a paper into Kate's hand, saying in a low voice, "Conceal it
+quick," which she did.
+
+After her father's departure, when immediate {106} danger of further
+interference had passed, she opened the letter; and to her surprise
+found it contained an appointment as Deputy Sheriff during his
+absence.  It was a critical situation, in which she held the keys of
+the Court House and the jail, and possession of the premises.
+
+Would the opposition use force? and carry her off as they had Sheriff
+Mulhall?  The military commander said they should not, and sent a
+guard to protect her at the jail, while a number of citizens rallied
+to her support.  Before morning the excitement quieted down, cooler
+counsels prevailed, and she was able to safely leave for her home.
+
+Kate found the little sisters terrified, and their eyes reddened by
+weeping during most of the night for father and their "mamma."  They
+did not go to school the next day, but accompanied her back to the
+jail where all had dinner together.  By her tact and courage, Kate
+soon became the heroine of both the military and civil factions, as
+well as of the village; and conducted the office without opposition
+until the release of her father.  This brief reference to a strange
+incident of the old frontier throws an additional light upon the
+character of Kate Mulhall, and is at the same time an interesting
+glimpse of pioneer life.
+
+The jails of that day were without ventilation, sanitary conveniences
+or pretense of decency; all prisoners, civil and criminal alike, were
+usually huddled together in one room like sheep in a pen.  Under
+{107} these conditions it is not strange that the Squire's
+incarceration soon began to tell upon his health and strength.
+
+* * *
+
+Kate and her father were about a thousand miles out on the Oregon
+Trail when Isaac Pelton, still in Missouri, adopted a definite plan
+of action.  He had discreetly kept his own counsel, planted the crops
+as usual and pursued the even tenor of his way as if no changes were
+impending.
+
+One Saturday evening he mounted Ned and left home without informing
+any one where he was going, or how long he would be gone; and
+traveled all night to the county seat of Harrison County, adjoining
+the State of Iowa on the North.  His mission was to buy a few acres
+to give him legal standing as a landholder in that county; this done,
+he returned as mysteriously as he had gone.
+
+In its next issue, the _Gazette_, the local county paper, published
+an item to the effect that Isaac Pelton had bought land in Harrison
+County, Missouri, and was about to remove to his new home.  In the
+same issue appeared an advertisement offering for sale all his
+holdings of real or personal property, but not including his slaves
+and teams.
+
+Midsummer had just passed and harvest begun when Pelton and his three
+negroes left La Fayette County, in which he had lived so long; there
+was no molestation, or even a faint suspicion of what had {108}
+prompted the move.  Harrison County contained over ten thousand white
+inhabitants and only twenty-five slaves; upon arrival there, he filed
+his manumitting paper for record freeing the three, and came out of
+the Court House to receive congratulations wherever he went.
+
+Andrew and Jennie were in blissful ignorance of their master's
+intention to liberate them; and Pelton had been very careful not to
+drop a hint of it, acting on the principle that the only sure way to
+keep a secret is to say nothing about it to any one.  So now, when
+the long resolution was an accomplished fact, he felt a heavy burden
+lifted from his shoulders, and was in a mood of exultation for having
+performed a duty and accomplishing what he had so long contemplated.
+
+The first thing to do, however, was to break the news to Andrew and
+Jennie.  He was curious to see how they would take it, but was not
+prepared for the surprise that followed.
+
+"My Gawd-amighty, Massa, what'll I do?" exclaimed Andrew.  "You turn
+me out on the world to take care of myself and Jennie and Margie?  I
+hain't got no sense; I hain't got no nothin.  Jennie, honey, what'll
+we do?  Massa, I love you; I dun want to go way."
+
+Pelton had anticipated a joyous scene to follow the news of their
+freedom, but there was nothing but outcries and lamentations.  That
+was an exceptional case, though one like it occurred in the present
+State {109} of Washington, where a slave refused to leave his master;
+after a lapse of years, during which the infamous law debarring the
+negro from holding land was repealed, he was finally rewarded by
+inheriting the property.
+
+After the first outburst of grief, and upon Pelton's assurance that
+he could stay with him as long as he lived and that no one could take
+Jennie or Margie from him, Andrew shouted with joy and threw his arms
+around his old master to express his ecstasy.  A new light had shone
+upon him.
+
+Just before the falling of the leaves in the autumn after the
+departure of Squire Mulhall for Oregon, Isaac wrote to Kate a frank
+declaration of his love, and enclosed a certified copy of the court
+record confirming the manumission of the three slaves as stated in
+his letter.  He was restless in the new environment, at best only
+temporary; and counted with impatience the days and weeks, and
+finally the months, awaiting a response from Kate.
+
+None came.  After investigating the reported wreck of a mail steamer,
+he became convinced that the letter had been lost; and late in the
+midwinter following her departure for Oregon, wrote a second one.
+
+"Kate, come here," Squire Mulhall said one day soon after receiving
+mail by the semi-monthly steamer and pointing to an article in the
+local paper from his old neighborhood in Missouri, "Do you see that?"
+It read, "Isaac Pelton has set his three {110} slaves free and
+removed to Harrison County, near the border of Iowa."
+
+Mulhall was surprised when his daughter at once left his presence
+without making any comment or showing interest in the item he had
+just read.  Kate knew that she could not control her emotions, and in
+the solitude of her room gave way to self denunciation for her
+attitude when Isaac visited their cabin before they left for the
+Oregon Country.
+
+During all the trials of the long journey over the Oregon Trail and
+the anxieties afterward in their new home, the thought of Pelton
+would become upper-most in her mind in spite of all efforts to banish
+it.  Now that he was no longer a slaveholder, she could cherish a
+sentiment for him even though unaccompanied with hope that they would
+ever meet again.
+
+Finally, after nearly a year from their parting in the Missouri
+cabin, Pelton's second letter arrived.  Kate's emotions can better be
+imagined than described.  Her hopes had been all but extinguished;
+and now to have them suddenly revived came almost as a shock of pain,
+though mingled with joy.
+
+Kate did not answer at once; anyhow it would be nearly a fortnight
+before another mail would be dispatched to "the States."  A momentous
+question involving the future of her own life was to be decided; and
+as the days passed the task became more difficult.
+
+While in this state of mind, one of the little sisters fell seriously
+ill, calling for her almost undivided care; and she felt an increased
+responsibility for her {111} father and the two orphans.  Finally the
+letter was written and dispatched; but Pelton left for Oregon before
+it was delivered in Missouri, and never received it.  The contents
+remained a secret in her own breast, and as time passed brought
+regret that it had been written.
+
+James Price was an undisguised admirer of Kate, but fearing rejection
+of his suit, had never made formal advances, although nothing had
+transpired to either encourage or discourage him.  He was well aware
+that Kate would go to Oregon at all hazards if her father did, but
+rather shrank from the thought of accompanying them as a son-in-law
+in a subordinate position.
+
+After the Mulhall outfit left, Price berated himself for being such a
+laggard and entertaining a false pride; and resolved that he would go
+to Oregon the following year.  Price did not, like Pelton, disguise
+his intention to make the trip or his admiration for Kate; so it
+became common talk in the neighborhood that Price intended to go to
+Oregon to win her hand.
+
+A year after the Squire had left his home in Missouri, the _Gazette_
+published the information that James Price had started for Oregon
+with an ox-team, over the route followed by David Mulhall the
+previous year.  It expressed the hope that he might succeed in
+securing a home in the new country; and the people of the
+neighborhood interpreted this by adding, in their own minds--"and
+what is of equal {112} importance, a wife."  Pelton and in fact the
+whole neighborhood, knew of Price's admiration for Kate; and when the
+item appeared tongues were set to wagging that he was "going there to
+marry Kate."
+
+Price was well out on the way before Pelton became aware of it, and
+the fact that his rival had gone considerably disturbed his peace of
+mind.  He believed that the gossip as to what prompted Price to make
+the journey was true, but hardly thought he could have any assurance
+from Kate that would warrant the trip.
+
+"But suppose Price arrived and should renew his suit, what then?" he
+asked himself.  He knew that Kate respected Price, and when convinced
+that his first letter had been lost, was not sure that she would
+receive the second one.  The more he thought of it, the more agitated
+he became.
+
+"I'll go myself," he said one day; "I can go by the Isthmus and beat
+him there yet, and I'll do it."
+
+That night he was troubled with the thought of an unexpected
+obstacle.  When he freed Margie, Pelton had himself appointed as
+guardian to safeguard her liberty and prevent other parties from
+depriving her of it under the obnoxious law to which reference has
+been made.  Who that he could trust would now accept the
+responsibility?  Any number would be eager to secure her services
+while under age; but would shrink from the obloquy that would be
+attached to such a transaction.
+
+Besides, there was real danger from the "night {113} riders" that
+infested the county.  The slavery question was in the minds of
+everybody; only a small minority believed it was possible to abolish
+the system, and very few had the courage to freely express
+themselves.  It was before the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of
+1850, but the "underground railroad" was in full operation.  While
+not talking much openly, the Quakers usually supplied the "stations"
+for the escape of fugitive slaves.
+
+Eli Sumner, a staunch "Friend" residing not far from the Iowa line,
+had a large and commodious barn, as was the Quaker custom, but lived
+in an unpretentious house.  It was generally believed that he
+maintained an "underground station" on his premises, and that
+escaping slaves could trust him.  Nothing had been proven, but he had
+the name of being a Free-soiler; and was therefore under suspicion by
+the slaveholding class.
+
+Pelton realized how little time there was to spare if he would beat
+Price to Oregon; but he had fully made up his mind to undertake the
+long race.  Price couldn't average more than fifteen miles a day with
+his oxen; and by estimating the distance, Isaac believed he had an
+advantage of about three weeks.  But he might not make close
+connections; and furthermore, had a journey of nearly a thousand
+miles before reaching New York, a considerable part of it by
+stage-coach.
+
+"I'll trust Sumner," Pelton said to himself and next morning started
+off to see him.
+
+{114}
+
+"Yes, thee can bring them up here and I will do the best I can for
+them," the Quaker said after Isaac had explained his mission; "but I
+do not see why I should be appointed her guardian (referring to
+Margie), as Iowa is a free State."
+
+"Yes, but suppose the night riders should once get her across the
+line; might she not be helpless?" Pelton responded.
+
+"Well, just as thee thinks; they can have that little house, and I
+will give the man employment, or he can work where he wills."
+
+A load was lifted from Isaac's mind when he saw Andrew and Jennie
+safely in their new temporary home, and Margie under the guardianship
+of the good Quaker.  Depositing a considerable sum of money with
+Sumner for emergencies, and bidding farewell to them all, he left
+with a light heart, determined to send for them some day if he
+secured a home in the Oregon Country and won Kate for a wife.
+
+As the weeks passed, the great race was progressing slowly and even
+painfully for both participants, Price continued steadily on with
+pleasant anticipations of a hearty greeting from his old-time
+acquaintance, Squire Mulhall, and at least a cordial reception by
+Kate.  He knew nothing of Pelton's intentions or movements; if he
+had, it would not have hastened his arrival, for his average progress
+of two miles an hour could not be increased.
+
+Price had met and overcome the usual difficulties {115} of a trip
+over the long trail.  Unincumbered with dependents or loose stock,
+and with only one comrade selected from among his acquaintances for
+dependable character and aptitude for such an undertaking, the cares
+of the journey were much less than with those accompanied by their
+families.
+
+He had a light-weight covered wagon, in which they could sleep, and
+did not a carry a tent.  The team consisted of four trim
+five-year-old steers broken during the winter to work under the yoke,
+and two extras trained to be led behind the wagon.  One day's
+experiences represented nearly all the trip across the Plains.
+
+Camp was usually made early; one of them would at once take the oxen
+to water and grass, while the other would prepare the evening meal.
+Then one soon went to bed and the other out with the oxen; the next
+morning an early start was made with the night-watcher in the wagon
+asleep.  Sound and refreshing sleep was possible under the
+circumstances and practiced by many, seldom disturbed by the slow
+movement of the ox-wagon.
+
+Pelton did not find his journey to Oregon by the Isthmus route an
+agreeable one; quite the opposite, with some hardships and a great
+deal of discomfort.  Three days were lost in New York waiting for a
+steamer, followed by nine or ten days on the water, which passed
+quite pleasantly, then a crossing of the Isthmus--a difficult matter
+in those days, with the ever-present risk of tropical fever.
+Emerging on the {116} Pacific side, a second wait of three days
+ensued before another--and inferior--steamer could be taken to San
+Francisco, where Isaac arrived after heavy seas had blown the ship
+two hundred miles out of its course and added considerably to the
+delay.
+
+Five days were spent at the Golden Gate before an old and clumsy
+looking hulk left for the northern ports; the trip was slow and beset
+with dangers, and the boat narrowly escaped destruction while
+crossing the treacherous bar of the Columbia River.  But at last
+Portland, then a little village of probably not more than a thousand
+inhabitants, was reached; and as there was then no regular service to
+the Puget Sound country, Pelton was obliged to take a steamer plying
+on the Columbia River to the Cowlitz River, where a stage line
+operated over wretchedly bad roads a considerable part of the way to
+Olympia, at the head of Puget Sound; and from Olympia he employed an
+Indian with a canoe to take him to the little village where the
+Mulhalls had established a residence.
+
+Up to the last moment his mind was tormented with visions of Price.
+Had he arrived, and if so, how many weeks before?  How had he been
+received by Kate?  The time that Price could have arrived had passed
+by several weeks; and Pelton himself had been delayed long after the
+date he had expected to reach his destination.
+
+He soon found the house and walked boldly up to it with mingled
+emotions.  Kate was in the kitchen {117} preparing the evening meal
+with no thought that Pelton was any nearer than 2,000 miles; and when
+she opened the door in response to the knock outside, the two stood
+face to face.  One word from each other sufficed, "Isaac!" "Kate!"
+They fell into each other's arms; the long suspense was over, the
+race won, the goal attained--and the prize at last secured.
+
+James Price, whom Pelton had feared, was in reality no rival at all,
+so far as Kate was concerned.  No matter what aspirations he may have
+entertained, she had never thought of being anything more to him than
+an old-time acquaintance.  But the poor fellow never reached the end
+of the journey on which he started in the early spring.
+
+While plodding slowly along with his ox-teams, he was overtaken on
+the sage-brush plains of the Snake River by cholera, the dread
+scourge that proved fatal to many emigrants in those days; and he was
+buried in the sands of that desert region.  Both Pelton and Kate felt
+a genuine pang of grief at the untimely fate of the unfortunate young
+man.
+
+* * *
+
+Kate said, "Let's have a quiet wedding and invite three or four of
+the near-by neighbors."
+
+"That will never do," Squire Mulhall replied; "let's go to the church
+where everybody that wants to can come."  Isaac was neutral, only
+remarking, "you folks settle it between yourselves."
+
+{118}
+
+Kate hesitated to differ with her father, but she wanted a quiet
+wedding; finally the argument ended and all agreed to go to the only
+church in the village, and one with a history.  That was the first
+place of worship in the new Territory where now, more than seventy
+years after the events here recorded, stands a granite monument to
+perpetuate a part of its interesting record.
+
+It was near the holidays when the eventful Sunday for the wedding
+arrived.  The Indian conflict was over, but many of the settlers
+still remained near the fort; the village was full of people and the
+saloons were all open.  The clouds hung low, patches of fog just
+lifting in sight.  When the wedding party arrived, the church was so
+filled that the principals had difficulty in entering.
+
+Squire Mulhall had insisted that Kate have a dress to suitably
+commemorate the occasion, which had been the principal subject of
+talk among the dames of the villages, and the church was crowded with
+them at an early hour.  Many who had seen Kate as Deputy Sheriff
+booted and spurred, with pistol strapped to her person, could
+scarcely believe their eyes when they saw the happy, modest and well
+dressed young woman soon to become a bride.
+
+All attending the ceremony had donned their best, and some had
+supplemented their wardrobe especially for the occasion.  The church
+was profusely decorated with evergreens so abundant in the recesses
+of the forests, and numerous varieties of beautiful ferns, {119} to
+which were added many flowers still in bloom, although it was near
+midwinter.
+
+Pelton had made one request of the clergyman--to omit the word
+"obey;" under existing law the phrase was not mere form, but
+literally interpreted.  When, immediately after the ceremony, Pelton
+handed the bride a sealed envelope, no one in the assembly who saw
+the incident was more surprised than Kate herself.  "Don't open it
+until tomorrow," he said in a low voice; and the incident remained a
+mystery.
+
+The Peltons had planned a quiet evening at home with only a very few
+selected guests; father Mulhall had apparently acquiesced, but there
+were others with plans of their own.  Mrs. Pelton--let us continue to
+call her Kate, which sounds so much better--wondered why her father
+had bought a barrel of apples and some candies, nuts and other
+delicacies she found in the pantry.
+
+She suddenly clasped her husband's arm with a tight grip as an
+unearthly noise, such as she had never heard before, broke out
+nearby.  It was no longer the Deputy Sheriff, but the timid bride
+looking for protection.  Drums beating, horns tooting, guns firing,
+beating on tin pans--even the oldtime horse fiddle with its unearthly
+tones to make night hideous--to which was added yells and shouting,
+all combined to startle.  Kate was off her guard for once, and fairly
+trembled with excitement until she realized that it meant a
+charivaree.
+
+{120}
+
+"Come in, boys," the Squire said, as he opened the door.
+
+"No, we want to see the bride and groom," the spokesman answered.
+
+At first Kate shrank from going out, but after each parley the noise
+would resume, as it seemed automatically; and still the bride would
+not, as she afterwards said, show herself.  Finally a torch-bearing
+party was seen approaching, and sweet singing voices were heard--as
+much of a surprise to the noisy party outside the residence as to
+those inside the house.
+
+It was the church choir giving a serenade.  The old Scotch tailor
+with his bagpipe was there; the glee club of the village rendered its
+best song; the violin and flute added to the music, and with it
+dancing began on the sod.  "Let's go," said Pelton.  "All right,"
+answered the bride; and before they could realize it, they were
+dancing with the joyous crowd.
+
+It was near midwinter; the falling of the leaves had stripped the
+deciduous timber growth of the valley bare, but the evergreens of the
+tablelands retained their color as in the summer time.  The sheltered
+ferns in the deep recesses of the forests were preserved in all their
+delicate beauty, while here and there a modest flower peeped from a
+sheltered nook.  Grass was green in favored places on the common and
+in the gardens of the village.
+
+Pelton could scarcely believe his eyes as he viewed the scene,
+particularly when it included a ship {121} sailing by; the square
+rigged sails of the three-mast schooner was to him a thing of
+exquisite beauty, moved by some invisible power.  Everything looked
+bright, and he was happy; the girl he had sought and won, now his
+beloved wife, never before looked so lovely to him.
+
+Kate, no less happy than her husband, pictured to herself a quiet
+home where she could live as her mother had done amid the joys of a
+pioneer life.  Now, more than ever, she realized her deep love for
+Isaac, and wondered what life would have been to her without him.
+
+But there was one disturbing element; Bess and Sarah were
+unmistakably jealous of Pelton.  They had been accustomed to the
+undivided love of "mamma," as they continued to call Kate, and were
+not easily reconciled to sharing that affection with another.  Kate
+consulted with Isaac, then with her father, and finally all three
+conferred together as to how best to convince the little girls that
+her love for them was just as intense as ever.
+
+The Squire suggested that he take the girls on a visit to Ben; they
+would enjoy it, and besides he wanted to see the "dear boy" himself.
+Pelton thought it would be better not to disturb them until the close
+of school, adding that he intended to make a trip to see the country
+and wanted Kate to go along if "father" would not be too much
+inconvenienced during their absence.
+
+Mulhall cordially seconded the suggestion, saying {122} that he and
+the girls could get along splendidly; he would have Clara Laighton,
+Kate's dearest friend, come to prepare the dinners in the evening,
+while he and the girls could get breakfast, and they take their lunch
+to school.  The Squire's evident sincerity, bordering on enthusiasm,
+relieved Pelton and Kate from any uneasiness regarding his
+willingness that the trip should be made, and how the little girls
+would get along while they were absent.
+
+So the question came up as to where they should go, how and the
+length of time they would probably be gone.  The conclusion was
+finally reached to take a cruise on Puget Sound; "We can always get
+plenty of clams," Kate said, "when the tide is out."  She had
+utilized clams to feed prisoners in the jail, and knew their value;
+besides it would be jolly to dig them and bake them as the Indians
+did.
+
+Pelton was in doubt whether to take a boat or canoe; Kate said by all
+means a canoe, and explained their pattern for speed and safety, as
+exemplified by the clipper ships[2] which carried the Stars and
+Stripes to all parts of the world.  The marvel of shaping these
+canoes from the body of a large tree, guided by the eye alone,
+remains a mystery to this day; the Indians did so, but it is
+difficult to fully understand how.
+
+{123}
+
+First, the exterior parts are cut down to a solid trunk of wood the
+size and shape of the finished canoe.  Then follows the more
+intricate labor of removing the center, either by chipping off pieces
+with rude tools or burning out the excess.  Coming down to what is
+left for the framework of the canoe, the problem is how deep to cut
+without penetrating the outside shell, which seems to be determined
+more by instinct than by measurement.  They are made in various
+dimensions, from the one-man canoe up to a size in which thirty
+Indians go boldly out to sea on their fishing excursions.
+
+Pelton secured the service of the native Steicca and his Indian
+"klootchman" (wife), who were recommended by the Chief Factor of the
+near-by Hudson's Bay Company fort; and hired their five-man size
+canoe.  Steicca was a person of note among his people, and had gained
+the confidence of the men at the fort.  He was above the average
+stature for his tribe, popularly designated as the "Fish" Indians,
+because they depended almost entirely upon sea food; his klootchman
+was a comely native from the over-mountain tribe known as the "Horse
+Indians."
+
+She kept herself and clothing clean, in contrast with the
+carelessness or uncleanliness generally seen among the women of the
+tribe to which her husband belonged.  Their four-year old boy was
+likewise always neat and tidy; and Kate thought he was one of the
+most likable urchins she had ever seen.
+
+Pelton had procured a closed tent with complete {124} camping outfit,
+which included a mirror for Kate and a bootjack for himself.  Nothing
+seemed to be overlooked to make her feel at home on their bridal
+trip--a honeymoon in a Garden of Eden to them.
+
+They embarked in the early morning observed by many friends and
+acquaintances, both men and women, the latter representing nearly
+every household of the village.  Children were there with handsful of
+rice to shower good will upon the heads of their departing friends;
+Sarah and Bess looked on, but could not understand what the throwing
+of rice meant.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+{125}
+
+[Illustration: THE HONEYMOON PARTY IN AN INDIAN CANOE ON PUGET SOUND,
+AND SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF THE HAIR SEAL; DESCRIPTION ON PAGE FOLLOWING]
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Just as Kate and Isaac were settled comfortably side by side in the
+capacious canoe, Mrs. Steicca--"Sally" let us call her, instead of
+_klootchman_, sat at the post of honor as both captain and pilot,
+with paddle in hand ready for the start whenever the word was given.
+This was the usual custom among the Indians, who skillfully guided
+the canoe in rough waters and boisterous winds, as well as in the
+placid waters usually prevailing on the bays of Puget Sound.
+
+As Steicca pushed off the bow of the canoe both paddles were dipped
+vigorously into the water, and the handles struck the sides with
+resounding thumps, while each hummed in harmonious minor key an
+Indian ditty common to the tribe.  The dull sound of the paddles
+knocking against the side of the canoe, and the voices in unison,
+could be heard long after the view of the slowly disappearing craft
+had {126} become dimmed to the assembled villagers, who then
+reluctantly returned to their homes.
+
+Propelled by the combined strength of both experts, the canoe passed
+rapidly through the water, accelerated by the swift current of an ebb
+tide.  The morning haze had not cleared away and the water was of a
+glassy smoothness--not a ripple on the surface near-by--though not
+far away there were slightly disturbed patches, when Kate caught
+sight of what appeared to be a human head rising out of the deep
+water in the wake of the rapidly passing canoe.
+
+"What in the world is that?" she exclaimed as she gazed for a moment
+at the seeming apparition, which now quickly disappeared from sight,
+and excitedly grasped the arm of her husband.  Pelton jocosely
+suggested it was a mermaid.
+
+"Do you believe in that stuff?" Kate asked, to which Isaac replied
+that at least it looked like the picture of one; and she admitted it
+did.  In her childhood Kate had read the old-time legends about
+mermaids; and knew that all down the ages, the belief in creatures
+half human and half fish had existed among thousands.  And now, was
+it possible that she had a glimpse of one?  Kate was not
+superstitious, but the sight startled and puzzled her; and the reader
+will doubtless also wonder what it could have been.
+
+An old record describing the mermaid states that "they have a way of
+lifting their round heads and shoulders from the water with a queer
+look of almost {127} human intelligence upon their faces;" and that
+is exactly what Kate had seen.  The head that had come above the
+surface only a few rods in the wake of the canoe, as if to
+investigate what had disturbed the repose of its abode, was about the
+size of a half-grown girl, with a suggestion of languid eyes and a
+plaintive countenance.
+
+Only the face could be seen, and that but for a moment--long enough
+to indelibly fix the features in Kate's mind.  It was the head of a
+hair-seal, common at that time in the waters of Puget Sound.  The
+sudden appearance of these strange creatures has startled and puzzled
+many travelers; and led large numbers of people to believe in the
+existence of a real mermaid.
+
+As the canoe sped on its way, the hills on the east shut off the sun,
+the channel became narrow and crooked, and the view of waters ahead
+vanished, leaving only the high elevations, covered with dense
+forests of evergreen fir, in sight on either side.  The outlook ahead
+seemed as if the party had come to the end of the waters, with a bold
+elevation--almost a mountain--directly in front.  Just then the canoe
+lurched to the eastward, and despite the utmost efforts of the
+Indians, shot off the line of travel; then it started as suddenly in
+the opposite direction, as if possessed by an evil spirit.
+
+The shadows of the hills bordering the narrow passage and a fleeting
+cloud darkened the view as if night was approaching.  A dull, subdued
+roar {128} comparable to an indistinct echo of a distant sound,
+reached the ears of the party.  Just ahead, the waters apparently
+swelled up above the common level and then broke away to form again
+either to the right or left, or both to spread currents running in
+circles.
+
+Now the sound became louder from the choppy sea of broken waves,
+forming small conical volumes of water mounting in the air and
+falling back to the surface.  To make matters worse, the whirlpools
+drew in short bits of driftwood; and some of the larger pieces
+thumped against the sides of the canoe, interfering with the paddles.
+The canoe had encountered a tide-rip--water roughened by conflicting
+tides or currents, a phenomenon of which neither had ever heard.
+
+Kate spoke first; "I wish we were landed, Isaac, don't you?"  Pelton
+felt about the same, but made an effort to speak encouragingly.
+
+It was a battle of the tides in a narrow channel of the Sound with a
+swift current due to the tide receding toward the sea.  The whirling
+waters extended from shore to shore, while whirlpools of varying
+extent suddenly formed and as quickly vanished, all moving rapidly in
+one direction--a grand sight to the beholder from a safe point of
+vantage, but to Kate an object of terror.
+
+"_Tenas alia copet_" (it will soon quiet) Sally said, more to herself
+than otherwise, perceiving Kate's perturbed state of mind; and
+pointed the canoe toward the eastern shore-line.  A few minutes {129}
+sufficed to reach an eddy outside the disturbed waters, and to shove
+the nose of the canoe obliquely and gently over to a pebbly beach.
+
+Sally's boy, named Pete after the great humanitarian, Peter Skene
+Ogden, a courageous and trusted Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company,
+was the first one out of the canoe.  He jumped into the water, waist
+deep, and began his pranks in a salt water bath, while the mother
+laughingly scolded him for his rashness.
+
+Kate and Pelton were glad of relief from their cramped position in
+the canoe, independent of the anxiety of their experience with the
+tide-rips.  "_Tenas in-e-ti sitcum sum Skookum chuck copet_" (just
+after noon the current will quiet), Steicca said; and suggested that
+they remain where they were until the tide turned.  Kate had learned
+enough of the mongrel Chinook jargon to understand what the Indians
+said; so she and Pelton readily assented.
+
+A steep bluff prevented exploring the nearby woods, and there were no
+trees until near the top of the hill.  Steicca at once began
+preparations for a brisk fire with the abundant material in sight.  A
+great mass of driftwood obstructed the shore-line just above their
+landing, some half imbedded in the sand and gravel of the beach, and
+other debris evidently having been driven beyond the reach of the
+highest tide by storms of wind and wave.  The dead limbs of these
+derelicts supplied excellent fuel to speedily make a roaring fire.
+
+{130}
+
+Kate noticed the Indian gathering and piling small rocks on the fire
+while Sally dug a small pit, lined it with loose rock, and built
+another fire in preparation for a clambake.  As it was near low tide,
+the clam beds were exposed and an abundance of the bivalves easily
+secured for a bounteous meal.  Clams are found on the conveniently
+located sloping beaches, and in enormous quantities along the fifteen
+hundred miles of the shore-line of Puget Sound waters; so the saying,
+"dinner is always ready when the tide is out," was literally true.
+
+Kate forgot the apparition of the head and the whirls of the
+tide-rips that had so startled and alarmed her when their attention
+was attracted to the picturesque beach, with its many shells and
+pebbles of various sizes, shapes and beautiful colors.  She at once
+began to make a collection of them, without noticing that Pelton had
+withdrawn from sight.  He had quietly taken his fowling piece and
+clambered along the beach to a nearby lagoon, where he soon bagged a
+couple of fat mallard ducks.
+
+No one visiting that region now can have any adequate idea of the
+vast number of ducks there in the early days.  The air was fairly
+black with these game birds; he could easily have taken a dozen, but
+hastened back with the two for dinner.
+
+"_Nika mamook_," Sally said, when she saw the birds, meaning that she
+would cook them; Pelton readily assented and joined Kate in her
+search along the beach.  The pit of hot rock was nearly ready for
+{131} the clams; and Sally soon had the ducks prepared for it.  Now
+the rocks were smoothed off, the pit enlarged and the whole covered
+with a layer of small branches of fir twig ends.
+
+The ducks were placed in the middle of the pit and the remaining
+space filled with clams.  As a sudden dash of water produced an
+abundant supply of steam, the whole was quickly covered with boughs
+and ferns, upon which a thin layer of earth was laid and topped by
+hot rocks from the larger fire.
+
+It was a clambake by experts.  Before that time Kate and Pelton did
+not know what the term meant, but they lived to see it become
+synonymous with a feast.  The "clambake" here supplanted the barbecue
+in Missouri, where the ox was roasted on a spit.
+
+As years passed they also witnessed the gathering of a thousand or
+more people at the annual jubilee, all partaking of the luscious
+contents of an immense clam pit covered with wagon-loads of unhusked
+green corn.  This institution, the clambake that was for many years
+the central attraction for social gatherings, political conventions
+and even religious meetings, is only but a memory.
+
+As the time approached for the turn of the tide, Steicca became
+impatient to open the pit.  There came an interim when the battle of
+the waters temporarily ceased, as the ebb tide spent its force and
+before the oncoming rush of the flood from the ocean.  Steicca knew
+that when the flood regained mastery, it would be impossible to stem
+the force of the {132} current in the Narrows and round the point to
+the large bay ahead.  But Sally was unwilling to interfere with her
+well-laid plans for the first dinner served to her new friends, the
+admired lady of the village they had left, and the gentleman who had
+traveled so far to win her.
+
+Indian women, though occupying humble and inferior positions in the
+life of their tribes, are not devoid of imagination or true devotion
+to their husbands and children.  An Indian mother never chastises her
+child, and will seldom run counter to the wishes of her husband.
+
+But to open the pit before the contents were ready to serve would
+break her heart.  In this dilemma, woman-like, she appealed to Kate,
+who had watched with interest the painstaking preparations for the
+feast and sympathized with Sally in her distress.
+
+"Of course," Isaac said when the situation was explained by Kate,
+"I'm willing to stay if you are; it's just as jolly here as around
+the point in the big bay."  And Sally was soon made happy by the word
+they would camp and stop over there until the next tide.
+
+Pelton desired to make the camp leisurely to try his hand, and began
+to move the outfit from the canoe.  Machinery seldom runs smooth on
+first trial, and so it is on a camping trip; several things had been
+overlooked or mislaid and a number of surplus articles were found.
+The folding cot, stools and the stove came out all right.  While
+Sally was busy with {133} the clambake, Kate was arranging the
+details of the forthcoming meal, for which she had made ample
+provision before leaving home.
+
+Steicca had erected their camp, consisting of mats fastened to a
+semi-circle of small poles driven obliquely into the ground; such was
+the usual temporary shelter of nomad Indians even in midwinter,
+affording protection from the wind but little from the rain.  Sally
+seemed as proud of the camp as Kate was of their new tent and camp
+equipage.
+
+While waiting the opening of the clam pit, Sally brought out her
+knitting for "Siwash" (Indian) socks, made of coarse thread from wool
+carded in her own camp and formed into yarn by manipulating the crude
+rolls with the palm of the hand.  Indian women are always busy, and
+seem at a loss to pass the time without knitting or weaving mats,
+making baskets or moccasins, while the average Indian man is
+apparently ill at ease when he has something to do.
+
+Sally had some plain shaped plates made from the inner bark of the
+cedar with a shallow rim on the outer edge, all water-proof; on
+these, as we shall see later, she served the clams and ducks.  Having
+been busy with her camp work, Sally had forgotten to keep watch of
+her boy Pete; but now he must be called in, scrubbed and otherwise
+prepared for the meal.  Frequent calls, Pete! Pete! brought no
+response.
+
+Finally a track was found up a ravine, leading to the discovery of
+him perched on the limb of a {134} scraggy tree high above the reach
+of his mother.  Boy-like, white or Indian, young or old, he had gone,
+in search of adventure, and while looking for bird's nests, had
+ventured too far to easily return.
+
+Did his mother scold him?  Not at all.  Indian women do not scold
+their children or their men, but sometimes do each other to the point
+where words fail, and facial grimaces take their place.
+
+The time had arrived to open the pit, and everything was in
+readiness; Sally beckoned to Kate, who came over to the spot with
+Pelton, whose curiosity was aroused.  Steicca was on hand to see; and
+of course Pete was there, subdued and hungry.  The outer covering of
+stone, earth and boughs were first carefully removed, revealing the
+inner covering through which the steam had percolated.
+
+"_Closhe_" (all right), Sally said to herself as she lifted the inner
+covering and disclosed the contents cooked to perfection.  Both ducks
+were handed to Kate (one of which was promptly returned by Pelton),
+and the plates piled high with clams.  Kate divided her own supplies
+with Sally; and the banquet was on in both camps.
+
+Such was the experience of Pelton and Kate in their first camp; her
+diary briefly tells the story in these words, "Tuesday ----185-,
+broke camp early; encountered tide-rips so strong as to spin the
+canoe in a dizzy whirl.  Sally lost control for awhile, a little
+water spilled over into the canoe; somehow wasn't frightened much."
+
+{135}
+
+A few hours sufficed to bring them into the calm waters of a large
+bay where numerous fishing parties, trolling for salmon, were in
+sight.  Here and there glimpses were had of passing canoes, and the
+thump of paddles mingled with songs, loud laughter or talk to distant
+parties.  The beach for miles was lined with Indian camps, where some
+of the men were lounging in listless idleness of mind and body,
+seemingly almost too indolent to breathe, while others--and
+particularly the women--were industriously drying the fish, or busily
+occupied with their crude handiwork.
+
+The catch of salmon was of medium size; sixty-pound specimens were
+taken with nets in shallow waters, and there seemed to be no limit to
+the supply.  Little did Pelton then realize the tremendous commercial
+value of this product of the sea, amounting afterwards to hundreds of
+millions of dollars annually.
+
+In the far distance a white-topped dome reached above the clouds that
+hung upon the lower levels, all reflected in the placid waters of the
+bay.  Steicca and Sally rested from their labors, and floated with
+the tide.  A brief entry in Kate's diary describes the scene,
+"Beautiful beyond my powers of description--unbroken evergreen
+forests in every direction; snow-capped mountains about as far away
+as the eye can see; a thousand Indians in sight on the beach and in
+their canoes."
+
+Pelton planned to go direct to the forty beautiful {136} islands he
+had been told could be visited within the waters of Puget Sound, and
+to more carefully examine the country on their return.  The day's
+sailing, supplemented by four paddles, left the great mountain dimmed
+by increased distance, but brought into the far view another of
+almost equal grandeur, and opened to larger channels of waters than
+any left behind.
+
+A council held in the morning decided that the course should lie to
+the dim outline of a headland discernible just above the horizon;
+wind and tide were favorable, and with the aid of the two Indians
+rapid progress could be made.  An alternate course would be to follow
+the shore-line down to the objective point, considerably farther and
+no less dangerous; and so the direct route was chosen.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: HELP YOURSELF]
+
+Tons of furniture, trunks, provisions and other things were abandoned
+along the Trail, often with a sign like the one shown in this
+illustration; see pages 42 and 180.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+[1] Over nine hundred square miles of territory were ceded, reserving
+only six sections for about nine hundred Indians--and that high
+ground, heavily timbered and entirely unsuited to their needs.  A
+more outrageous "treaty" was never made between the Government of the
+United States and its Indian wards; its terms would be unbelievable
+were they not preserved among the records of the Medicine Creek
+Treaty, December, 1864, in the Archives at Washington.  In less than
+a year conflict broke out, and massacres followed, with losses of
+life to both the U.S. troops and the Indians.  The latter were
+defeated in the field, as noted in the text; but they fared better in
+the subsequent negotiations, for as soon as the war ended and the
+Government was apprised of the wrong inflicted by that treaty,
+suitable reservations were provided.
+
+[2] In 1849, after the discovery of gold in California, it is said
+that more than seven hundred cleared from Atlantic ports to San
+Francisco; many celebrated clippers made the trip from the East to
+the West in the years 1850-51, and very fast passages were common
+from 1850 on.
+
+
+
+
+{137}
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+AN ENCOUNTER WITH PIRATES, AND A FORTUNATE DELIVERANCE; BEN FOUND;
+HIS PROMPT START FOR MISSOURI AND UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL; A SON BORN TO
+THE PELTONS.
+
+
+Near the noon hour, with the headland yet in the distance, Pelton
+noticed two canoes whose occupants were paddling as if speed were a
+question of life or death with them.  Not long afterward, another was
+seen going frantically in the same direction, followed closely by two
+more.  Steicca observed the racing canoes, but though evidently
+disturbed as to the cause, discreetly said nothing.
+
+About the same time Kate saw either a boat or large canoe coming
+directly toward them and wondering what it could mean, called Isaac's
+attention to it.  Sally had likewise discovered the craft and showed
+signs of uneasiness.  A friend had told the story of how, many years
+ago, her little boy was taken captive by the northern Indians,
+carried off into slavery, and had never been heard from since.
+Somehow the appearance of this boat or large canoe revived the memory
+of that occurrence and created a fear for the safety of Pete.
+Slavery was once practiced in her own tribe (though at that time
+discontinued); but she had been told by other Indians that the
+northern tribes were known to still {138} follow the practice, which
+seemed corroborated by the taking of her friend's boy.  As the large
+craft approached nearer, Sally hid Pete under the cover of a mat
+beside her with fearsome admonitions that impelled him to lie quiet
+and not betray his presence.
+
+Pelton's suspicions led him to slip his fowling piece out of sight,
+and Kate's trusted rifle was under the outfit in the bottom of the
+canoe.  Isaac directed that no sign of fear should be manifested when
+they were overtaken, and all intercourse with the strangers be left
+to him.
+
+As the pirates came alongside they insolently threw a line over the
+bow and stern posts, and then lashed the two canoes firmly together;
+being much longer and wider, theirs loomed high above that of
+Pelton's.  It was of the pattern of the canoe in which the northern
+tribes manned with seventy or more men went boldly to sea on their
+whaling excursions; while not one of the largest, it would easily
+hold twenty men.
+
+Seven were on each side, with paddles in their hands, one at the helm
+and a lookout in the bow, sixteen in all stalwart men in size and
+physical condition far above the tribes farther south.  The same may
+be said of their mentality.  In the northern tribes were painters and
+sculptors of considerable ability, as evidenced by their totem poles,
+inscriptions on rocks and ornaments of their mammoth canoes.
+
+There were silversmiths in some of the tribes, as {139} shown by many
+specimens offered for sale on occasions of their peaceful visits to
+the white settlements.  Nor were the women behind the men in ability
+for fine work, abundantly illustrated by baskets, mats and other
+articles for ornaments or domestic use.
+
+Ethnologists attribute the superiority of these northern tribes in
+part to a mixture of Japanese blood from castaways in past centuries,
+perhaps even in prehistoric days; facial resemblances suggest the
+fact, which seems to be confirmed by the remains of wrecked junks on
+the northern coast.  These were the people into whose clutches Pelton
+and Kate had fallen on their honeymoon trip.
+
+The spokesman for the buccaneers began by saying that they wanted a
+tent, one of which was in sight, to which Pelton firmly responded
+that he did not have any to spare.  He had noticed a ship beating up
+the Sound against the wind that had tacked toward them, and realized
+that a parley to gain time until the ship came nearer would be their
+best chance of escape.
+
+Isaac noticed a silver ring on the spokesman's hand and offered to
+buy it for his bride; for a moment the wily savage was thrown off his
+guard, and looked Kate over with evident satisfaction.  Just then one
+of the men said something in a low tone, and after several articles
+had been snatched by the robbers, the lines fastening the two canoes
+together were suddenly cast off.
+
+This precipitate action was caused by the near {140} approach of the
+ship then bearing directly upon them; but unfortunately, it tacked
+and bore rapidly away the same moment the lines had been loosened
+from the canoe.  Instantly all four paddles were frantically wielded
+to overtake the ship, until by a supreme effort Steicca broke his.
+
+The Indians soon discovered their advantage, but did not give chase
+until they observed that the space between their victims and the ship
+was widening.  Kate then gave her paddle to Steicca and intently
+watched the movement of their recent captors.
+
+"As I live, Isaac, they have started to follow us," she said, as the
+bow of the robber canoe was turned toward them, "is your gun loaded?"
+"It is not," Pelton answered.  "Then load it quick, and be careful,"
+she cautioned, speaking while reaching down for her rifle and
+ammunition so as to be ready for action at the crucial moment.
+
+Realizing that it was impossible to escape by racing their few
+paddles against fourteen, Isaac loaded his gun and deliberately
+calmed his nerves for the contest.  The ship was now too far away to
+render assistance, and the robbers were rapidly gaining on them.
+While yet beyond rifle shot, Pelton directed Steicca and Sally to
+cease paddling, not to make any movement in the canoe other than to
+keep it pointed on its course, and for Steicca to lie down.
+
+"I believe you can reach them now, Kate," Isaac said.  "Wait a
+minute," came the response in a firm {141} voice, while she stood
+upright in the canoe.  We may well believe the aim was deliberate,
+for the bullet lodged in the body of the lookout, who tumbled off his
+perch into the water.
+
+It took but a moment to reload the rifle.  Pelton could not reach the
+buccaneers with his fowling piece at that distance, and held his fire
+in reserve.  The robbers stopped to pick up their dead or wounded
+comrade.
+
+Sally and Steicca resumed their strenuous paddling as Kate sat down;
+but when Isaac saw the Indians coming toward them a second time, he
+again directed to cease paddling so their craft would be steady for
+aim at the next victim.  Onward came the great canoe, again Kate
+reserved her fire and was successful in hitting her target--this time
+the helmsman.  As the canoe swung off its course to within range of
+Pelton's gun, he disabled two or more on her broadside.
+
+By this time the ship tacked again and was now approaching, while a
+sloop rounded the nearby point and made directly toward the
+distressed voyagers.  Seeing these, the marauders drew off toward the
+eastern channel, and were soon out of sight.
+
+It is unlikely that they ceased the pursuit because of their losses,
+for it is a matter of history that once this same tribe had 117
+warriors in a combat, besides their women and children.  During the
+fight 27 were killed and 21 wounded; but they held out stubbornly for
+two days, when hunger {142} compelled them to yield.  Another
+historic reference illustrating the ferocity of this tribe, the
+"Haidahs," states that "both ships were attacked by northern Indians
+when off the upper end of Vashon Island; all on board, eleven in
+number, were murdered and the ships plundered and burned."
+
+When the ship was finally hailed, no explanation was required, as the
+pilot had heard the guns; the captain, with the aid of his glass,
+knew what had happened.  As the canoe came alongside, he cordially
+invited all, including the Indians with the Peltons, on board; he
+also took up the canoe, as he was intending to cast anchor off the
+village from whence they came.
+
+Nothing on the ship was too good for his unexpected guests.  The
+captain had heard of Kate's experience as Deputy Sheriff, but not of
+the wedding.  His enthusiasm at that news knew no bounds; by the time
+they arrived at the village he insisted that the bride accept a
+silver table service which she treasured to the end of her life as
+the present from the big-hearted captain.
+
+Pete had the time of his life with the sailors, who were surprised to
+see the bright little fellow, up to all sorts of pranks as he
+explored the ship from stem to stern and from top to bottom.  He and
+his mother were fairly loaded down with presents; Pete never forgot
+his sailor friends, and in fact became a sailor himself.
+
+The evening after their arrival at the village, {143} Kate and Pelton
+rowed out to the ship, still at anchor in the harbor, to offer the
+old tar sincere thanks and leave with him some token of good will and
+appreciation for the opportune way in which he appeared upon the
+scene and rescued them from imminent peril of the northern savages.
+Capt.  Pierson was past middle age but in perfect health, and an
+impulsive jollity pervaded his whole being.  He would not listen to
+their leaving the ship until after dinner, nor to their profuse
+thanks for his act.
+
+"Oh, that's nothing; a man who did not respond in such an emergency
+would be a brute.  I only wish I could have chastised the rascals,"
+he said--and meant it.
+
+The captain belonged to a class of seafaring men (now almost
+extinct), which once carried the Stars and Stripes to the farthermost
+corners of the earth--free and easy with comrades, but usually a
+strict disciplinarian, though sympathetic with his men.  He was the
+aristocratic ruler of the little world within the bounds of the ship,
+their home and castle; all were inured to the hardships of long
+voyages without complaint, but every one greatly enjoyed the respite
+of a few days in port.
+
+From time immemorial the "ships that go down to the sea" have carried
+the commerce of the world, and planted the seeds of civilization in
+every clime.  It is difficult to realize that all this has been
+changed within the range of one span of life.  Only a very small
+number of sailing ships now leave the ports {144} of the United
+States; and the noble "clippers," the pride of the nation at that
+period, very seldom grace the waters of the two hemispheres any more.
+And the rugged, jolly captains, bronzed and weather-beaten, rough in
+speech and stern in looks though usually kind-hearted and generous
+beneath the surface, have almost vanished--like their ships.
+
+Seafaring men who navigate the oceans in the immense vessels of the
+present time are entirely unlike the old-time sailors in appearance
+and actions.  The modern crew appear upon our thoroughfares in fancy
+uniforms, the officers resplendent in gold braid and gilt buttons,
+and the common sailors in natty uniforms, usually without anything to
+mar their dandified appearance.  One can easily tell that reefing a
+mainsail or splicing a rope is no longer part of their duty.
+
+But the old-timers came ashore careless in appearance and rollicking
+in manner, out for a good time--ready for a fight or a frolic--and
+usually had it.  Now they belong to the things that were, and we see
+no more of them.
+
+Captain Pierson believed the reason the Indians did not return the
+fire was that their spokesman wanted to take Kate captive, for they
+could have destroyed the little honeymoon party without mercy.  The
+confusion incident to the loss of their helmsman, quickly followed by
+the wounding of several of their paddlers, and the sudden tacking of
+the ship so disconcerted their plans that the marauders barely {145}
+had time to get beyond reach of the howitzers on its deck.  It was
+late when Pelton and Kate fairly tore themselves away from the jovial
+captain and left the ship, and long past midnight before the council
+of Kate, Isaac and Squire Mulhall broke up, after agreeing upon a
+plan of action.
+
+Pelton had several times spoken about his former slaves, Andrew and
+Jennie, whom he had left in Iowa; and could not banish from his mind
+thoughts of the danger that "night riders" from Missouri might carry
+them off into captivity.  Besides, Jennie had cared for him with a
+mother's solicitude after the death of his own mother while he was
+still quite young; and Andrew had always been kind to him in his
+boyhood days, as well as faithful to his interest in later life.  And
+that unsophisticated little girl, Margie!  Somehow he could not feel
+easy in his mind to leave them where they were; now they were
+separated, he realized that he remembered, and appreciated more than
+ever before, their kind and considerate acts toward him.
+
+How to bring them on from Iowa to Oregon was a problem with almost
+insurmountable obstacles, which Isaac had thoroughly discussed with
+Kate, taking advantage of that favorable opportunity to let her know
+that he had abundant means in Missouri to provide for their trip--and
+to her surprise a fairly large sum besides.  While Kate had not
+married for money, she was nevertheless gratified to know that Pelton
+possessed a goodly fortune, and sympathized {146} with his laudable
+desire to expend a part of it to better the condition of his former
+slaves.
+
+Kate resolved to share Ben's secret with both her father and husband,
+and to suggest that the Squire should go to see or send for Ben.  She
+would also have her father and Isaac supply him with enough money to
+bring Linda to Oregon with Andrew, Jennie and the little girl Margie.
+All instantly agreed to the plan, and became so enthusiastic that
+they forgot all about their recent escape from death, and the cares
+of pioneer life still confronting them.
+
+"I will not go until school is out," the Squire said, "and then will
+take the girls with me."  He had noticed that they continued to
+harbor jealous thoughts toward Pelton.  Kate reminded her father that
+any considerable delay would make it too late for Ben to cross the
+plains the next season.  Isaac advised by all means to avoid the
+Isthmus route as being too uncertain, dangerous and withal very
+expensive.
+
+Pelton announced that he would start at once, and search for a claim
+until he found one that suited him; then he would immediately proceed
+to prepare a home, and be away most of the time until school closed.
+In acceding to this suggestion, the Squire said he would take the
+girls over to Ben's claim in the spring, as he intended to care for
+it himself while the young man was making the trip; and was
+anticipating the opportunity to repay Ben for his faithful and honest
+service on the long trail.
+
+{147}
+
+So intent had been the council, that all forgot the lateness of the
+hour; the thought of sleep was banished by the excitement incident to
+the plans made, but all felt supremely happy.  Father Mulhall
+suggested that they celebrate a little by an oyster supper, even at
+the unseasonable hour; and Kate, who the very evening before had
+secured some Puget Sound oysters from an Indian, instantly seconded
+the suggestion.  Oysters, unlike other shell fish of the Sound, were
+rare and confined to small areas of beds.
+
+Kate had learned that though very small--not larger than one's finger
+nail--these were very delicious; and had provided them to celebrate
+their wedding a month ago to-morrow.  And here it was, the date
+already ushered in, though the sun had not risen!  Her celebration
+was intended as a secret to be disclosed as a surprise to her husband
+and father to demonstrate how supremely happy she was, not only in
+the escape from captivity among the hordes of northern savages, but
+as the wife of Isaac Pelton.  There was no toastmaster or speeches at
+the little banquet that followed; but a spirit of unalloyed
+cheerfulness prevailed, and all were very hopeful of what the near
+future would bring forth.
+
+Mulhall's search for Ben proved a short one, as the crude records of
+the self-surveyed Donation claims quickly revealed the identity of
+the nearby participants, and the Squire was delayed only a day in
+reaching the location chosen by his young friend.  {148} Ben was a
+short distance from his cabin splitting rails from a worm fence to
+protect the crops of the following season, when the Squire arrived;
+and, following the sound of the maul soon came upon Ben intently
+engaged at his task, not dreaming of the presence of anyone behind
+him.
+
+Mulhall stopped a moment in mute surprise at the change that had come
+over the young man.  He was looking at a stalwart frame instead of
+the slim lad who had helped to train the team in the Missouri
+barn-yard; and stood as if fascinated until Ben by a change in
+position became aware that a figure was standing near him.
+
+"Why, father!"  "Why, Ben!" sufficed for the greeting, but not so the
+hand-shakes that followed, for the Squire clasped Ben in his arms,
+while tears of joy fell upon his own cheeks.  We may well believe
+that a pleasant visit followed, but it was soon interrupted by the
+important information to be shared between them.
+
+Ben listened, as if in a dazed condition of mind, to words that
+seemed to be too good to be true; but when he grasped the full
+meaning of the Squire's message, it was Ben's turn to display
+so-called weakness; he threw his arms around Mulhall's neck and
+planted a kiss upon the furrowed cheek of his friend and benefactor.
+But the Squire considered that all he had done, or proposed to do,
+was only a recompense in part for a debt that could never be paid in
+full.
+
+{149}
+
+"But, father, what am I to do about my claim?" Ben asked after taking
+a little time to think over the proposed trip.  "Well, I'm going to
+stay here until you come back with that young wife; and you may be
+sure there will be some crops growing when you return," the Squire
+responded.  So preparations were made almost at once for the proposed
+trip; and time began to pass.
+
+No one could tell how long it would take to reach the old home,
+though Ben knew that he must go out to sea over a dangerous bar where
+recently there had been a wreck, with the loss of many lives.  Thence
+on to and across the Isthmus and to New York, where he would reverse
+the direction of travel and turn his face westward toward their
+former home in Missouri.[1]  Parts of the journey would be by
+railroad, stage-coach, horseback and steamboat.
+
+We cannot record the incidents of the trip, thrilling though some of
+them were; it will suffice here to say that on a frosty noonday in
+February, 185-, Ben clasped his surprised mother to his breast with
+the utterance of one word, "Mother."  The story of another overland
+journey from Missouri to the Oregon country will be told after we
+have followed the fortunes or misfortunes of David Mulhall, Isaac
+Pelton and his bride, and the two little twin sisters.
+
+{150}
+
+It will be remembered that when the Squire left home to find Ben
+Hardy, Pelton was preparing to look for a claim where he could
+establish the home so long pictured in his mind.  In the course of
+his wanderings, Isaac had some thrilling experiences which came near
+ending in tragedy.  The Oregon Country of almost limitless extent--as
+one might say, a thousand miles each way--presented many and varied
+conditions to confuse and impel one to continued search, with
+something new almost every day.
+
+In the small corner of the great region which Pelton examined there
+were no roads or provision for crossing rivers, and only a few sparse
+settlements.  When a cabin was found, he was always assured of a
+cordial welcome and the best it afforded; but at length, after a two
+days' tramp he was virtually lost, without blankets or food.  That
+somewhat cooled his ardor; and as he had already overstayed the set
+time, Isaac suddenly abandoned the search and turned his face
+homeward.  He arrived there safely, to the great relief of Kate, who
+had become very uneasy at his prolonged absence and non-return at the
+appointed time.
+
+Pelton's story of what he had seen and experienced--wading a river
+nearly waist deep, slipping off a log into the water and swimming
+with his boots on, losing the trail and camping in the deep forest
+overnight without fire, blankets or food--cast a shadow over the
+bright pictures of a home in the minds of {151} both; but he had
+found a magnificent country, and intended to go back and try again.
+At first Pelton resolved not to tell Kate of the mishaps of the trip,
+of the real hardships endured or how he had come so near to death's
+door.
+
+He argued to himself that it would only sadden her and do no good.
+Then the question as to whether or not he was justified in having a
+secret from his trustful wife would come uppermost in his mind.  If
+he now began with one, others would surely follow, and the resolve--a
+compact with himself--was made that he would have none; so the full
+story was told to her.
+
+A month passed and though several trips were made, no location was
+yet found to suit him.  Finally, he received information from a
+neighbor about some excellent land not yet taken; and immediately
+starting out to examine the tract, found it even better than
+represented.  After staking his claim, he returned and informed Kate
+of his good fortune in finding a location satisfactory in every
+essential respect.
+
+Father Mulhall wrote that Ben had started on his long trip, and was
+now well on the way; and that as soon as school closed, he would come
+after the girls.  He added that he would plant on Ben's claim and
+stay with the crops until he returned; and as a postscript, Wouldn't
+Kate like to come over with the girls, and see Ben's claim and Craig?
+In reality the Squire was lonesome and wanted his daughter with {152}
+him for awhile; he also knew that she and the girls would enjoy the
+trip--besides he had a surprise in store for them.
+
+Pelton said, "By all means, go; it will be a nice jaunt for the
+girls, though a little rough.  I'll give each of them a pony to make
+the trip horseback, and all can have a jolly good time on the way, as
+well as while there."  He was enthusiastic in urging Kate to go,
+while she didn't feel sure of wanting to do so.
+
+The fact was, she was more inclined to move out on the claim which
+she had not seen, while Isaac planned to wait until he could have a
+surprise for her in the new house he was contemplating.  Kate
+suggested building a cabin, where she could be as happy as in a more
+commodious residence, to which Pelton assented with a mental
+reservation that he would build one for Andrew and Jennie.  And if
+Kate persisted, they could live in the cabin while the house was
+being built, though that would defeat the surprise party he had in
+mind.
+
+"Isaac, I believe you want to get rid of me," Kate jestingly said one
+day after making up her mind to go with the girls; but lovingly
+added, "you'll feel sorry after I have gone."  However, they
+understood each other and were drawn closer together by the thought
+of temporary separation.
+
+Pelton's attention was called to two ponies so nearly alike in build,
+size and marks that it required close observation to distinguish
+"Tom" from "Jerry"--both beauties, with keen bright eyes, lively yet
+{153} docile, and safe for the girls to ride.  He did not let the
+extra price asked stand in the way of his becoming the owner of them;
+and purchased two new saddles and bridles to set them off handsomely.
+A small riding whip, though not needed in riding, was attached to
+each saddle.
+
+On the afternoon of the last day of school, the ponies were brought
+by Pelton's direction into the front yard before the girls came home.
+Their manes and foretops were plaited with red, white and blue
+ribbons; and they held up their heads as if proud of the decorations.
+Before Isaac rode off to the homestead to be gone overnight, Kate was
+enjoined not to tell them from whom the ponies came--only to say they
+were presents, and "lots" might be drawn to determine which one of
+the girls should own "Tom," and which one should have "Jerry."
+
+"Who brought these here, Mamma?  Where is he?  Tell him to take them
+away!" was spoken in such quick succession as to preclude the
+possibility of an answer until the questions and the exclamation had
+been completed.
+
+"The man said they belonged to two little girls that live in this
+house; he left them in the front yard, but went away without any
+explanation," Kate replied.  All of this was true, though not all
+that she knew.  Kate and the girls then took hold of the halters, and
+led the ponies outside the garden gate.
+
+"What did you mean, Mamma, when you said they belonged to two little
+girls that live here?"
+
+{154}
+
+"That's what the man said when he left them and went away."
+
+"But you don't mean it?" persisted Sarah.
+
+"I only told you what the man said."
+
+"Yes, but you don't believe it, do you?" Sarah came back in an
+attitude of cross-questioning.
+
+"Look on the pummel of the saddle and see," Kate responded; and in
+doing so displayed evidence of knowing more about the case than she
+had intended to reveal.
+
+"From Santa Claus to Sarah," the girl read as she held in her hand
+the paper just taken from the saddle, unnoticed before.  Then she
+intently re-read the label, and exclaimed, "Oh, I know--it's from
+Uncle Isaac, as sure as I am alive."
+
+For the first time in her life she had called Pelton "uncle"; before
+it was either "Mr. Pelton," "Sir," or some monosyllable to address or
+make reply.  Sarah had recognized the handwriting on the note, and
+then knew instantly where the present came from.
+
+Now that she was trapped, Kate gave away the whole plan about the
+intended trip to see father and Craig, and have a good time on the
+trip besides.  Sarah fairly worshiped Craig since the memorable scene
+at the lone pine on the Oregon Trail.  His promise, "I will mark your
+mother's grave so you can find it the longest day you live," had sunk
+deep in her memory and fixed in her youthful mind the thought that
+some day she would visit {155} the sacred spot and pay homage to her
+saintly mother--the germ of a plan that led in later years to a
+pilgrimage to the grave, as will subsequently appear.
+
+Next morning the ponies were returned to the front gate of the garden
+all ready for a run in the country, and with a riding mare for
+"mamma."  The girls had not forgotten their experience of riding
+"Nell" on the plains, but were at first shy of the ponies.  Sarah
+soon plucked up courage to mount Tom, while the Indian boy held him;
+but in a spirit of mischief, the boy suddenly let go of the halter,
+whereupon the pony started off on a canter before the rider was
+fairly seated, or could grasp the reins.
+
+Up the village street they went on a gallop, Sarah holding onto the
+pummel of the saddle, with her feet dangling in the air outside the
+stirrups.  Tom stopped of his own accord at the hitching rack in
+front of the village store, and Sarah scrambled off the pony's back
+as quickly as possible to be out of sight of the idlers there.  Her
+teacher, happening by and seeing her predicament, held Tom until she
+mounted with both feet in the stirrups and reins firmly in hand; then
+with the pony under control, she was soon back at the starting place
+by the garden gate.
+
+When all three were mounted, the course taken led up the hill and at
+a more moderate gait until the prairie was reached.  A delightful day
+in the wide, open spaces, with a visit to the old camping ground and
+a canter back home in the evening, ended their first day of horseback
+riding in joviality and {156} pleasure.  A few days of such practice
+sufficed to prepare them for their long jaunt on the road or trail to
+Ben's cabin beyond the big river, over the prairies and through dense
+forests.
+
+Following a narrow road the third day out, Sarah leaned over to avoid
+the overhanging brush and fell sprawling into a sea of mud, the
+saddle having turned to Tom's side.  Seeing her sister's predicament
+Bess laughed, but Sarah rather pettishly said she couldn't see
+anything funny about it, to which sister readily assented, but
+admitted that somehow or other she couldn't help it.  The incident
+had a serious side, as her clothes were now spattered with sticky mud
+from head to foot; her shoes were filled with it and even her hair
+bedaubed.
+
+It was necessary to stop and clean her clothes, empty her shoes,
+gouge the mud out of her ears and wash it off of her face.  A few
+miles further on, it became Sarah's turn to laugh when Bess was
+scraped off her saddle and tumbled over Jerry's rump, holding onto
+his tail to lighten the fall; but Bess couldn't see anything funny
+about that!  After numerous mishaps, the party finally reached the
+river steamer, where the ponies were comfortably stalled; then all
+the party had a general clean-up on the upper deck, and a good laugh
+together as the adventures on the road were recounted.
+
+In two days more of tiresome traveling, with the glamour of a
+horseback ride worn off, Ben's cabin was reached and father Mulhall's
+welcoming kiss {157} bestowed.  Notwithstanding the various
+adventures on the trip, all enjoyed the experience, and expressed a
+desire to return the same way.
+
+The very next day, Craig came, as he did every other Sunday of the
+month, to make good a legal "residence" on his claim.  He was a great
+favorite with the twins, and the reunion that followed repaid all the
+fatigue of their trip.  Toward evening he excused himself to visit a
+neighbor, and withdrew, leaving his end of the cabin free to the
+visitors.
+
+Only a week had passed when, to her father's surprise, Kate announced
+that she would start for home the next day after the morrow.  He felt
+hurt that the daughter he loved so well should cut her visit short;
+but nothing he could say would alter her resolution.  Kate had a
+reason of her own which she did not explain to her father--but which
+he would know later, and the reader will probably surmise.
+
+Pelton was as much surprised at her sudden return as the Squire had
+been upon her hasty departure; and his plan of introducing Kate into
+a finished residence, of which he was certain she would be proud, was
+frustrated.  He had all the workmen that could be employed to
+advantage in hastening completion of the residence, including hot and
+cold water under pressure in the kitchen, a convenience she had never
+experienced.
+
+Isaac admitted to himself that he was pleased when Kate told him she
+preferred to stay for the present in their village home.  But when he
+returned from {158} the claim on the second Saturday, he found the
+drawer of the dresser locked--something that had not happened
+before--and his razor, shaving cup and brush outside.  Pelton was
+becoming conscious that Kate had a secret she didn't want to
+disclose, but said nothing about it.
+
+Work on the residence progressed apace; and every Saturday Isaac came
+to spend Sunday in the village.  Somewhat to his relief, Kate had not
+yet expressed a desire to visit the new home; but a month later
+Pelton was ready, and to his delight Kate, still without an inkling
+of the great surprise in store for her, said that she was willing to
+go.
+
+One day, after Kate had been at the new home for a few weeks,
+enjoying it with indescribable pleasure, a lady and gentleman drove
+up to the front door.  Though strangers, she had evidently expected
+them, and promptly directed the man where to stable his horses, and
+then asked him into the house for lunch, though it was after the
+usual hour.  The woman went at once to the kitchen and began helping
+to prepare the lunch and to make herself otherwise useful.
+
+Isaac came in later, but expressed no surprise at their presence, for
+he was also expecting them.  Without ceremony, the lady took charge
+of the household work, while the gentleman sauntered into the library
+and became absorbed among the books in the small but choice selection
+on the shelves.  Thus a week passed in quiet expectation.
+
+One night a light was left burning in the room {159} up-stairs, and
+neither of the visitors retired at the usual hour.  The nurse
+remained in the room with Kate, and the doctor made frequent visits
+there, finally remaining a considerable length of time.  Then, in
+answer to Pelton's anxious inquiry, he said, "It's a boy, and a
+rousing little fellow he is."
+
+When father Mulhall heard that he had a grandson, the mystery of
+Kate's early departure was explained; and his slight pique was turned
+to joy and exultation, increased by parental pride in the daughter
+who had always been so loving and helpful to him.  As soon as they
+knew about it, the twins were very anxious to see their nephew, and
+filled with childlike pride at the prospect of being called "aunt."
+
+[Illustration: BABE IN THE WOODS; SEE ALSO PAGE 188.]
+
+
+
+[1] The map of the Oregon Trail and the National Road on page 8 will
+give the reader some idea of the principal routes traveled to
+Missouri, either from the Atlantic Coast or the Pacific Northwest,
+during the period covered by this narrative.  E.M.
+
+
+
+
+{160}
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE WEDDING OF BEN AND LINDA; A SECOND OVERLAND TRIP; MASSACRE OF
+NEARLY ALL THE COMPANY; BINDING UP THE WOUNDS; THE TRIP RESUMED;
+SURVIVORS REACH THE OREGON COUNTRY.
+
+
+Ben's hair had grown long, his beard had been cropped only with
+shears, and his face was tanned by the fierce rays of a tropical sun.
+His clothing was begrimed and worn almost threadbare; in appearance
+he was very different from the Ben Hardy who had spent the Sunday
+evening with Linda Shaeffer just before starting for Oregon with the
+Mulhall outfit.  It would take considerable preparation to call upon
+Linda in presentable clothing; and though very anxious to see her,
+Ben shrank from the impulse to do so at once.  But his mother said,
+"Go as you are; Linda will be rejoiced to see you."
+
+Ben Hardy had traversed, in the opposite direction, the route that
+Isaac Pelton took; and for the same object--to secure the girl of his
+choice for a life companion.  The departure from his Oregon cabin had
+been so sudden that there was no time to write of the trip; even if
+he had done so, the letter would have gone forward by the same
+steamer on which he sailed.  Although his trials had been less {161}
+severe than Pelton's and the delays not as great, the journey was one
+of continuous anxiety and fatigue.
+
+His arrival at the old home in Missouri was unexpected and a great
+surprise to all his friends there, naturally most of all to Linda.
+Ben's last letter, received only two weeks before, described his
+progress in establishing a home for them; but gave no intimation as
+to when he would come after her, or how she could go to him.  So when
+Linda caught sight of Ben passing through the gate in front of her
+father's residence, she could not at first believe that she saw
+aright, but kept gazing in bewildered wonder and trepidation as he
+approached the house.
+
+The change in Ben's appearance had been so great that an acquaintance
+could easily have been mistaken in his identity; but Linda, whose
+quick eye recognized his familiar movement, rushed from the house and
+met him on the walk, half-way between the gate and the veranda steps.
+Most readers have known the thrill of such a surprise, though
+probably few of the intensity of this one; nevertheless, out of their
+own experience, they will understand and appreciate Linda's joy.  The
+cordial greetings that followed from all the household heartened Ben;
+no one seemed to notice his clothes--it was Ben, though greatly
+changed, they saw and welcomed.
+
+There was one of the household who in her heart could not
+rejoice--not that mother Shaeffer thought Ben unworthy of Linda; but
+the realization that the daughter she loved so intensely would be
+taken from {162} her, possibly meet a tragic fate at the hands of the
+Indians, and certainly encounter the other hazards of a trip to
+Oregon, overwhelmed her.  Conscious that she might be unable to
+compose herself and control her emotions, the good lady withdrew as
+quietly as possible to her own chamber, where she gave way to grief
+that could no longer be restrained.
+
+Mothers who have had similar experiences of impending separation from
+beloved and loving daughters will sympathize with Mrs. Shaeffer; such
+is life and the story of each generation!  We know that joy in a
+steady, overflowing stream often follows grief, which becomes less
+poignant with the lapse of time.
+
+As she left the room, Ben caught the expression of distress in Mrs.
+Shaeffer's countenance.  Could it be possible that Linda's mother was
+opposed to their marriage?  The very thought disturbed and perplexed
+Ben.  He did not stay late, though long enough to disclose his plans
+for the trip, taking particular care to tell Linda of its
+difficulties and dangers.  Linda firmly responded, "I am going with
+you, Ben;" and with the echo of it in his ears, he rode back to his
+mother's home with a light heart, for the moment forgetting the grave
+responsibility now resting upon his shoulders.
+
+With only a small amount left from the current funds provided for the
+expenses of the trip, the first urgent business was to secure enough
+money to purchase an outfit and allow for the expenditures and {163}
+any emergencies on the way.  Ben had learned by experience that the
+popular fallacy, shared by so many, that currency was not needed on
+the Trail, was unfounded; and knew to the contrary.  The funds upon
+which he depended were in three banks of three different counties;
+and one of them had suspended payment upon large deposits.
+
+A period of great financial depression had recently swept over the
+country.  Crops were abundant, but the few existing markets were at
+considerable distances, and transportation facilities were entirely
+inadequate to move even the portions that could be sold.  No
+railroads had yet been constructed in Missouri, and it was also
+before there were a sufficient number of steamers to serve the needs
+of the narrow margin of settlements bordering on the two principal
+rivers.
+
+The whole region was without improved roads, but had a superabundance
+of products that could not be either consumed or sold at a profit.  A
+wagon-load of corn would hardly bring enough to buy a pair of boots;
+a fat two-hundred pound hog could not be traded for a lady's dress,
+or five bushels of corn for a pound of tea or coffee.
+
+Such were the conditions confronting Ben in providing funds for the
+purchase of an outfit, with the possibility of not being able to do
+so at all.  Luckily, he had some certificates of small amounts which
+he turned over to father Shaeffer, and thus avoided direct dealing
+with the banks.
+
+{164}
+
+The political turmoil which a few years later brought on the Civil
+War then scourged the country, and added to the distress of
+commercial depression; in fact, was considered by many the greater of
+the two evils.  Advocates of slavery were becoming more and more
+aggressive, while the Free-Soil element grew more firm.  The
+approaching conflict of arms led many to emigrate as the best way of
+escaping from the public and private agitation.
+
+As soon as it became known that Benjamin Hardy had arrived direct
+from Oregon, and was intending to outfit an expedition to return over
+the Trail the following summer, he was besieged by numerous parties
+desiring to join with him, and by a much greater throng seeking
+information.  They came two, five or even ten together, and finally a
+delegation of forty from an adjoining county to discuss the trip and
+country with him.  Some offered to form a new company under his
+leadership for the land of mild climate and great opportunities.
+
+Those importuning strangers became a great burden to Ben, and much of
+his time was taken in imparting information, or declining offers to
+join his prospective trip.  To all he expressed the intention of
+going with only two wagons, or three at the most, and not more than
+eight of his friends; but gave a truthful report of the dangers and
+privations of the Trail, and a good description of the Oregon
+Country.  Father Shaeffer's farm was better equipped for assembling
+an outfit than his mother's; besides the {165} "Shaeffer boys"--all
+stalwarts--were eager to help him train the teams, and another one
+for Linda's two brothers who had determined to return with Ben to
+Oregon.  At first he had no other thought than to assemble the outfit
+and train the teams at his mother's home, for he desired to be with
+her as much as possible while preparing for the trip.
+
+At the same time, Ben could but acknowledge to himself that he wanted
+to be near Linda; so arrangements were made for his mother to drive
+over every day to help Mrs. Shaeffer prepare for the wedding and make
+clothing for the young couple.  A part of the cloth was to be woven
+on mother Shaeffer's loom by Mrs. Hardy.
+
+* * * * * * * * *
+
+The wedding was a very quiet affair, with only the Shaeffer family,
+Ben's mother and family, and a very few friends to witness it.  Linda
+was dressed in a frock of her own make; she had woven the cloth for
+the very occasion while Ben was more than two thousand miles away,
+but with an abiding faith that the time would come for her to wear it.
+
+Ben was dressed in a suit Mrs. Hardy made out of "boughten store
+cloth," as she described the material; while not a "tailor fit," the
+mother was proud of it, and all agreed that she did very well.  At
+that time the women not only made their own dresses but also the
+clothes of the men folks; so it was nothing out of the ordinary for
+mother Hardy to make Ben's wedding suit.
+
+{166}
+
+The "boys" all wanted to invite the young folks of the neighborhood
+and "have a good time," but mother Shaeffer pleaded for a quiet
+wedding; and in deference to her wishes, all of them gave up the
+thought.  To her the marriage was a solemn occasion, and she could
+scarcely restrain the tears while preparations were being made for
+it.  Ben had come to know the real reason and deeply sympathized with
+her; he felt almost a twinge of conscience for taking the dutiful
+daughter from the companionship of a loving mother.
+
+Mrs. Shaeffer had great respect for Ben, believed him worthy of her
+confidence and a suitable husband for her daughter; but she wanted
+Linda to herself.  In calmer moments she realized the selfishness of
+such an attitude, and how it might affect Linda's later life to
+remain with her; but the premonition that something dreadful would
+happen on the trip could not be dispelled.  Ben was not free from the
+thought that disaster might overtake them on the long journey--little
+dreaming of the source from which it would come, a peril not
+encountered in his former trip with Squire Mulhall.
+
+April, the time set long in advance for their departure, was near at
+hand; the teams and outfits had already been purchased, the animals
+were thoroughly reliable and well trained, and everything was about
+ready for the start to the far West.  Robert and Abraham Shaeffer had
+also provided themselves with a team and outfit, and were equally
+well prepared; {167} two independent outfits satisfactory to Ben with
+four stalwart and reliable men, were in readiness making ten
+trustworthy adults in the party.  There were also three women and
+four children, with Andrew, Jennie and their little girl Margie--in
+all twenty persons, five ox-teams, one horse-team and a matched-mule
+team for Andrew.
+
+But the banks had not yet responded to the extent of the full amount
+needed to defray the expense of outfitting, and enough to provide for
+necessary supplies and incidental expenses on the road.  It seemed as
+if they might be held back at the last minute by the difficulties of
+securing the necessary funds.
+
+When all the other arrangements had been completed, Ben and father
+Shaeffer rode over to the nearest bank; with a determined expression
+of countenance, fire in their eyes and resolute tongues, they soon
+convinced the cashier that the money should be furnished to Ben as a
+matter of right.  Thereupon sufficient for all anticipated needs was
+handed to him, and that part of the problem solved.
+
+Ben had secured a light wagon, with half-springs under the bed to
+shelter Linda night and day, and also himself when not called
+elsewhere during the day, or kept out on watch at night.  He had
+planned to take a full share of the duties and responsibilities of
+the trip, no matter how arduous or fatiguing they might be.
+
+Andrew, Jennie and Margie were ready when Ben and Linda arrived.  Eli
+Sumner, the elderly {168} Quaker in whose care Pelton had left his
+former slaves, provided a span of matched tan-colored mules and a
+complete outfit for them.  All three took an affectionate farewell of
+their benefactor, for Sumner had been kind to them--just as good as
+"massa," Andrew said; and could not restrain tears of gratitude with
+the last shake of the hand.
+
+The ox-teams had been sent several days ahead to the Missouri River
+crossing, where Ben was to join them with Andrew, Jennie and Margie.
+A great surprise was in store for Ben upon arrival; all the teams of
+his party were awaiting him, but the great throng seen there on his
+first trip was conspicuously absent.  Instead of five hundred or more
+wagons on the former occasion, there were now not more than fifty
+besides his own little party.
+
+In striking contrast to the pressure of two years before at the ferry
+landing, where a long line of emigrants waited their turn to be
+carried over, now all were easily crossed about as they arrived.
+Stirring memories of his adventure on the previous trip came vividly
+to mind.  The sand-bar where the wagon-box had grounded with Kate
+Mulhall in water waist deep, was there; likewise the little island in
+front of the ferry landing where the scow upset, though since
+partially worn away by the swirling current of the great river.
+
+Grass was abundant near-by the camp site, instead of being cropped
+close as he had seen it the first time.  Profiting by Mulhall's
+experience with the {169} horse team, Ben determined to provide grain
+to last his horses and mules a long way out on the Trail.  First he
+planned to take another wagon and abandon it when unloaded, thus
+strengthening his teams with the extra oxen, but under the
+circumstances, he concluded it would be practicable for teams to make
+the return trip; so two wagons were secured and loaded with grain.
+
+When fully prepared the crossing was safely made, and the great trip
+across the plains started on April 18, 185-, about three weeks
+earlier in the season than the previous one.  The absence of Indians
+was at once noticed by Ben, who caught sight of a few in the distance
+the second day out; but they did not come anywhere near the train.
+At the crossing of the second river on the fifth day, some of their
+tepees were found on both sides of the Trail, and one directly across
+it at the usual landing place.
+
+There were a dozen or more lodges with altogether probably fifty
+Indians, of which about twenty were men.  Ben interpreted their
+obstruction of the Trail as a sign of hostile intent; and after
+selecting a suitable place for defense in case of attack, he at once
+gathered all of his people into camp.  The wagons formed a corral,
+the guns of the party were carefully examined and an armed guard sent
+to the grazing ground with the teams.  Every one was cautioned not to
+go near the tepees, but to await developments; and although Ben's
+camp was only about fifty yards away, no Indian approached near it.
+
+{170}
+
+Little or nothing would be lost by waiting, as other teams were
+expected in a few hours; at nightfall seven did arrive with eleven
+armed men.  Their wagons helped materially to enlarge the protecting
+circle, while the men increased the strength of the guard.
+
+At a council that evening it was decided not to go near the Indian
+camp for twenty-four hours, unless the red men first came to them;
+and to show a bold front, asking no favor except to be allowed to
+cross the river undisturbed--and make no concessions.  The Indians
+evidently did not want a show of arms, their immediate object being
+robbery under the guise of collecting toll; they had discovered that
+only a few wagons were crossing the river, and thought they could
+safely intimidate the smaller numbers.
+
+Realizing the impending danger, Ben at once saw the necessity of
+forming a larger company, for there might be fifty thousand warriors
+within riding distance of the Trail, and still greater dangers ahead.
+That night couriers were sent back to ascertain how many men could
+come up on the morrow; and definite information was received that
+thirty more wagons would reach their camp before the next night.
+
+When the Indians saw these reinforcements, they silently decamped and
+left the crossing unobstructed; but the incident naturally caused
+uneasiness in all the camps, as the sequel will show.  By later {171}
+accounts, at least eleven massacres were perpetrated along the Oregon
+Trail by Indians during the overland migrations.
+
+Some of those tragedies were revealed only in part by the irons of
+destroyed vehicles, with not a human being left to tell the dreadful
+story.  Ben concluded that it would be unsafe for the two grain
+wagons to return; so he took them over and employed the drivers until
+they could find an opportunity of returning with others--or else
+continue all the way with him to Oregon.
+
+Four days more of travel brought the train to another river crossing
+where they saw eleven nude men, women and children of a party whose
+three outfits had been burned, all provisions carried off and their
+teams driven away.  Why the Indians had spared the lives of the
+victims none could tell; they had not been harmed bodily, but
+stripped of all their belongings.  Ben gave the unfortunates one of
+the grain wagons and a team, while the people of the train fed and
+clothed them.
+
+They were now in the buffalo country, and near where Ben had gone on
+the hunt that had been almost fatal to him on the previous trip
+across.  He had no desire to duplicate the experience, but there were
+four more to feed than originally provided for, they had given the
+destitute party a month's supplies with the wagon; and he now
+realized the necessity of replenishing their stock of food.
+
+So the camp was put in order and an organized {172} hunt arranged;
+teams were sent to bring in the game and preparations made to cure
+it.  In five days the wagons returned fairly loaded down with jerked
+buffalo, and the journey was resumed with a bountiful supply of meat
+added to the previously diminished store.
+
+So far Ben's horses and the mule team had felt the strengthening
+results of light rations of grain; but by this time nearly all of it
+had been fed out.  Fortunately, the grass continued to be plentiful
+along stretches where, two years before, it had been eaten close to
+the ground by the large numbers of cattle and horses, with here and
+there a flock of sheep in the emigrant column.
+
+The Trail crossed a wide, open country inhabited by warlike tribes,
+some of which were off on hunting expeditions or in forays against
+other tribes, and a few had not yet returned from their trapping
+expeditions.  To the agreeable surprise of the emigrants, very few
+Indians were now seen, and those showed no signs of making trouble.
+
+After this had continued for several weeks, vigilance was somewhat
+relaxed and the company began to fall apart--a repetition of what had
+transpired in previous years, often with disastrous results.
+Believing that all danger from Indians had passed, Robert and Abraham
+Shaeffer concluded to try their fortune in the California gold mines,
+and left the train.
+
+Before he realized what was happening, Ben found {173} himself with
+the original company, except for the Shaeffer boys; but was not as
+much disturbed about it as he would have been a few weeks before.
+The grass was good, and the abundant feed in the vicinity of the
+camping places relieved the long tedious night watches, often far
+removed from them.  His horses, mules and oxen were in good
+condition; the cows gave plenty of milk for the company, and the
+surplus cream made considerable butter.
+
+Linda was enjoying the trip; if this was "hardship," she could have
+endured more of it without complaint.  Andrew, who never tired of
+entertaining the little camp with his violin and quaint plantation
+songs, was happy with Jennie and Margie.  Ben was comforted by the
+thought that they would soon be in the cabin home to which they had
+looked forward so long, and began to count the days--each one
+bringing them so much nearer their destination.
+
+So far the trip had been a surprise to Ben, and a marked contrast to
+the one he had made with Squire Mulhall only two years before.  The
+seasons had differed somewhat, but the greatest change consisted in
+the overcrowded Trail in 185-, and the much lesser number now.
+
+He had been traveling several days in a wide and fertile valley, now
+the pride of a great State, and had just crossed the river for the
+first time to the right bank.  The spot was ideal for a camp, with an
+abundance of grass, plenty of fuel and pure water for all.  So
+enticing was the scene that Ben concluded {174} to lay over Sunday to
+rest the tired teams and the weary members of his party as well.
+
+A low perpendicular bluff paralleled the river, with a narrow portion
+of the main valley, which promised ample feed for the teams, between
+them.  The bluff on one side and river on the other prevented the
+stock from scattering; and for once no guard was sent out, as had
+been customary heretofore.  A strip of wild grass higher than a man's
+shoulder bordered a dense growth of brush near the river.
+
+The women took advantage of the stop-over to do their washing near
+the river crossing; and one of the men was bagging some of the
+numerous rabbits in the valley.  Andrew spent most of his time
+entertaining others, as usual whenever opportunity offered; two of
+the horses had left the range and returned for a bit of bread or lick
+of salt.  Ben was busily occupied with the cares of the camp, and
+planning the next stage of the trip.
+
+On the following day two Indians were seen passing on horseback along
+the top of the low bluff; but nothing was thought of it, as there had
+been no trouble with them for several months, or for a thousand miles
+along the Trail.  A small train of wagons crossed the river during
+the day and continued on to the west; soon afterward an Indian was
+seen fording it at the same place and riding furiously toward the
+east.  About two hours later the same Indian returned, his pony
+exhibiting all the signs of {175} continued hard riding; after what
+followed it is certain that he was a scout sent up the Trail to
+ascertain whether or not another train was approaching.
+
+During the afternoon two men from a near-by camp went out to milk
+their cows and look after the oxen; and to their surprise were unable
+to find either.  Following on up the valley they soon came upon sure
+signs of hurried travel, and realized that the cattle had been
+stampeded from some cause not then apparent; after continuing along
+the Trail until near dark they were compelled to return slowly to the
+camp.
+
+To their amazement they found it in utter disorder, and without a
+living soul.  Wagons had been run together and partially burned;
+remnants of the outfits were scattered in every direction; remains of
+dead bodies were heaped upon the fire and in part consumed.  The
+dreadful fact dawned upon them that the camp had been raided by the
+Indians during their absence, and their comrades massacred.
+
+Linda, who had found a near-by refuge, remained in hiding until she
+heard voices in her own tongue, and then came out to the desolated
+camp.  It was too dark to recognize the mutilated bodies, but by a
+token on the remains Linda discovered that Ben was one of the slain,
+and immediately lost consciousness.  The horrors of that long night
+are beyond description, as the fears and alarms of a lifetime hovered
+over the heads of the sleepless survivors.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: SCENE AFTER THE MASSACRE, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE
+PAGE]
+
+This was part of the price which the overland travel of the 40s and
+50s paid that the far Northwest might be settled by Americans and
+made a part of the United States.  At least eleven such catastrophes
+are a matter of record.  It is, of course, impossible at this date to
+recover the graves of the marytred Pioneers; but we can--and
+will--erect suitable memorials to the Unknown Dead of the Plains.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+But the first duty was to look after the living and {176} let the
+dead rest where they were.  One of the men waded the river and
+started eastward on the Trail in search of aid, which he fortunately
+met within a few miles.  Couriers were dispatched east and west to
+warn the emigrants and urge volunteers to assemble and punish the
+Indians.
+
+In the early morning food and clothing were delivered to the stricken
+victims, and soon a train arrived to supply physical comforts to
+them.  A hundred miles of the Trail were traversed by couriers, and
+before night a large number of armed men had assembled; time pressed,
+and none was lost.
+
+During the day the trail of the oxen was anxiously located, so it
+could be followed at night.  Each rider carried his rations in his
+pouch, or in packages strapped to his saddle; there was no thought of
+bedding or camp equipment, as they intended to march all night in the
+hope of overtaking the Indians.  It is wonderful what a body of
+resolute men can accomplish when all are of one mind.
+
+The trail, which led up the valley for some miles, was easily and
+rapidly followed in the night; on the table-lands it was dim, but
+recognized without much difficulty.  At break of day a secluded spot
+was selected, the horses tethered and silence enjoined upon every
+one.  A cautious reconnaissance had discovered signs of Indians; at
+midnight the march was resumed, and their camps sighted at daylight.
+
+Each became his own captain as they descended in fury upon the
+slumbering Indians, and during the {177} mÃªlÃ©e that followed neither
+age nor sex was spared; women and children were ruthlessly shot down,
+and no prisoners taken.  The oxen and all except one of the cows and
+two of the horses were recovered, but Andrew's mules could not be
+found.  Orders were then given to assemble all the Indian horses
+possible, and shoot them on the spot.
+
+The chastisement was swift, severe and long remembered by the remnant
+of the band.  While this did not bring the dead to life or heal the
+wounds of the living, some reprisal was necessary to deter the
+savages from again molesting emigrant trains following the Trail on
+peaceful missions of finding homes for themselves and their families.
+It was cruel; but the emergency called for desperate measures.
+
+After the massacre Andrew, Jennie and Margie wandered off listlessly
+on the Trail leading west, and passing scouts found them later a
+short distance from the camp.  The Indians were terrified at their
+first sight of a negro, evidently believing Andrew to be an emissary
+of the evil spirit who could bring dire disaster upon them for any
+harm done to him; so he escaped.[1]
+
+As Andrew returned to camp, the shock of the disaster seemed to
+awaken him to new duties of life; and a vision opened up before him.
+"Massa Ben" was gone, and only he was now left of the men {178} in
+the original party.  Up to this time he had looked to others for
+direction, leaning upon them as a child upon a parent; but now he
+must act for and depend upon himself.  Without realizing the change,
+Andrew became virtual head of the remnant of the party, and quietly
+assumed the responsibility.
+
+His first act upon returning to camp was to look after the comfort of
+"Missus Linda" and provide a place where she might rest, while Jennie
+prepared some nourishment for her.  Others had attempted the gruesome
+task of separating and identifying the dead; but they were so
+mutilated and in such a confused mass that all were finally buried in
+one grave.
+
+Andrew's grief at the funeral was inconsolable; falling on his knees
+at the grave, he offered up a prayer expressing resignation to God's
+will and inspiring hopes for the future, that touched the heart of
+every one.  While a surprise to all, it was comforting, particularly
+to Linda; Andrew's thoughts seemed to be centered mainly on his young
+mistress, and he spared no effort to encourage and assist her.
+
+The burial of the victims preceded by only one day the revenge upon
+the Indians.  Echoes of boasts from the returning party that none had
+been spared, children and mothers slain and the wounded dispatched
+without mercy, troubled Linda's gentle spirit.  She could not
+participate in the elation of the men, and recalled what Ben had said
+of the "irrepressible conflict" between the Indians and the whites,
+as well as Andrew's prayer to "look for {179} relief from God
+Almighty," as the fervent negro had expressed it.
+
+An exact account of the massacre will never be known, for none were
+left to tell the story.  When the attack was made Linda and the three
+other women of the train were washing at the river, only a few
+hundred yards from the camp, though out of sight from it.  Hearing
+the guns and seeing many armed Indians near-by, all rushed for the
+brush and high grass, hiding as best they could.
+
+Immediately after the interment Linda retired, supperless and
+disconsolate, to the temporary camp Andrew had prepared for her.  The
+situation was indeed very desperate.  Her brothers had gone on to
+California, the last hired man had left them three weeks before, and
+her husband was dead.
+
+Deep grief, prolonged fatigue and loss of sleep finally overcame her,
+and she sank into a slumber where sorrow was temporarily forgotten.
+Morning brought partial relief; and Linda could then fix her mind on
+the emergency that confronted them.  As soon as Jennie knew her
+"missus" was awake she brought some food, of which Linda partook
+sparingly, although it was the first for about thirty-six hours.
+
+The wagon and yokes had been burned, and the clothing destroyed or
+carried off with the remainder of the outfit; nothing was left but
+the horses, the oxen and one cow.  Linda had the helpless colored
+man, as she still thought of Andrew, as well as his {180} wife and
+child, to consider; but a new courage took possession of her mind and
+drove away despair.  "I have yet something to live for," she said to
+herself.
+
+Summoning Andrew to her bedside, Linda was surprised to note his
+confident demeanor.  "Yes, missus, I kin drive the oxen, I knows I
+kin."  "But, Andrew, we have no wagon."  "Yes, missus, there's a
+wagon down by the ford; I seen it this mornin."  When reminded that
+the wagon didn't belong to her, Andrew responded, "Everybody takes a
+wagon standing on the road, if he thinks it better than hizzen."
+
+Linda remembered the accepted practice of the Trail that abandoned
+vehicles, of which there were a great number, became common property;
+and followed Andrew to the ford to see the wagon.  "Yuse jest take
+that; I kin drive it, I know I kin," Andrew confidently reiterated.
+"Yuse kin take my wagon (which had not been destroyed by the
+Indians), Jennie kin ride the mare and take care of the loose oxen
+and the cows, and Margin kin ride in this wagon with me."  Evidently
+Andrew had been thinking and planning while Linda slept; the new
+experience awakened his latent abilities.
+
+Fortunately a considerable part of their money was sewed in a dress
+she wore; and some hidden under a false bottom of the wagon-box was
+recovered, much to her relief.  Linda and Andrew managed to put
+together an outfit enabling them to resume the journey.  He developed
+as the necessity required, {181} Jennie soon became more than a
+dependent, and even Margie found incidental ways to be helpful.
+
+Several hundred miles of the Trail were still ahead of them; but each
+day brought new experiences and increased confidence.  Linda's
+strength gradually returned; and Andrew proved that he could drive an
+ox-team as well as play the violin, which had been laid aside unused
+since the fatal Sunday when "Massa Ben" had been killed.  His whole
+ambition centered in the welfare of his "missus," and he felt an
+obligation to see her safely in the cabin home.  As they neared the
+end of the journey, Linda became still more self-reliant.  She was
+surprised at the improvement in Andrew and Jennie, and finally in
+herself; and realized in a still larger measure that she had
+something more to live for.
+
+Just seven months and one day after she and Ben drove out of the
+Shaeffer door-yard in Missouri, Linda drew up unannounced in front of
+the cabin which he had built on his claim in the Oregon Country.  It
+was late in the evening, while the Squire and the girls were at
+supper.  Hearing a noise outside, Mulhall arose and as he opened the
+door Linda was just reaching out to knock for admission; catching
+sight of her, the girls screamed with delight and in their hasty
+greeting nearly upset the table.
+
+"Where's Ben?" was the first question the Squire asked; but quickly
+divining from Linda's countenance that something had happened, the
+question {182} was not repeated.  He then turned to greet Andrew and
+Jennie, and after them Margie.  Leaving Linda with the girls, Mulhall
+accompanied Andrew to care for the teams, and then learned the
+dreadful news; thus he knew there could now be no joyful reunion, and
+hastened back as soon as possible.
+
+The sight of the cabin that Ben had built for their home, and the
+conveniences he had arranged inside, revived the dormant grief within
+Linda's breast until she sank unconscious and helpless to the cabin
+floor.  Poor woman!  She had fortified herself with a resolution to
+be brave; but her emotion would not down, and relief came only in
+unconsciousness.  When she awoke the Squire refrained from asking any
+questions about the tragedy, but talked about the country of which
+she had seen so little, and discussed plans for the future.
+
+Next morning when Linda's calmness had returned, she voluntarily told
+Mulhall the whole story as they wandered over the extensive and
+beautiful Donation claim, a mile in length and half a mile in width.
+It was an ideal place for a home, nearly all fertile prairie with a
+clump of timber in one corner some distance from the cabin, while a
+rivulet of pure water fed by springs on the claim flowed through the
+land.  Small wonder that Ben should have written to her so
+enthusiastically about their future home; or that he braved so much
+to reach it with her.
+
+He looked forward to a bright future spent in {183} developing and
+embellishing this choice tract of land in a salubrious climate, with
+the assistance of the young wife whom he adored.  But the treacherous
+savages in the wilds of what is now part of the State of Idaho put a
+cruel end to his joys and hopes.  Unfortunate man!  But not the only
+one, for many like him met a similar fate on the Oregon Trail.
+
+Craig, who had never before seen Linda, came the following Sunday,
+and was fairly stunned when told of the disaster.  He loved Ben for
+the many good traits of his character, and was drawn closer to him
+through their mutual adventures.  "My lady," he said in a broad
+Scotch brogue, "you shall have the cabin and all there is in it; and
+I will move the line twenty rods away."
+
+He added something about being able to secure a full claim for
+himself, as there was still vacant land adjacent; but made no mention
+of the fact that the new boundary would make his own less valuable.
+It did not matter very much, for he had long thought that Ben should
+come into the ownership of both claims, a mile square in the great
+fertile valley.  There were many instances in which the earlier
+settlers had taken up that amount of land in their own right, under
+the law as at first passed; but later settlers were restricted to
+half that area.
+
+Craig at once had a new cabin built to comply with the legal
+requirements of his own residence; and then without either
+ostentation or Linda's knowledge, had his will re-drawn in her favor
+instead of {184} Ben's, as the first one read.  We are not sure that
+Ben knew of the first; both acts were characteristic of Craig's
+modesty, forethought and generosity.
+
+Andrew wanted very much to see "Massa Pelton," but hesitated to leave
+Linda; he could not tell which he loved best, his old master or the
+new missus.  Both had been good to him, which was more than he could
+say about some others of the white race.
+
+Great numbers, perhaps a majority, of the early settlers in the
+Oregon Country had come from slave States, bringing prejudices
+against the black man so intense that at first no negro could live in
+their midst under pain of the whipping post.  Unbelievable! the
+reader will exclaim--but yet authentic history.  The law had been
+passed by the Provisional Government under the stimulus of temporary
+and unreasonable excitement, and without due consideration or
+deliberation; it was never enforced and soon repealed.
+
+Linda asked the Squire if he thought Pelton would consent to have
+Andrew and Jennie stay with her through the winter; but at the moment
+Mulhall considered it unlikely.  "Won't I have time to write him
+before you go with Andrew?" she asked.  "I'll wait till you do," the
+Squire answered, as he could see the necessity of help for the lone
+widow, though he didn't yet know the principal reason.
+
+Linda wrote not to Isaac, but to Kate.  After telling her of the
+tragedy, she explained that she was looking forward to another one to
+live for, which explained why she so much wanted Jennie to be {185}
+with her.  When Kate told Pelton of the special reason he said, "God
+bless her, yes!  I would almost say you should also go and be with
+her."  But Kate had her own household and their own little boy to
+care for.
+
+Squire Mulhall was reluctant to leave for home, as he had planned to
+do on Ben's arrival; in fact had about made up his mind to stay.  But
+the girls must be taken back before school opened; and he did not see
+how it could be managed unless he made the trip with them, even if he
+returned at once to the Hardy cabin.  Imagine his surprise when, two
+days after Linda received Kate's letter telling her that Andrew and
+Jennie could remain with her, Pelton knocked at the door and greeted
+the astonished Squire in the cabin.
+
+Isaac explained that he wanted to see his former slaves so badly
+that, over-night, he concluded to make the trip; besides Kate had a
+small package to send to Linda.  He instinctively knew also that the
+Squire would want to stay longer with her; so on his return he would
+take the girls back in time for school.  Andrew fairly shouted with
+joy at the sight of his old master; Jennie was no less jubilant, but
+had a different way of showing it; not until sleep overtook them,
+could either restrain their long pent-up feelings.
+
+The two men counselling together that night agreed upon a course of
+action--first, that with Linda's consent an addition would be built
+to the cabin, and a {186} one-room cabin put up for Andrew; second,
+that Pelton would return home immediately, taking the girls to his
+home until Kate could make suitable arrangements for them in their
+own home in the village near the school; and third, that the Squire
+should stay with Linda for an indefinite time, or at least until
+after the approaching event that was to mean so much for her.
+
+It required only one week to have Andrew's one-room cabin ready to
+move into, and not much longer to complete the addition to the main
+dwelling, more than doubling its rooming capacity.  Meanwhile Isaac
+had returned home with the girls ready for school.  The two men
+wanted to build a more pretentious residence, but Linda said she
+preferred to live in the humble one that Ben had built with his own
+hands.
+
+The little conveniences that he had provided seemed doubly precious
+in her eyes; every shelf and cooking utensil, the sheet iron stove
+and even the cups he had used all seemed treasures to her.  Having
+been planned and built to accommodate Craig as well as Ben, the cabin
+was commodious and very comfortable.  She did want an open fireplace,
+that she might enjoy the cheerful glow of the evening fire and the
+pure-health giving air; so a large fireplace was built in it.
+
+* * * * * * * * *
+
+The Squire had been busy during the summer, and raised a bounteous
+crop on the fresh plowed virgin {187} soil; to protect it during the
+winter he had erected a "post-barn" large enough to shelter all the
+stock and store the provender.  Trunks of beautiful young timber
+growths up to a hundred feet in length and practically any size
+desired, were easily obtainable.  A post-barn was constructed by
+planting posts of this timber deep in the ground to support a roof,
+using the ground as a floor; with a shelter on the windward side,
+stock would be comfortable in the open air of the mild Oregon winter.
+
+Andrew was happy in the thought of staying with Linda, without
+expecting compensation for his labor; a wage was something foreign to
+his mind.  He was denied the privilege of owning a home in his own
+right; and what was the use of earning wages, when he could not
+enforce collection in courts closed to him?  But these things did not
+disturb him, as he lived in an atmosphere of love for his master and
+missus, Jennie and Margie, and was happy.
+
+December had come, and still the flowers remained in bloom and the
+grass green; Christmas was approaching, and the Squire said they
+ought to celebrate.  He hoped to divert Linda's mind from her great
+loss; but was puzzled how to do so.  His first thought was to make a
+present to her, though uncertain what would be the best selection.
+
+Linda did not enter into the spirit of the suggested festivities--not
+that she was brooding over her affliction, for she had regained her
+cheerfulness.  When Christmas was only three days away, and {188}
+before the Squire had made up his mind about the present and the
+celebration, a boy of nine pounds appeared in the cabin; and all
+agreed that his name should be Benjamin.
+
+Kate--hereafter Mrs. Pelton now that she is a mother--was delighted
+when she heard that Linda also had a boy; no trace of jealousy tinged
+her thought.  Isaac, her own little son, was the brightest and cutest
+baby in all the world; there could be no rival to him, and nothing
+would excite the remotest feeling of envy.  Sincere congratulations
+were sent by Mr. and Mrs. Pelton to Mrs. Hardy with a substantial
+gift for Benjamin, "the future protector of his mother and a joy
+forever."
+
+From some unexplained cause, both mothers felt that the two babes
+were to be drawn close together in the experiences of life, as their
+parents had been.  Mrs. Pelton, whose wishes seemed almost prophetic,
+freely communicated these thoughts to Mrs. Hardy--not Linda any more.
+Prophecies of later days, like those of olden times, are often
+remarkably fulfilled.
+
+The two "babes in the woods," we might almost literally say, grew and
+thrived amazingly under the best maternal care and in the healthful
+environment of pure air and mild climate.  Mulhall zealously guarded
+the supply of pure milk and food for the household, and looked after
+the little one with an almost paternal affection.  After putting it
+off as long as possible, he reluctantly informed Mrs. Hardy {189}
+that he must soon leave for his own home, and at the same time
+lessened her anxieties by saying that he would provide for her
+financial needs.
+
+Pelton had reached his own conclusion that Ben Hardy's widow needed
+Andrew more than he; and wrote that the colored man could remain with
+her a year or longer--practically without limit of time.  That was a
+sacrifice, as Isaac had planned to have his former slaves near-by,
+where he could make their advancing years comfortable and happy; but
+was now convinced that Andrew and Jennie would be about as content
+where they were as in his own home, and, realized that they would
+greatly assist Mrs. Hardy.  A second letter, received soon after
+father Mulhall arrived home, so informed Mrs. Hardy, to her great joy
+and relief; she often wondered if it would ever be possible to repay
+this great kindness, forgetting that Pelton was already rewarded by
+the consciousness of having contributed materially to the welfare and
+happiness of others.
+
+It seemed to the parents an incredibly short time before the "babes"
+of the two households became school children.  A few years later they
+were taking courses in the University, and grew into manhood--the
+pride of their elders and an honor to the State which had been
+developed out of the region in which they were born.  Gradually, too,
+the parents in each family realized that they had passed middle life,
+and were approaching old age.
+
+Their eyes were dimmed and hearing somewhat {190} dulled, but their
+minds were still clear and active; aspirations, hopes and even
+ambitions remained with them, while reflections upon past
+achievements and some failures (the ripe experience to which there is
+no short-cut) brought deeper thought and greater happiness into their
+lives.  In both the Pelton and Hardy families, the results of
+successful endeavor, intellectual development and independence were
+manifest in an unusual degree.
+
+Kate--Mrs. Pelton--had changed into a motherly stature so attractive
+to her husband and all friends; the active, graceful movement and the
+fire of her eye were retained, her complexion was still ruddy, and
+there was a sprinkling of grey hairs to lighten the color of the
+whole.  Pelton continued in excellent health; the active outdoor life
+on his farm had developed a sturdy frame, strengthened his muscles
+and quickened his mind.  Like many other pioneers with great
+opportunities before them, he had prospered beyond expectation, and
+was in affluent circumstances.
+
+Ben Hardy had located on a Donation claim of three hundred and twenty
+acres of such intrinsic value that if he had lived, the rise of land
+values in a country of ever-increasing population and prosperity
+would have made him a wealthy man.  When the Donation Act under which
+he took up his claim was passed, the law provided that half of it
+should be held by the wife in her own right.
+
+Before that date, and for many years afterward, {191} a wife could
+not legally inherit or hold property in fee simple except in the
+Oregon Country, under this special act.  Incredible as it may seem,
+she was also denied the right to control her children, sue in the
+courts, speak in public or enter schools of higher education.
+
+So when Linda became Ben's wife, she had no property rights except
+insofar as this special law gave her an equal share in the land upon
+which they had settled.  Hardy did not live to return to the claim,
+but after years of doubt and delay, his widow came into ownership of
+half (160 acres) in her own right; and by descent her son received
+the other half.
+
+The experiences of these years, and considerable of what may properly
+be called semi-litigation, developed Mrs. Hardy's latent ability to
+cope with business problems as they arose; so she prospered and
+became known as a woman of executive ability.  It was in memory of
+the husband and for the welfare of her boy, the younger Benjamin,
+that she resolved that life was worth living; and right well did she
+prove the correctness of the resolution.
+
+Things did not run smoothly during the whole of the long period.
+Pelton had been compelled to make one trip to the old home in
+Missouri to adjust some business matters.  Mrs. Hardy sustained a
+loss in consequence of a heavy snowfall, and met some reverses of
+minor importance; but the steady development of the country and
+consequent increase of land values, proved of great advantage to them
+both.
+
+
+
+[1] A similar instance is recorded in the case of York, the slave of
+Captain Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, upon whom the Indians
+looked with superstitious awe mingled with terror.
+
+
+
+
+{192}
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+LINDA'S HOPE NEVER REALIZED; DEATH OF DAVID MULHALL; CRAIG'S PROMISE
+REMEMBERED; LESSONS FROM A TRAIL-MAKING OUTFIT; DECISION TO MAKE THE
+TRIP.
+
+
+The thread of our story is now resumed at a later date, and in a new
+century.  Linda Shaeffer, as we first knew her, for many years Ben's
+widow, has now passed the meridian of life; her only child, Benjamin,
+has grown into manhood and assumed the cares of the farm and home.
+Meanwhile the Pacific Northwest has made extraordinary progress, with
+an increase in population and improvements in transportation almost
+completely changing the old-time pioneer environment.
+
+In the cool evening of a midsummer day, Linda Hardy was sitting in
+front of the ivy covered cabin, whose roof was completely overspread
+with the bright green of the beautiful climbing vine.  Nearly half of
+the front side was likewise covered with growths from the same
+vigorous stalk at the corner of the cottage; and the foliage on the
+roof had reached to the farther end of the cabin, two rods or more
+from the roots that supported and gave life to it.  The sultry
+atmosphere was filled with perfume from a row of sweet peas that
+lined the front of a {193} small but well-kept flower garden, mingled
+with aroma from a choice variety of roses in bloom, while sweet
+clover and various other flowers added to the pleasant fragrance
+afloat in the air.
+
+A young man with a glow of health in his countenance was leaning
+against the wall of the cabin, with his feet on the rung of the
+chair, and a book which he had been reading open upon his knees.  In
+an abstracted mood he suddenly closed the book, placed his feet upon
+the ground and for a moment sat upright, looking out into space as if
+unconscious of his surroundings.  Recovering himself and looking
+straight at the matron sitting nearby, he uttered one word, "Mother!"
+
+"What is it, Benjamin?"
+
+Only partly aroused from his reverie, he seemed unprepared to say
+just what was on his mind; so made no immediate or direct reply.
+
+For some years, the youthful Benjamin Hardy had hoped that some day
+he could visit the spot where the remains of his father had been
+left; but any reference to the tragedy seemed always to greatly
+disturb his mother.  He had the subject of a proposed trip to the
+grave on his mind when, half abstractedly, he had first spoken to
+her; now fully awake, he hesitated to continue.
+
+"What is it, Benjamin?" repeated by his mother prompted him to go
+farther than he had attempted heretofore.
+
+"Do you believe, mother, if you were to go out on {194} the Trail you
+could identify the spot where father was killed?" he asked rather
+hesitatingly.
+
+"I know I could--the river crossing, the low bluff and the narrow
+strip of valley are all there.  I can see them in my mind as plain as
+the day it occurred."
+
+"But there are probably several crossings now; how could you identify
+the particular one?"
+
+"It was where the Trail crossed and was worn two or three feet deep
+on both banks of the river; Ben, I have seen where it was worn down
+ten feet deep.  Yes, I could find the crossing, and even the spot
+where your father was buried."
+
+"Mother, I have long wanted to go, find the grave and put a monument
+on the spot."
+
+There was a long silence during which both seemed to be pondering the
+subject.  The mother spoke first, "Kate has several times written
+that she would like to visit her mother's grave and wants me to go
+along; but that is nearly a thousand miles, I should judge, beyond
+where your father was buried."
+
+As had been the case before, the conversation ended without reaching
+any conclusion.  Years passed, and from one cause or another, the
+journey to visit the grave of Benjamin Hardy, away out on the
+sage-brush plains, was not undertaken.
+
+Finally, when the Pelton family and Aunt Sarah were about ready to
+make the long-anticipated trip to the grave of Catherine Mulhall near
+the summit of the Rocky Mountains, and sent an invitation to Linda to
+join the party, she had to sorrowfully decline.  {195} For some time
+her health had not been good; in fact, she had become a prematurely
+broken-down woman without any apparent cause, unless it was the
+silent grief gnawing so many years at her heart.
+
+She was never able to revisit the scene of the tragedy where the
+young husband whom she adored had been ruthlessly slain by the
+bloodthirsty savages; but could not forget the cruel blow fate had
+dealt her, and often thought how the bright prospects and hopes of
+her young life had been so irretrievably shattered.  Though absent in
+the flesh, her spirit was ever hovering over the grave by the river.
+
+Isaac Pelton enjoyed doing things, and from the day when he selected
+a tract for his home until the final call, he was a busy man.  He had
+a worthy helpmate in Kate, mistress of the household, who was as busy
+in the cabin as he was in the field.  After the birth of their eldest
+child, a new purpose in life--a bond of union bringing higher aims
+and ambitions--opened before them; both enjoyed excellent health and
+were supremely happy and contented.
+
+Their thoughts centered on the baby--Isaac Pelton, Jr., and heir to
+their estate.  Both lovingly watched his growth from day to day and
+were well repaid, for the boy grew rapidly in health and vigor
+inherited from his parents and aided by the healthful climate and
+nourishing food of the frontier farm.
+
+It was before the time of the transcontinental railroads, and the
+markets of the world had not yet {196} been opened to that region by
+the steamship lines that came later; so the country developed slowly.
+The mails were tardy in reaching them, but the few letters were as
+welcome and interesting as if delivered the day before or even a
+fortnight earlier; and the current literature of the day supplied by
+the newspapers of the period, was abundant and furnished subjects for
+serious thought.  When the steamers were delayed by storms or
+accidents, sometimes missing connections that made letters and
+newspapers two or three weeks late, plenty of topics were open for
+study that had only a passing reading before.
+
+The newspapers occupied the field later taken by the conservative
+magazines; the common practice of re-reading articles developed
+topics for speculative thinking and deep study as interesting and
+often more instructive than when fresh from the mails with only a
+light reading.  Neither Isaac nor Kate had received more than a
+common school education, which was all that was expected in their
+childhood days.  Little did they realize how they had acquired a
+"higher education" in the broad and thorough school of active life;
+but such was the accomplished fact with many pioneers of their day.
+
+Pelton never tired of taking their little boy on his knee, and
+reading aloud while the mother plied the needle on their garments, or
+knitted evenings for companionship as well as to provide them with
+comfortable clothing.  Another stranger came into their {197}
+household; and to the great joy of the mother, it was a girl.  "Now
+we're even," said Kate; "and let us call the little one Catherine."
+
+She never forgot the grave high upon the mountains, the scene of the
+burial of her mother Catherine, or the planting of the little tree
+upon it; and always cherished loving thoughts of her.  Sarah, one of
+the twin sisters, often talked to Kate about it and recalled Craig's
+well remembered words, "I'll mark your mother's grave so you can find
+it the longest day you live," which had sunk deep into her heart and
+kept alive the desire to revisit the sacred spot.
+
+Time passed and another child--a boy--came; Isaac said the name
+should be Adam to perpetuate the memory of his own father, Adam
+Pelton.  Next a girl was born to them; and Kate selected the name
+Sarah, after her sister who faithfully administered to the wants of
+father David Mulhall to the last days of his life.
+
+There were now in the Pelton household two boys and two girls, each
+in time to share in the intense love of their parents, and receive as
+much care and attention as the first-born.  It was in every respect
+an ideal family, held in high esteem by all who dwelt in the
+neighborhood.
+
+Isaac and Kate had long wanted the Squire to come and share the
+comforts and joys of their household; but he was reluctant to give up
+his own home, and hesitated until the unexpected call came.  "He
+{198} just went to sleep," said Sarah, who watched by his bedside,
+and died without a struggle, beloved by his children, respected by
+all who knew him, honored by his business associates and the church
+to which he belonged.  Sarah, who had never married, soon left the
+village homestead to live with her sister Kate, and was a welcome
+addition to the Pelton household.
+
+As time passed, Sarah's thoughts would revert to her mother's grave,
+and the words of Douglas Craig kept echoing in her ears.  Even in her
+dreams the fond hope of revisiting that well-remembered spot kept
+recurring, and strengthening the resolution that some day and somehow
+she would realize the hope of making the long journey to where the
+little pine was planted and the grave marked by a wagon-tire.
+
+Isaac Pelton, Jr. was a precocious child, and in his father's mind
+was destined to be a distinguished citizen of the Republic.  He did
+come to honorable manhood, married early and made business
+connections that called him to a foreign land; but died in middle
+age, without returning to America.
+
+His sister Catherine married young, raised a family of six children
+and following in her mother's footsteps, filled an honored place in
+the community.  While experiencing more of the hardships of pioneer
+or rather frontier life, she was uncomplaining and happy.  Adam and
+Sarah, both unmarried, remained at home with their parents, Isaac and
+Kate--now "the old folks."
+
+{199}
+
+During the lapse of years, while the events recorded in this volume
+were passing, a great change had taken place in nearly all the
+world's affairs.  From a retrospective view, the transformation in
+the facilities and conveniences of life and habits of the people, the
+advances in the arts and sciences, and growth of religion and
+political freedom in the period from the burial of Catherine Mulhall
+on the high mountains, to the arrival of the pilgrimage at her grave,
+was greater than in the preceding thousand years.
+
+Within that time, a great Civil War had been fought and the Union
+preserved; slavery had been abolished in name, and finally in fact.
+After the Emancipation Proclamation, no one could any longer place
+men, women and children on the auction block like cattle, sheep or
+any other chattel.  This was but one step in the great drama of which
+it was a part, though the United States had become known throughout
+the world as the land of the free, which it was in comparison with
+the majority of other countries.
+
+Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, had been assassinated, but his noble
+acts and the cruel manner of his death had enshrined him in the
+hearts of the liberty-loving people of the world.  Religious progress
+was no less pronounced than political, though not by legal
+enactments.  In the beginning of the period here recorded, many
+orthodox ministers taught that all who did not believe in the tenets
+of their church were doomed to everlasting punishment {200} in a lake
+of fire, portraying a God of vengeance, not of love--driving people
+into the church through fear and not from motives of righteousness.
+
+A great step forward was the establishment of a uniform common school
+system, soon to become free; though crude at the beginning, it
+contained the germ of the educational development prevailing at the
+end of the period.  The marvelous progress in the arts and sciences
+is beyond question the most far-reaching of all, medical discovery
+increasing the average span of life from thirty-four to forty-five
+years by conquering the plagues or epidemics, preventing the spread
+of violent diseases and reducing infant mortality in amazing
+proportions.
+
+Applications of electricity for power and light have advanced
+civilization in many ways; but we are too near to that era to see it
+in correct perspective.  The discovery and rapid improvement of
+internal combustion motors brought the automobile to the state of a
+practical vehicle during the period just before the long-anticipated
+trip to the grave.
+
+Sarah Mulhall, who never forgot the words of Douglas Craig spoken to
+her when in deep grief beside the freshly made grave of her mother,
+the little tree, the rose bush and the flowers planted there, or the
+inscribed half buried wagon-tire, assured her sister Kate--Mrs.
+Pelton--that she could locate the spot.  The North Star, the rift in
+the mountains and the marks on the trail would be her guides to it.
+She was possessed of a competence, more than needed for {201} comfort
+during a long life; and was willing to expend any necessary amount to
+reach the sacred spot and erect a monument to the memory of their
+mother.
+
+* * * * * * * * *
+
+About this time an elderly man who had been among the pioneers of
+1852, drove slowly over the old Trail, erecting monuments as he
+progressed to preserve its identity, and to perpetuate the memory of
+the unknown dead along the way.  Upon completion of the Oregon Short
+Line R.R., paralleling much of it, the original track had been
+abandoned in some places, and became known to many as the "lost
+trail."  A national interest had been aroused, and two or three of
+the States through which it passes had taken measures to aid the
+elderly man's work.
+
+Isaac Pelton and Kate often contemplated the possibility of visiting
+the grave of her mother, and like Sarah, planned to do so.  But while
+their family was being raised, and afterward when the children were
+attending school, circumstances always seemed to postpone the trip.
+
+Besides, Sarah could not leave her father who wanted very much to go
+with them, but was prevented by the hand of time on his shoulders.
+If the automobile had come twenty years earlier, the Squire and Sarah
+could and would have done so; but the long journey with an ox-team,
+or even with a horse and carriage was thought too much for his
+strength, and he died without undertaking it.
+
+Adam Pelton, the second son, was of an {202} adventurous nature and
+had traveled in foreign lands as well as extensively in his own; he
+was in the prime of life and in good health, a thorough mechanic with
+experience in repairing automobiles.  Returning to the old homestead
+after a long absence, he noticed his father's whitened locks, and saw
+that his steps were no longer firm.  His mother had changed
+comparatively little, though now approaching three score years and
+ten.
+
+After passing some weeks at home, consulting with his aunt Sarah and
+observing the health of his father and mother, he believed they would
+be benefited by a trip away from the homestead over the old Trail to
+the grave of his grandmother.  "It would be nice to make that trip
+next summer, father," Adam said one day while they were strolling
+over the farm.  "You would not need to turn your hand over to do a
+thing; sister Sarah says she could drive one of the automobiles, if
+we didn't go too far in a day."
+
+Adam then counselled with his father, mother and Aunt Sarah, and near
+the end of the talk the mother said, "I'm ready to go; and now what
+do you say, father?"
+
+"I'll think it over tonight," Pelton responded.  Aunt Sarah spoke up,
+"I'm ready to go, Adam is also, and sister--here's three to one;
+let's make it unanimous."
+
+For once Pelton wavered; he wanted to go, but questioned in his own
+mind whether he was physically able to stand the trip.  "Well, I'll
+go, unless {203} Dr. Marshall advises against it," he replied, which,
+they all knew the doctor would not; and so the momentous decision
+that the trip would be made in the spring, when the maple trees were
+in full leaf, was reached.
+
+Next morning at the breakfast table everyone was cheerful, and they
+began planning the outfit to convey them, discussing what they would
+take along, when they would start and about how long it would take.
+Adam said it would require two automobiles at least, and perhaps
+three would be better.  "What would you want three automobiles for?"
+his sister Sarah asked in a rather derisive tone.
+
+"The third one to carry the camp outfit," Adam suggested and added,
+"we have three elderly people to care for, you know."  "Why not build
+a wagon-box on the running-gears of an automobile like the one that
+went over to mark the Trail?" Sarah responded in real earnest.  She
+had been reading about the elderly man's trip in a wagon-box on an
+automobile, where he had a cook-stove, ate his frugal meals, and had
+room for all his outfit, including a bed; and thought it a jolly good
+idea.
+
+"Well, you may laugh if you please," she said to Adam, who at first
+was not favorable to the idea, "but there's more in it than you at
+first imagine.  He had springs to the seat, which could be removed
+when he wanted to make the bed, and slept nice and dry away from the
+lizards, ticks and fleas we hear about."  Sarah had read the story
+how at one place the fleas {204} had attacked Mrs. Whitman[1] in such
+numbers as to blacken her dress and fairly crazed the good lady.
+
+Nevertheless Adam could not refrain from a hearty laugh at the odd
+expression, "wagon-box on the running gear of an automobile," to the
+annoyance of his sister, who well knew of the word "chassis" as
+applied to motor cars.  But an old-time wagon-box as an automobile
+top appealed to her imagination, and she carried the simile further
+in her mind to the wagon instead of the automobile.  After a few more
+sallies of wit, only part in earnest, mother Pelton spoke half
+reprovingly, "There now, children, don't you think you have carried
+this far enough?"
+
+Though Kate, as we first knew her, now Mrs. Pelton a matron of mature
+age, spoke of them this way in pleasantry, in her heart she felt and
+thought of them as her children, and not as a mature man and woman.
+Many a mother carries that feeling to the end of her life; God bless
+their memories!
+
+Adam and Sarah had much in common, though each held opinions which
+they would stoutly defend when occasion seemed to require it.  They
+often roamed the fields together, and penetrated the forests in
+search of flowers, ferns or shrubs, or to study bird and small animal
+life.  Sarah had a creditable collection, particularly of flowers and
+ferns, while Adam mounted his birds and small animals with his own
+hands; both collections, jointly cared for and {205} equally prized
+by each, were in one room of the residence.
+
+Sarah was a pronounced "woman's rights" advocate, and a staunch
+admirer of Susan B. Anthony, while Adam did not hesitate to call her
+a crank, and thought a woman's place in the household instead of the
+political arena.  On various subjects they usually agreed to
+disagree; but when it came to the temperance question or religious
+opinions, they were of one mind.
+
+Immediately after breakfast, Adam saddled his horse and rode off
+without telling anyone where he was going.  Notwithstanding his
+jocular attitude toward Sarah's wagon-box idea, he had been impressed
+with it and went direct to the automobile shop in the city determined
+to investigate.  "Yes, it's perfectly feasible," they all said when
+he explained what was wanted.  One mechanic spoke up, "I saw that old
+man's outfit with his stovepipe running through the wagon cover just
+as if he was in a house."
+
+Without consulting anyone at home, he ordered the chassis and other
+fixtures for two automobiles without the tops, in due time justifying
+his precipitate action by the explanation that neither Aunt Sarah nor
+his father, or both together, should bear all of the expense of the
+trip, as each had expressed a willingness to do.  Adam said nothing
+that evening as to where he had been or what he had done, but at
+breakfast the next morning began teasing {206} Sarah about her
+wagon-box on the running gear of an automobile, to prepare the way
+for the laugh that was on him; and then came out with the whole story
+to the great merriment of all.  He could enjoy a joke on himself as
+well as on another, and joined heartily in the laugh that followed.
+
+Preparations for the great journey progressed during the winter,
+three months before they could cross the first mountain barrier
+without encountering snow.  Time seemed to pass slowly, for all were
+eager to start.  Maps were sought, guide-books searched and all
+obtainable literature on or about the Oregon Trail read, re-read and
+studied.  With the lapse of years the old track had become famous and
+revered by millions as a battlefield, which indeed it was; a traveler
+who had passed over it wrote a description and brief history of it as
+follows:
+
+
+Worn deep and wide by the migration of three hundred thousand people,
+lined by the graves of twenty thousand dead, witness of romance and
+tragedy, the Oregon Trail is unique in history, and will always be
+sacred to the memories of the pioneers.  Reaching the summit of the
+Rockies upon an evenly distributed grade of eight feet to the mile,
+following the watercourse of the River Platte and tributaries to
+within two miles of the summit of the South Pass, through the Rocky
+Mountain barrier, descending to the tide-waters of the Pacific
+through the valleys of the Snake and Columbia, the route of the
+Oregon Trail points the way for a great National Highway from the
+Missouri River to Puget Sound--a roadway of greatest commercial
+importance, a highway of military preparedness, a route for a lasting
+memorial to the pioneers, thus combining utility and sentiment.
+
+
+
+[1] A fragment of history from the life of Marcus Whitman.
+
+
+
+
+{207}
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE START FOR THE ROCKIES; RE-DISCOVERY OF THE OLD TRAIL;
+RECOLLECTIONS OF BURNT RIVER; ALL SIGNS OF BEN'S GRAVE OBLITERATED; A
+GRANITE MONUMENT ERECTED NEAR THE LONE PINE AND WAGON TIRE AT THE
+GRAVE OF CATHERINE MULHALL; CLOSING SCENES.
+
+
+At last the eventful day for the start arrived amid auspicious
+circumstances.  The maple leaves were full size, pastures green and
+the grains were coming up with promises of a bounteous yield.  Silver
+tips of new growth ornamented the evergreen trees.  Many of the
+hardier varieties of rose were in bloom, some for more than a month;
+the crocus peeped out in March, followed by numerous other early
+flowers.  Birds had nested, and the mates were busily occupied in
+securing food for the ones that kept the little eggs warm, and for
+themselves.
+
+The barn on the Pelton homestead reflected the sunlight from its new
+coat of paint, but the residence needed no further attention, as a
+heavy film of sand had been blown in with each previous application.
+The garden fence was given a fresh cover of whitewash, and everything
+was looking in the best of condition.  Catherine, now a widow with a
+large family, arrived to care for the residence and garden {208}
+during the absence of the household; and the tenant for the year had
+moved into the old dwelling, the first one built, near-by.
+
+At the hour set for the start, all the travelers were in their places
+when Adam said that Sarah, whose arms were resting on the steering
+wheel of the automobile she was to drive, should take the lead.
+Sarah replied, "No"--that Adam ought to have the honor.  The
+neighbors who had gathered into a group along the roadside to see
+them off wondered what they could be waiting for.
+
+Finally mother Pelton asked, "Will you leave it to me?"  Both almost
+in one breath exclaimed "Yes."  "Go ahead with father, Sarah," was
+Kate's quick answer; and the start was made amidst a flutter of
+handkerchiefs in the assemblage of neighbors, the tooting of horns on
+both automobiles and waving of small American flags.
+
+Adam had displayed real genius in providing a convenient outfit.  The
+automobile with large wagon-size top and high canvas cover was turned
+into a living room, with electric lights and a small heater for the
+electric iron or to boil water for tea even while they traveled.
+Sarah never tired praising Adam for the very convenient arrangement,
+and he in turn gave full credit to her for suggesting the wagon-box
+that made it possible.
+
+Pelton soon began to recognize the route traveled on his first trip
+to Puget Sound, and also when he visited Linda Hardy and returned
+home with little {209} Sarah and Bess.  Where Sarah had pitched
+headlong off the pony's back into the mud, there was now a thriving
+village with brick buildings, a fine Court House, two modest but neat
+appearing churches and a commodious hotel.  They passed through five
+such villages on long stretches of road paved like the main highways
+of the eastern States.
+
+On the bank of a large river he found an enterprising city with
+thousands of busy inhabitants, where at the time of his earlier
+visits there was only a scattered village with temporary shanties,
+and stumps obstructing the streets.  Now there were brick blocks
+several stories high in the central business district, and fine
+residences in the outlying sections.
+
+No member of the party had ever seen the rift through which this
+stream flows between the mountains, and all were astonished at the
+wonderful scenery on both sides of it.  There were numerous
+waterfalls, one with a perpendicular drop of nearly a thousand feet,
+and patches of snow on a background of green, making a vista of
+surpassing beauty.
+
+A few days later they came upon the track followed by the Mulhall
+outfit half a century before; and Kate quickly recognized the
+locality as they approached a second range of mountains.  Where only
+roving bands of Indians were seen as they journeyed slowly toward the
+west on the first trip, vast fields of grain were now growing; and
+instead of a few tepees, the dwellings of civilized people dotted
+{210} the landscape.  A flourishing village with substantial and
+well-kept surroundings evidenced the thrift and comfortable
+environment of the inhabitants.
+
+The party had just passed through what seemed a desert land,
+bordering on and paralleling the great river.  Shifting sands had
+formed small dunes, which disappeared and formed elsewhere as the
+wind changed in direction or velocity.  Not a living thing was in
+sight, except here and there a clump of stunted sage-brush or
+greasewood.
+
+Following the stream through this cleft in the mountain range, they
+were soon overtaken by a sand-storm driven by the force of the
+prevailing winds, occasionally encountered by travelers now as by the
+pioneers--at first dimming the rays of the sun, and soon entirely
+obscuring it.  The haze of sand and fine dust hung low on the horizon
+like a fog, and darkened one's view of objects even in the near
+vicinity.  Kate called ahead to Sarah to turn out of the road, which
+she quickly did and was followed by Adam.
+
+The two younger members of the party had never before gone through
+such an experience, but mother Pelton said it reminded her of scenes
+along the Oregon Trail in 185-.  She had forgotten that they were on
+the branch of the Trail which follows the river, instead of the one
+crossing the mountain range, as the Mulhalls had done on the first
+trip.  Before Adam and Sarah could place their automobiles with the
+rear ends to windward and close the front covers, {211} the sand and
+dust penetrated their ears and eyes, covered their faces, filled
+their hair and as Sarah remarked afterwards, "left us in a woeful
+condition."
+
+The electric light was turned on, but the dust that had worked into
+the space inside the cover prevented cleaning up until the storm
+abated; this it did late in the afternoon, when the journey was
+resumed with the people in the car laughing at the appearance of each
+other, and the surprise of a lifetime before all of them.  About
+sunset a modest farmhouse was sighted; as they approached nearer an
+orchard of thrifty fruit trees was observed, and soon a large expanse
+of growing crops spread out before them in a panorama of living green.
+
+"Neighbor, you have a fine home here so close to the desert we have
+just crossed," Pelton said addressing the middle-aged man who, as
+soon as he saw the two automobiles approaching from the west, came
+out through the gate of the front yard to offer a friendly greeting.
+
+"You are still in the 'desert,' if that is what you call the section
+you have just passed through," the stranger responded.  "What you see
+here is the same, or was when we first came four years ago.  Won't
+you come in?"  The ladies at first objected, saying they were not
+presentable.  "Oh, that's nothing," continued the homesteader, "it's
+clean dirt; we're used to it here.  Jane (referring to his wife) I
+know will be delighted to have you come in and have supper with us."
+
+{212}
+
+By this time the mistress of the house appeared and seconded her
+husband's invitation.  Observing the sincerity of the good dame,
+mother Pelton was the first to assent, quickly followed by the
+others; and in they went--"Dirty faces and all," as Aunt Sarah said
+later.
+
+While preparations were being made for the appetizing meal that
+followed Pelton expressed surprise that it was possible to have such
+a property in the midst of a desert.  "I'll tell you all about that
+later," said the homesteader, as he repeated his wife's invitation,
+"Come to supper."  After a bounteous meal of fresh vegetables, fruits
+and other farm products, accompanied with a bumper of hard cider, the
+travelers were anxious to hear the story of how their host came to
+make his residence in that locality.
+
+"You see," he began, "I saw a small patch of reclaimed land with such
+fine crops that I at once felt encouraged to try it on a larger
+scale.  So we bought this tract of 640 acres--a mile square--for a
+dollar and a quarter an acre, and in addition took up a desert claim,
+making in all nearly a thousand acres of land--or sand, as you
+probably think of it.  Fortunately the river comes in from the south
+with a strong current; my son and I went up far enough to tap the
+water, and dug a ditch from it on our land--now you see the result."
+
+"Do you mean to say that when you came here, the land covered by the
+orchard, and where your crops are growing was like the desert we've
+just {213} crossed?" mother Pelton asked.  "Just that," the host
+replied.
+
+"Well, it seems to me like a miracle," Pelton responded; "and so it
+does to the others."  There were many other surprises in store for
+the pilgrims as they progressed eastward.
+
+"Yes, I remember this place," mother Pelton said as they descended
+the second mountain range.  "Father said it seemed like a big hole in
+the landscape as we looked down upon it from the other side; but such
+a beautiful valley--the Grand Ronde--you never saw."  A few days
+later, as their automobile ran along a narrow cut in a hillside
+parallel to a small river, she commented, "This was the worst road[1]
+on all the old Trail--right down in the stream and half the time over
+slippery boulders, some of them as big as a wagon wheel; two of the
+oxen were down at one time."
+
+"Oh, I remember this," Aunt Sarah[2] said as they came to a crossing;
+"here's where we ferried over on top of two wagon-boxes.  I thought
+every minute we were going to sink, and to this day cannot see why we
+didn't."
+
+"Here's where we left one of the wagons, and Ben went ahead to get
+something to eat," mother Pelton {214} said with a sigh, as they were
+approaching the locality where Hardy was killed by the Indians.
+Would they be able to identify the spot where the massacre occurred;
+and if they did, could they find his grave?  For some time before
+that, the tragedy of nearly a half century before had been crowded
+out of their minds by the diverting incidents of the trip; but now it
+was their uppermost thought, and the older members of the party
+lapsed into silence.
+
+Linda Hardy had so minutely described the river crossing and the
+natural objects in the vicinity of it, that all were sanguine of
+being able to find and mark the spot.  They were convinced that the
+crossing had been located, for the approaches on either side fitted
+the description; the unmistakable mark of the Oregon Trail was
+there--worn deep on both sides of the river, as Linda had said.  But
+all the ground from river to bluff was now covered by a field of
+waving grain, without any trace of the sorrowful interment which took
+place there at the height of the overland emigration to Oregon.
+
+Before leaving home, Sarah read a statement to her mother that the
+graves of only a few among the twenty thousand who had died along the
+Trail could be identified, and wondered if they would be able to find
+her grandmother's burial place if they made the trip.  Mrs. Pelton
+thought they could; but looking over the ground beneath which she
+felt sure that the remains of Ben Hardy, who had saved her life, had
+been placed after the massacre, she continued {215} in silence as
+Adam started across the river to resume the journey along the old
+Trail.
+
+They were now traveling up a fertile valley divided into farms,
+extensive green alfalfa and grain fields and highly productive
+orchards, with evidences of a happy and thriving people living in
+peace and security.  Several prosperous villages and the capital of a
+State were passed where only sage-brush, grasshoppers and
+jack-rabbits (some of the more destitute emigrants subsisting on the
+rabbits) were seen on the first trip of the older people in the party.
+
+Recrossing to the south side of the Snake River, the travelers were
+again in a region of shifting sands and desolation--part of what was
+once commonly referred to as the "Great American Desert," and
+considered practically worthless by some of the so-called "statesmen"
+of two generations before.  Meanwhile vast irrigation projects had
+been undertaken, and in part completed, with a sure prospect of
+developing many rich agricultural areas extending as far as the eye
+can see.  All of these scenes were new but immensely interesting to
+father Pelton.
+
+Three falls, rivaling Niagara in beauty and grandeur, were passed in
+quick succession as they continued along that great river; and mother
+Pelton recognized the place where she had taken the thirsty oxen down
+into the canyon and came so near failing to get them back, as related
+in an earlier chapter.  Sarah's arms became stronger as she drove the
+automobile, and she seemed to be thriving on the dust of {216} the
+plains, the smell of the sage-brush, or both.  All doubts of her
+ability to extend the trip across the Continent if need be, were
+dispelled; and the whole party was in good health and spirits.
+
+Ascending to a higher altitude and cooler atmosphere, they left
+behind the beet fields and sugar factories, the extensive farms,
+alfalfa stacks and well-fed cattle which have taken the place of the
+now almost extinct buffalo.  Farther up the Rocky Mountain slope,
+they entered a region where crops cannot be profitably grown; farms
+and buildings gradually disappeared, and the continuous Trail
+appeared in all its primitiveness.  Now and then an antelope would
+cross the track and turn to scan the stranger as with a jealous eye,
+arousing in mother Pelton a wish for her rifle, forgetting she might
+not be able to draw a bead as in her younger days.
+
+So moderate was the upgrade that the drivers of the two cars scarcely
+realized that they were ascending the slope of the Rocky Mountains;
+and except for the granite monument in the South Pass, they would
+probably not have recognized the actual crossing of the Great Divide.
+Another day's run would bring them to the spot they had come so far
+to revisit.  Mother Pelton felt confident that they could find it;
+and Aunt Sarah, though a little girl when the grave was made a half
+century before, was sure of being able to do so.
+
+Yet the road did not look at all familiar, or seem natural.
+Afternoon came, and there was no sign {217} by which it could be
+recognized--nor anything at sunset.  It was then necessary to camp,
+as darkness would soon make it impossible to follow the Trail; and a
+sleepless night for all followed.
+
+Mother Pelton thought they might have passed the four tracks worn in
+the ledge of rocks that was to be the principal guide in reaching it.
+Another sign, the North Star, was obscured; and the third help in the
+search, the rift in the mountains so well remembered and described by
+Aunt Sarah, was not visible.  In the morning it was considered best
+to drive back over part of the Trail they had traversed the afternoon
+before.
+
+"Hold on," suddenly exclaimed Aunt Sarah after a few miles of back
+tracking; "I know we're wrong for I remember that rock."  She pointed
+to a conical pile--almost a mountain--and continued, "See, it looks
+almost like a man's head; we passed that the next day after we buried
+mother."  Then the party turned right-about, and again started
+eastward along the Trail; after traveling a few miles, Sarah drew off
+to the side of the road and waited for Adam to come up.
+
+He arrived a moment later, wondering why she had stopped, and called
+out, "What's the matter?" "Nothing is the matter," Sarah answered;
+"but, mother, do you see that old Trail going up the hill?  Maybe
+that's the one you traveled when you were here before!"
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Photograph from J. L. McIntosh, Split Rock, Wyoming
+
+[Illustration: TRACKS ON THE OREGON TRAIL (SEE PAGES 217 AND 220)
+MADE NEARLY A CENTURY AGO]
+
+Over these four parallel tracks (only two of which show in the
+photograph), worn nearly hub deep in places, all the emigrant travel
+to Oregon, Great Salt Lake and California passed during the period
+covered by this story; and they remain to this day a sight of great
+historical interest across a sandstone ledge near Split Rock P. O.,
+in the Sweetwater Valley, Wyoming.  The early trappers, traders,
+explorers and missionaries--Benjamin L. E. Bonneville, Nathaniel J.
+Wyeth, Jason Lee, Marcus Whitman, John C. Fremont and many
+others--helped to deepen these enduring markers in stone, now chiefly
+interesting as evidences of the great westward movement over the
+Oregon Trail.  Inset: a miniature view of the split in the mountain
+rock from which the name of the locality is derived; see also Douglas
+Craig's promise to little Sarah, pages 72-73.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The track to which she thus called attention was {218} dim, showed no
+signs of recent travel, and had been overlooked as they passed it the
+previous day.  At several places there were parallel trails, one
+along the river with frequent crossings of the stream, the other
+across table-lands high above it, and either over or around
+projecting edges of the adjacent hills.  Neither Aunt Sarah nor
+mother Pelton was sure which one they had gone over before, but all
+agreed that they should drive out on the abandoned roadway.
+
+This proved not only a tedious but a really dangerous task, as the
+elements had destroyed parts of it and cut deep gullies in and across
+what was left.  Nevertheless Adam believed they were on the right
+track; mother Pelton thought the same, and said that the trail looked
+more natural to her than the one they had traveled the day before.
+
+Father Pelton took off his coat and joined Adam in some repairs made
+necessary by the rough going, and Sarah appeared on the scene ready
+to help.  Pelton was surprised at how well he was able to do the
+unaccustomed work, and greatly relished the dinner mother Pelton and
+Aunt Sarah prepared.  Hearing the tinkling of a bell over the near-by
+ridge during the early afternoon, he strolled off toward the sound;
+and soon came upon the bell-wether of a flock of sheep, then the
+flock and herder--each equally surprised at the presence of the other.
+
+"Where'd ye come from?" the man asked somewhat abruptly, and yet in a
+friendly tone; and {219} almost at the same instant Pelton remarked,
+"I didn't expect to find anyone here."  After mutual explanations and
+cordial greetings--for each was glad to see the other--Pelton
+mentioned that he was one of an automobile party trying to reach the
+four track ruts in the ledge of rock on the old Oregon Trail.
+
+"I know where it is," the herder responded, "down the river opposite
+the lone pine tree."  The reader may well imagine the relief and joy
+of father Pelton upon hearing the three magic words "lone pine tree,"
+as he believed they contained definite information of the lost grave,
+which soon afterward proved true.
+
+"You can see the tree for miles around, as it stands out by itself;
+everybody wonders how it came to be there," continued the stranger.
+
+"Would you come to our camp a short way over the ridge?" Pelton asked.
+
+"Sure," the man replied and then spoke in a low tone to his dog,
+which immediately headed off some of the flock just starting to cross
+the ridge.
+
+"Wonderful, isn't it?" asked Pelton, half to himself.  To this the
+herder made no reply but again spoke to the dog, which he left on
+watch while the two men started off toward the camp.  On their
+arrival, work ceased and all assembled to listen eagerly to what the
+stranger had to say.
+
+"Yes, this runs to the four tracks on the Oregon Trail," were his
+first words; "you can reach them {220} another way that's open to
+travel, but can't get through here in a month's work.  Go back about
+five miles till you come to the first river crossing," the herder
+continued, "turn short around on the river trail about eight miles
+till you cross the river twice.  Then turn to the right on the old
+Trail about half a mile, I should judge, and you will come to the
+tracks."[3]
+
+"You can see the lone pine tree from there, and I think from the last
+river crossing," the man responded to an eager question from mother
+Pelton.  After declining an invitation to stop long enough to share
+with them in the meal then almost ready to serve, but accepting a
+quarter of the pie Aunt Sarah had just baked, the stranger started up
+the slope and soon disappeared over the ridge to his flock and
+faithful dog.
+
+"What a life!" sighed mother Pelton--"with only his dog for a
+companion, no comfort but his frugal meal in a lonely cabin and cold
+lunch on the range."  The day was too far spent to move their camp,
+and although impatient to see the lone pine, which all believed was
+the landmark for which they were searching, every member of the party
+was anxiously anticipating what the morrow might bring forth.
+
+Following carefully the directions given by the herder, they
+approached the second crossing of the {221} river early the next
+forenoon.  At the first point from which a comprehensive view of the
+locality could be had, Sarah unexpectedly held out her hand as a
+signal for Adam to stop; and exclaimed in her excitement, "There it
+is, mother!"  In the far distance a lone pine tree was sighted; and
+no one in the party doubted that it had grown from the small tree
+planted by Kate Mulhall, Ben Hardy and little Sarah half a century
+before.
+
+A short drive brought the two automobiles to where the wagon tracks
+had worn deep in the ledge of rock on the old Oregon Trail; but the
+lone pine, still a half mile or so away, was the center of all
+attraction.  Coming nearer, it was discovered that they were on the
+wrong side of the ravine; and although not more than a stone's throw
+from where they stopped, no road led across to it.
+
+There in lonesome grandeur stood the evergreen sentinel over the
+object of their long search, the grave of Catherine Mulhall, mother
+of two of the pilgrims and grandmother of the younger ones who drove
+the cars.  Now a hundred feet high, rising above and throwing its
+shadows over the grave, the tree was a thing of beauty, observed by
+all who passed in the vicinity; and had given the very appropriate
+name--Lone Pine--to the surrounding country.
+
+Retracing their steps to the four tracks and then traveling another
+mile or so, they reached the other side of the ravine.  After making
+several detours and {222} removing a number of obstructions, they
+arrived quite late in the day within a hundred yards or so of the
+spot.  As the nature of the ground prevented the automobiles from
+going any farther, they were left in the track, and all proceeded on
+foot to the lone pine.
+
+The sun was just sinking behind the horizon in a halo of glory as the
+silent and solemn members of the party reached the hallowed spot.
+After so long a period of time, the mound of earth had disappeared;
+but wild roses were blooming where Kate and little Sarah had planted
+the roots when the grave was made.  Though corroded and rusty, the
+wagon tire which kind-hearted Douglas Craig had placed as a marker
+was still there, but the lettering he chiseled upon it had been
+completely obliterated.
+
+Kate and the older Sarah, both now well past the meridian of life,
+stood in mute contemplation of that which had been uppermost in their
+minds for so many long years.  Although the poignancy of the grief
+then experienced had been mollified by time, yet as darkness came and
+they turned to leave the grave, tears coursed down their furrowed
+cheeks.  Camp for the night was made on the nearest suitable ground,
+while a spirit of sadness mingled with a feeling of satisfaction that
+the cherished plan had at last been realized, pervaded the little
+company.
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+{223}
+
+[Illustration: THE LONE PINE]
+
+Marking the spot where Catherine Mulhall was buried a half century
+before the scene depicted in the illustration; see pages 73-74 and
+119-125
+
+----------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Now that the grave had been found, the question uppermost with all
+was what should be done about it.  Kate had often expressed a wish
+that the {224} remains be interred alongside her father in the
+beautiful cemetery of a village in the Oregon Country; but Pelton
+formerly considered this impractical, if not almost impossible.
+However, since the railroad had been built within sixty miles of the
+burial place in the mountains, the removal could be made without much
+difficulty.
+
+Aunt Sarah said "No"---the spot where her mother had died was too
+sacred to be abandoned; and what could ever be more appropriate than
+the one under the shadow of this beautiful lone pine?  Then tender
+memories of the planting of the tree, of Ben Hardy's unselfish life
+and Craig's consoling words, came uppermost in her mind.
+
+All agreed that the decision should be made by the two sisters who
+had been present at the burial of their mother on the first trip to
+Oregon.  Adam and his sister Sarah looked on in silent awe as the
+situation was discussed; their father also refrained from speaking,
+though he held a definite opinion concerning it.
+
+The fatigue of the day, with its exciting incidents and long hours,
+finally prevailed and left the momentous question unsettled in
+physical exhaustion and finally restful slumber.  No further decision
+took place, as Kate had been convinced that it would not be advisable
+to disturb the remains, and joined with her sister and children in
+formulating a definite plan to care for and commemorate the spot.
+Pelton said that he would heartily agree to whatever the daughters
+{225} and grandchildren should decide--which was to leave the grave
+in its solitary grandeur, but to mark it in a permanent and
+appropriate way.
+
+Camp was removed to a more convenient location, while the work of
+transporting a large granite boulder from where Pelton had found it
+in the course of a morning walk through the vicinity, to the head of
+the grave progressed for several days, as it was necessary to secure
+additional men and teams from a distance.  After the huge stone had
+been set in place to the satisfaction of all, Adam and the younger
+Sarah chiseled upon it in deep sunken letters a brief record of the
+revered grandmother, the planting of a small pine tree and beautiful
+rose vine that adorned the last resting place of Catherine Mulhall,
+the date of her burial in 185-, and also of this visit.
+
+Two weeks passed from the day the pilgrims first sighted the lone
+pine tree in the distance to the inscription of the last letter on
+the boulder; every member of the party felt that the long journey had
+been fully justified, and left the spot with an enduring memory of
+the occasion.  Father and mother Pelton and Aunt Sarah concluded to
+return home by rail[4]; and a drive of about sixty miles brought them
+all to the nearest railroad station.  Meanwhile Adam and Sarah
+decided to tour the eastern part of {226} the United States, and
+possibly cross the ocean before returning to the Pacific Northwest.
+
+One of the automobiles was loaded as freight and way-billed to a
+small city that had grown up in what was once the Oregon Country; and
+the "old folks" were comfortably settled in a westbound Pullman.
+Adam and Sarah waited in their automobile near-by the open car window
+until the train bearing father and mother Pelton and Aunt Sarah
+started westward.  All of them waved signals of mutual endearment;
+and as the train passed out of sight, the young people began their
+journey eastward.
+
+"A fine boy--Adam," Kate murmured half-audibly to herself; "and a
+dear girl."  Pelton at her side added, "If ever parents were blessed
+with dutiful children, we have been."  At the same time Sarah,
+speeding east in the automobile which Adam was driving, could hardly
+restrain her tears from the recurrence of many tender memories of her
+childhood, and the kindnesses of the parents from whom they had just
+parted.
+
+In a tremulous voice she said, "I almost feel that we ought not to
+have left them;" Adam felt much the same way, but hesitating to trust
+his voice, made no reply.  Thus the party separated, the parents
+homeward bound and the young people starting east to see more of what
+was to them a new world, and possibly to have some adventures thrown
+in for good measure.
+
+Soon after the train started, the three elderly {227} people went
+forward to the dining car.  As the meal progressed, Kate fell into a
+reminiscent mood, and looking out of the window, opened conversation
+with Aunt Sarah by asking, "Don't you remember that sand-storm in
+this vicinity as we passed through in 185-?"
+
+"Indeed I do," was the prompt response, although Sarah had been at
+the time a child of only seven years.  "The sand blown through the
+tent into the dough fairly gritted my teeth when eating the bread
+made from it.  We had no water in the camp that night, and slept with
+dirty hands and faces; my hair, ears and eyes were filled with
+sand--but let's talk of something else."  By the time the first meal
+was finished, they had progressed on their return journey about as
+far as in a whole day on the early trip.
+
+As night followed, and while comfortable berths were being made up
+for them, Sarah--notwithstanding her admonition to "talk of something
+else"--broke into oral expression of the thoughts surging through her
+mind.  "I guess there will be no 'ticks' in the bed to-night, as we
+found them when sleeping on the ground."  "Or snakes and other
+creeping things," Kate added--"you of course remember the rattler,"
+to which Sarah simply nodded to indicate that while she understood,
+she was not disposed to pursue the subject any farther.  Soon all the
+three travelers fell into restful slumber and awoke, greatly
+refreshed, beyond the eastern boundary of what was once known
+indefinitely as the "Oregon Country," {228} out of which the present
+States of the Pacific Northwest had been created within their own
+recollections of it.
+
+At breakfast the next morning, while the train was speeding by a
+recognized object, Kate exclaimed, "It took us four weeks to travel
+over the same ground that we have now passed through in a single
+night."  Strive as much as they could to banish thoughts of the
+hardships encountered on the early trip, the memories of it would not
+leave them.  Within three days they had covered as much distance as
+in the same number of months on the first overland journey.
+
+Alighting from the automobile into which they transferred at the
+station nearest their home, Pelton held open the gate for his
+"sweetheart" (as he often spoke of Kate); and she paused just long
+enough while passing in to say, "God bless you, Isaac; you did the
+same when I first came fifty years ago."  "And God bless you, Kate,"
+he replied as they re-entered their happy home--lovers as in the
+early days; and here we must leave them to the enjoyment of
+well-spent lives.
+
+
+
+CLOSING SCENES
+
+Adam and Sarah continued their travels over the eastern half of the
+grand old and historic route which their parents had traversed with
+ox-teams more than a half century before.  Then the tracks of the
+Oregon Trail passed through an Indian country for more than a
+thousand miles from the west bank of the {229} Missouri River, where
+the last vestige of civilized life except a few widely scattered
+trading posts or Government forts, were left behind.  Various tribes
+of red men possessed whatever claim there was to that vast region;
+millions of buffalo roamed in great herds without restriction over
+the Plains, while the grizzly bear was a source of danger to man and
+of terror to wild beasts in the higher altitudes of the Rocky
+Mountains.
+
+From certain points of vantage deer, elk and antelope could be seen
+in large numbers.  Except for the wild animals, and an occasional
+passing throng of emigrants, the country was a solitude, generally
+considered unfit for habitation by a civilized race.  But on this
+motor trip the young people saw evidences of changes and developments
+which their parents in the slow, westward moving column of the early
+50s, would have considered beyond the range of possibilities.
+
+Soon after leaving the Sweetwater River, traveling east, they passed
+through pretentious cities and prosperous villages with church spires
+and schools, trading centers, paved streets and large numbers of
+comfortable residences--civilization personified in western
+enterprise along or near-by the old Trail.  Coal, oil, gas and other
+natural resources--unknown either to the passing throng of pioneers,
+or for many years afterward to the outside world--came gradually to
+the knowledge of adventurers and enterprising business men who laid
+the foundations for a great {230} commercial prosperity in addition
+to the returns from the soil and ranges; and through subsequent
+developments on a large scale have made that region a very important
+national asset.
+
+The waters of the various streams gathered, controlled and drawn upon
+as needed by agriculture, wrought the great miracle of irrigation by
+which land formerly believed sterile had been transformed into a
+"garden spot" of the United States, many times the area of Lancaster
+County, Pennsylvania, or the State of New Jersey, to both of which
+that term has been generally applied.  Even the rich Valley of the
+Mississippi and its tributaries does not exceed in fertility that
+once thought to be barren and worthless Plains, when supplied with
+water and placed under scientific cultivation.
+
+Adam and Sarah saw vast areas of grain, immense beet fields with
+towering sugar factories, extensive orchards and alfalfa lands
+unexcelled in the entire country.  The world seemed larger and the
+nation greater as our young adventurers continued along the valley of
+the Platte River on an excellent modern highway of imperceptible
+downgrade toward the Missouri River.  Toward evening of the fifth day
+after parting from their parents in the Sweetwater Valley, they
+entered the suburbs of Omaha, Nebraska, and soon reached the center
+of its business activities, surrounded by skyscrapers of many stories.
+
+Sarah, who had never been in a city of that size, {231} was amazed
+and thoroughly enjoyed the sights.  After an evening walk through the
+brilliantly lighted streets, and a couple of hours at the theatre,
+both were ready to rest in the luxurious apartments of the hotel, and
+slept until late the following morning.  At breakfast, the question
+of their future movements was discussed, for they were then at the
+eastern end of the Oregon Trail[5]--or would be as soon as they
+reached the great river now in sight about two miles ahead.
+
+Adam again fell into a reminiscent mood, talking as much to himself
+as to Sarah, "When grandfather passed through here half a century ago
+on the way to Oregon, all on this side of the Missouri was Indian
+country; there was no city--not even a cabin."
+
+"But they didn't cross the river here," Sarah responded.  "Mother
+said it was several miles farther down; and I would like to see the
+place where she was thrown into the water when the scow upset."  "And
+Ben Hardy saved her life," Adam continued, but added, "it's no use
+going there; last evening a man told me that the channel of the river
+is now more than a mile away from where it was when grandfather
+crossed."
+
+So they concluded to drive over the Missouri to the site of the old
+Mormon camp of Kanesville, which they did on a fine modern bridge to
+Council Bluffs, Iowa, occupying the location of the log cabin {232}
+town that their grandparents saw.  "We must stay here to-night," said
+Sarah, to which Adam readily assented, though they had traveled only
+four miles during the day.
+
+A two-mile walk brought them to a short portion--then still
+visible--of the trail over which their grandparents passed when
+coming into Kanesville a half century before, though all vestiges of
+it within the city had been eliminated.  Sarah was reluctant to leave
+the spot, and followed along the abandoned track as far as it could
+be identified.
+
+Talking more to herself than to Adam, Sarah said, "Oh, if grandfather
+could only have come with us"--apparently forgetting that, as the
+reader knows, Squire Mulhall had long since been called to his
+reward; and then said, "Adam, I want to go on to the old homestead
+where mother was born."  To this Adam replied, "We will go there if
+you want to."  So they planned an early start on the morrow for the
+old cabin site in Missouri.
+
+Two days sufficed for the trip, which was part of the time over
+hard-surfaced highways, and some dirt roads a little rough, but all
+the way through a fine agricultural region with evidences of great
+crops and abounding prosperity.  As they rode along, both wondered
+why their grandparents should have left such a country and traveled
+two thousand miles over dusty plains and rough mountains to Oregon.
+
+On the morning of the second day out from the "Bluffs," it became
+reasonably sure that they would {233} reach the old homestead before
+nightfall.  Try as much as he could, Adam failed to interest Sarah in
+further conversation, for she was in a mood to commune only with
+herself.
+
+"Yes, suh, I knows where the Squire's cabin stood; it's all gone now.
+The well is there, but the sweep is gone too.  Yes, suh, I played the
+banjo at the farewell party the Squire gave before he started for
+Oregon.  Me?  Well, they called me 'Stinson's man' then, because I
+was a slave; but when Massa Lincoln made us all free, I stayed with
+Massa Stinson till he died, and never took another name."
+
+Adam had been advised that this negro, whose hair was white as snow
+and who was reputed to be a hundred years of age, could show them the
+old cabin site.  He lived in a near-by village, was yet able to do
+light chores for the white people of the neighborhood, and thus
+continued to earn his own living.
+
+"Stinson's man" was regarded the sole survivor of the old slaves of
+La Fayette County; in fact no one else, white or black, could be
+found who knew David Mulhall.  The generation living when the Squire
+left his home for Oregon had passed away, except for this aged old
+negro who still enjoyed good health and played the banjo for parties,
+or for his own amusement.
+
+"Right here was the front door; I knows it for I often stepped it
+from the well.  Yes, the water is good yet, and there's the
+fire-place."
+
+"Here's a piece of broken plate," exclaimed Sarah, {234} as she
+picked up a precious relic, which she believed had once belonged to
+their grandmother.
+
+The old barn site was located, and the barn-yard where her mother had
+climbed the fence when "gentle" old Star, with the yoke on for the
+first time, broke away from them and ran about with tongue out,
+bellowing like a mad bull.  Sarah's mother had often told the story
+with a hearty laugh, which brought merriment as the incident was
+recalled fifty years later, on the spot where it occurred.  Adam
+believed that he had located the old barbecue pit in a depression
+near the spot his mother had described.  Both were reluctant to leave
+the grounds, and did not until approaching darkness warned them to
+seek accommodations for the night.
+
+"Adam!"  "What is it, Sarah?" Adam asked, thinking that his sister
+had something on her mind she hesitated to mention.  Gathering
+courage, she exclaimed, "Adam, I don't want to go any farther, for I
+ought to be at home taking care of mother.  You know as well as I do
+that she is not strong as even last summer; and I should be with her."
+
+"God bless you, my dear!  We will start for home to-morrow if you say
+so," he replied, throwing his arms around her and imprinting a kiss
+upon her cheek in love of his sister, and of the revered parents in
+the far West.  So our story closes with the sacrifice of a trip they
+had expected to extend to Washington City and the Atlantic Coast for
+the greater pleasure of returning home sooner as a filial duty.
+
+
+
+[1] Along the Burnt River in northeastern Oregon--the subject of
+"Westward Ho!" the painting by Emanuel Leutze in the Capitol,
+Washington, D.C.  While somewhat exaggerated in details, it is a fair
+representation of the difficulties encountered by the pioneers on
+that part of the overland trip in the early 60s.  E.M.
+
+[2] One of the little twins in the early chapters of this story.
+
+[3] Those four parallel wagon tracks, worn nearly hub deep across a
+ledge of rock on the Oregon Trail, may be seen to this day in the
+Sweetwater Valley near Split Rock, Fremont County, Wyoming; see
+photograph opposite page 217.  E.M.
+
+[4] Which they did at from thirty to forty miles an hour, almost
+continuously day and night, over substantially the same ground they
+had traversed half a century before by ox-teams at two miles an hour
+for an average of about eight hours a day, with frequent stops to
+rest the stock, or on account of bad roads, river crossings or other
+hazards of early emigration.  E.M.
+
+[5] The beginning of the old Trail to the west-bound traveler
+crossing from the Iowa side into the "Indian Country" of the
+60s.--E.M.
+
+
+
+
+{235}
+
+APPENDIX
+
+THE MISSIONARY'S STORY
+
+THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION; FOUR INDIANS FROM THE NORTHWEST
+JOURNEY TO ST. LOUIS IN SEARCH OF THE WHITE MAN'S RELIGION; OPENING
+AND SETTLEMENT OF THE OREGON COUNTRY; HISTORIC CHARACTERS--JASON LEE,
+NATHANIEL J. WYETH, MARCUS AND NARCISSA WHITMAN, AND OTHERS;
+WHITMAN'S RIDE; MASSACRE AT THE WHITMAN MISSION; NOTABLE INCIDENTS OF
+THE EARLY MIGRATION TO OREGON.
+
+
+A little before sundown a few days after the neighborhood party
+described in the first chapter, a stranger rode leisurely up the road
+toward the Mulhall farmhouse.  Seeing the owner of the place doing
+some chores in front of the barn, he accosted him and asked if it
+were possible to secure accommodations for himself and mount for the
+night.  The Squire answered, "Well, stranger, you can see for
+yourself that our accommodations are none too good; but if you are
+willing to put up with such as they are, you are entirely welcome.
+We will do the best we can under the circumstances."
+
+"It is not necessary to put yourself to any extra trouble on my
+account," said the stranger, "for I have led a wayfaring life and am
+accustomed to roughing it in the broadest meaning of that word."
+{236} Mulhall suggested that he dismount, go to the cabin and rest
+while he would unsaddle the horse and take it to the barn.
+
+The stranger replied, "My good friend, I truly appreciate your
+courtesy; but I have always made it a point to bestow the first care
+and attention upon the beast that carries me.  Now if you will show
+me where to stable him, I will do the rest myself.  This faithful
+animal has borne me many a long mile upon his back, and it is only
+right that I should repay him by devoting a little time to his
+comfort."
+
+After hanging up the saddle and bridle, he took from the saddle-bags
+a currycomb and brush, which he said he never failed to take along,
+and gave the noble animal a thorough cleaning.  Then after seeing
+that the horse had plenty of hay and grain for the night, he
+accompanied Mulhall to the house.
+
+By this time the owner of the place had surmised that his guest was a
+clergyman; his language was too precise and his delivery too easy and
+natural for the ordinary man found in that part of the world.  This
+conclusion was verified beyond question when, just before leaving the
+barn, he took a well worn Testament from his saddle-bags.
+
+It did not take Catherine and Kate long to prepare a good and
+appetizing meal to which the reverend stranger, after asking the
+blessing, did ample justice.  During the supper Mulhall informed the
+guest that he and the family were about to leave their little farm
+for the Oregon Country, where conditions {237} were said to be much
+more favorable for getting along in the world than in Missouri.
+
+At the mention of Oregon the stranger's face brightened, plainly
+indicating that the news was pleasing to him; and said, "You are
+doing a wise thing, for that is a grand country with a wonderful
+future.  The journey ahead of you is long, difficult and more or less
+dangerous; but if you get safely through--as I hope and trust you
+will--you will be amply repaid for all the hardships and sacrifices
+endured.  I tell you this advisedly, for I have spent many years in
+that favored region, being among the first of our nation to cross the
+Continent for the purpose of carrying the light of the gospel to the
+benighted savages who dwelt there."
+
+After hearing this statement, every member of the Mulhall family
+exhibited the greatest surprise and pleasure at having under their
+roof one able to give them first-hand information of the distant
+region where they intended to cast their lot; and begged him to tell
+them all about it.  Heretofore all the knowledge they had of Oregon
+was through one or two letters received from parties who had gone out
+there a year or two before; and these contained very little
+information except that it was a good country for industrious people,
+with a mild climate and good market for farm produce.
+
+That was more than they had in Missouri; so they had already
+determined to make the venture.  But with an unexpected opportunity
+to acquire full {238} and accurate information regarding it, they
+wished--if he would be kind enough to take the trouble--to hear from
+his lips everything of consequence concerning what was to them a
+practically unknown country.
+
+The clergyman replied, "My good friends, nothing except expounding
+the word of God gives me greater satisfaction and keener pleasure
+than to talk about Oregon, and recount the difficulties, tribulations
+and heroic actions of those who were in the vanguard of its
+settlement; it is a subject of surpassing interest, and has had a
+remarkable influence upon the rapid development and material welfare
+of our country.  The narrative will take considerable time, and
+perhaps tire your patience before I am through; but I deem it to your
+advantage to have a correct outline of the principal historical
+incidents relating to its exploration and settlement.
+
+"It certainly affords me greater satisfaction to go into the subject
+thoroughly than to give merely a short summary of those very
+important events.  If you are willing, when the meal is ended and
+everything put away, we will gather around your cheerful and cozy
+fireplace; and I will do my best to both entertain and enlighten you."
+
+Soon after supper, the younger children climbed the ladder to their
+sleeping quarters while David Mulhall, Catherine and Kate arranged
+seats in a semi-circle before the glowing fireplace where the large
+backlog furnished sufficient heat and light for {239} the little
+cabin.  There is no place where a good story can be as effectively
+told as before a blazing fireplace on a chilly evening in the mellow
+light of the crackling logs, with eager and attentive listeners.  In
+such a pleasant atmosphere the itinerant missionary now began his
+recital:
+
+
+Half a century ago[1] that vast region known as the "Oregon Country"
+had never, as far as any one knows, been penetrated by a white man.
+It is true that Captain Robert Gray of Boston, in the good ship
+"Columbia" entered the mouth of the great river in 1792, crossed the
+dangerous bar and sailed upstream about a dozen miles, naming it
+Columbia's River after his vessel.
+
+A few months afterwards Lieutenant W. R. Broughton, of the British
+Navy, also entered and proceeded up the mighty river about 100 miles.
+But nothing more was known of the "Far Northwest" until the
+celebrated exploring expedition of Lewis and Clark crossed the
+Continent in 1804-5, arriving at the mouth of the Columbia in
+November of the latter year.
+
+While it would be impossible in this recital to give a detailed
+account of that memorable expedition, or do justice to the dauntless
+courage and perseverance of the remarkable men who conducted it, one
+surpassing incident that happened on the journey was primarily the
+cause of bringing all that extensive territory under the American
+flag.  I must crave your patience for devoting some extra time to
+describing this most interesting event.
+
+That exploring expedition, as you doubtless know, was conceived by
+one of our greatest presidents years before he came to that high
+office; but the opportunity for carrying it out did not exist until
+he became President.  The men chosen to organize and lead the
+expedition were selected with fine discrimination for the stupendous
+task {240} assigned them, and proved worthy of the trust and
+confidence reposed in them by Thomas Jefferson.
+
+After their departure from near St. Louis in the spring of 1804, they
+spent about a year and a half ascending the Missouri River, crossing
+the mighty "Stony Mountain" range and later the yet more rugged and
+precipitous "Bitter Root" Mountains, before reaching the beautiful
+open and undulating country on the Clearwater River.  It was a joyful
+experience for the tired, half famished explorers, descending from
+the rugged and inhospitable mountains where game was scarce and
+pasturage scant, to find ahead of them as far as the eye could see,
+rolling hills carpeted with an abundant growth of bunch-grass, and
+watercourses with groves of cottonwood and quaking asp along the
+river bottoms.  They also found game quite plentiful, and excellent
+trout and salmon fishing in the streams.
+
+Before proceeding very far in this region, they suddenly came upon a
+few native women and children picking berries.  Observing the party
+of strange looking beings garbed in unusual attire and carrying
+weapons never seen before, the simple-minded natives were terrified.
+The women ran, and the children sought refuge under bunch-grass and
+bushes, from what they imagined to be supernatural intruders.
+
+In a short time the men caught up with a couple of the squaws, who
+expected nothing else than swift and sure death at the hands of these
+fierce looking strangers, and bowed their heads in anticipation of
+the fatal stroke.  By signs and kind words they soon dispelled the
+fears of these women of the Nez Perces tribe, which then occupied all
+that part of the country.  They were dismissed with many presents,
+and told by signs to have some of their head men come out to the camp
+for an interview.
+
+In a few hours a party of Indians garbed in native finery and armed
+with bows and arrows, arrived; but they made no hostile
+demonstrations, and were evidently in a friendly mood.  Cordial
+relations were soon established {241} between the explorers and the
+Indians, the latter inviting the white men to their village to
+partake of their crude hospitalities.
+
+The explorers were fortunate in having with them as the wife of
+Toussaint Chaboneau, their French-Canadian guide, a young and
+handsome Indian woman of the Snake tribe--Sahcajahweah, meaning
+"bird-woman," commonly known in later history by the shortened and
+simplified name "Sacajawea."  By her courage, fidelity, tact and
+intimate knowledge of aboriginal habits, this remarkable girl wife
+assisted materially in extricating the explorers from the many almost
+insurmountable difficulties that beset the journey over the Rocky
+Mountains and Bitter Root range.  It is no exaggeration to say that
+but for her, Lewis and Clark might never have reached the shores of
+the Pacific.
+
+At the present juncture she was of great assistance.  Though not
+understanding the Nez Perces tongue, her familiarity with the native
+sign language enabled her to make known to the Indians whatever the
+white leaders wished to communicate, and explain to her companions
+what the former were desirous of expressing.  She completely removed
+from the minds of the red men any lurking suspicions they might
+otherwise have entertained as to the motives and purposes that
+brought the white men hither.
+
+The explorers learned from these Indians that the big Chief of the
+tribe was encamped about two days' travel down the river, and that a
+messenger had already been dispatched to notify him of the arrival of
+these strange men in his country.  On the following morning the
+party, accompanied by a Nez Perces guide, set out to visit the Chief
+of this seemingly very friendly tribe.  The commanders issued orders
+that the men should polish up their accoutrements and make the best
+possible appearance; and that their behavior while sojourning in the
+country of this tribe should be above reproach, as it was essential
+for the success of the expedition to have the friendly cooperation of
+these Indians.
+
+{242}
+
+On the evening of the second day the cavalcade of thirty-odd
+travelers descending from a rolling plateau, beheld the many lodges
+forming the main camp of the Nez Perces tribe situated on a willow
+creek bottom, a short distance above where the stream entered the
+beautiful Clearwater River, along whose banks were many small groves
+of cottonwood, interspersed with clumps of large willows.  The camp
+presented a picturesque appearance of probably two hundred lodges,
+scattered up and down along the little valley for perhaps a mile with
+very little regularity in formation.  On this occasion it presented a
+very animated appearance, for the occupants of each tepee were on the
+outside anxiously awaiting the arrival of the wonderful strangers
+with bearded faces and carrying loud-noise weapons.
+
+In about the center of the string of lodges was one a little larger
+than the rest, in which dwelt the great Chief of the little nation,
+who was now standing in front of the lodge entrance arrayed in an
+elaborate costume of Indian finery surmounted by an immense
+head-dress of eagle feather plumage.  He wore a doublet of tanned
+deerskin, fringed and decorated with elk teeth and agate stones, and
+leggings of the same material; his feet were encased in moccasins
+inwrought with the finest embroidery done by Indian women.  The
+Chief, probably fifty years old, was a well proportioned man of
+medium size with regular features and well shaped head; he stood
+motionless, with his eyes intently fixed on the approaching column of
+white men riding in single file down the gently sloping hillside
+towards the row of lodges--a sight never before witnessed by any of
+them.
+
+The Indian guide pointed out the lodge of the Chief to Lewis and
+Clark, who halted the column; and dismounting a little distance off,
+approached it on foot.  The Chief did not move a muscle until Captain
+Lewis held out his hand with the evident gesture of a friendly
+purpose, whereupon he reached out, grasped the extended hand of
+Captain Lewis and held it firmly for a little while, muttering
+something in a guttural voice which, {243} though not understood, was
+evidently intended as a pledge of friendship.
+
+Each one of the party was then presented to the big Chief, who gave
+every one a friendly greeting even to the last, the negro man servant
+of Captain Lewis, though the stoical Indian could not suppress a look
+of wonder as he gazed from head to foot upon the gigantic black man.
+The Indians were all filled with strong curiosity at these strange
+men with bearded faces and wonderful firearms that sent a leaden
+messenger of death faster and more accurate than their most expert
+bowman; but neither the white men nor their guns, strange and almost
+incomprehensible as they seemed, created anything like the
+astonishment aroused at beholding the African, who was a continual
+object of their awe and admiration.  Little attention was paid to
+Sacajawea, for she was of their own race and a member of a tribe with
+which they were not too friendly.
+
+The whole assembled concourse of savage tribesmen vied with one
+another in offering hospitality to the newcomers, and exhibited
+unfeigned pleasure when any of them entered their lodges and partook
+of refreshments.  Friendly relations between the Americans and Nez
+Perces established so long ago under these peculiar conditions, have
+continued without a break up to the present time; and let us hope may
+never be impaired.
+
+Lewis and Clark acquired much useful information during their sojourn
+with this tribe.  They were informed that it was yet a long distance
+to the "Big Water"--the goal of the expedition; and also learned that
+almost insurmountable obstacles would prevent continuing all the way
+to their destination on horseback.  It would be possible, however, to
+reach it by waters all flowing in that direction, finally uniting in
+one mighty river which was swallowed up by the "Big Water" near the
+setting sun.
+
+Thereupon the explorers set their men to building boats on the banks
+of the Clearwater; and it was determined to complete the passage in
+that manner.  They also made {244} arrangements to leave their horses
+with the Indians until their return the following spring, when the
+journey towards the "rising sun"--the land of the white man--would be
+resumed.
+
+While the Lewis and Clark expedition remained on the Clearwater, the
+Indians held their annual rites to placate the wrath of their false
+deity, lest he visit upon them dire misfortunes in the form of famine
+and pestilence, which at times fell upon their people with serious
+consequences.  The white men refrained from making any comment upon
+these absurd and pagan ceremonies until they were ended.  Then having
+a council with several of the leading men of the tribe, they
+endeavored in the kindest and most inoffensive manner--through the
+medium of Sacajawea, who by this time had acquired a considerable
+knowledge of the Nez Perces tongue--to point out to the Indians that
+the white people were in possession of a much better method of
+worshipping the Supreme Being who created the heavens, the earth and
+all things therein; and it would be a great blessing if they would
+learn to do likewise.
+
+This kindly advice found deep lodgment in the minds of those
+untutored children of the wilderness, and was made still more
+effective by the earnestness and sincerity of the "bird woman," who
+since becoming the wife of Chaboneau had already received
+considerable instruction in, the tenets of the Christian religion.
+Thus the seed that bore such rich fruit a quarter of a century later,
+and actually led to all that vast region becoming a part of the
+United States, was planted in what is now our far Northwest.
+
+When the boats were finished the little band prepared to continue its
+journey by water.  Many presents were distributed to the friendly
+Indians before leaving their hospitable village; though trifling in
+value, these were highly prized by the natives, and helped to cement
+firmly the friendship already started between the two races.  In
+return the white men received a liberal supply of dried venison and
+roots to sustain them during the arduous {245} undertaking still
+ahead of them.  The Nez Perces also furnished two guides to accompany
+the expedition; these proved of invaluable assistance to Lewis and
+Clark, particularly in their perilous descent of the Columbia.
+
+That historic journey down the river to the Pacific Ocean was
+successfully accomplished; and in the following spring the party
+returned to the Indian encampment on the Clearwater, finding all the
+horses that had been left with the Indians in fine condition to
+re-cross the mountain ranges over which they had come the preceding
+summer.  While stopping at the Indian village on this homeward-bound
+route, the subject of the white man's religion was again broached by
+the natives; and once more the leaders of the expedition impressed
+upon them the spiritual and temporal advantages of acquiring a
+knowledge of the revealed word of God.
+
+This good and salutary advice sank deep into the hearts of the
+simple-minded red men, who realized that in many ways the white
+strangers were superior to them.  They had more effective weapons,
+their utensils and implements were beyond the power of any Indian to
+make, they could find knowledge in books and talk on paper; they had
+far better saddles and bridles, and could kill a deer or a bear with
+their smoke-fire guns.  Surely then, it was more than probable that
+they possessed a better knowledge of worshipping the Supreme Being
+than the poor and ignorant Indians--thoughts about which continued to
+agitate the minds of this truth-seeking tribe long after the
+departure of their good friends, Lewis and Clark.
+
+After the lapse of many years the subject was again brought into
+prominence by the arrival in that part of the country of a small
+party of full-blooded Iroquois and half-breed employes of the
+Northwestern Fur Company from eastern Canada.  All of these had
+acquired a knowledge of the Christian religion, and lost no
+opportunity to impress upon the pagan members of their race its
+superiority over the crude and senseless forms still practiced by the
+native Indians.
+
+{246}
+
+Coming from people of their own stock, this corroborative testimony
+of what Lewis and Clark had told them carried great weight, and
+aroused an intense desire for instruction in the white man's faith;
+but they could see no possible way to gratify it.  How could the
+poor, benighted Indians come into contact with the white people, and
+acquire their way of worship, when there were none in any region with
+which they were familiar?  The prospect was indeed gloomy for Indians
+seeking the light.
+
+But conditions soon began to change.  The Hudson's Bay Company was
+securing a firm hold upon the country, bringing in white men,
+half-breeds and Indians from Canada to carry on its extensive
+fur-hunting business.  Trading posts were established throughout the
+vast region west of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Spanish
+possessions.  The Indians welcomed this great commercial enterprise
+into their country, for it gave them a market for what they had to
+sell, and opportunities to acquire by trade many useful articles
+which had never before been within their reach.
+
+Some of these new trading posts were established close to the Nez
+Perces country, and the tribesmen soon became frequent visitors to
+them.  Here again they were told how superior the white man's
+religion was to their outlandish and foolish ceremonies.  They also
+learned that one of the two leaders of the explorers who visited
+their country many years before was still living and occupying a high
+position, in that department of the Government having the management
+and care of Indian affairs.  His home was in St. Louis, a city many
+miles beyond the great mountains, a distance that would take many
+moons to traverse.
+
+These Indians pondered long and seriously what to do under the
+circumstances; but no matter how great the distance, formidable the
+obstacles or how threatening the dangers of traveling through a vast
+region--peopled, indeed, by men of their own dusky race but known to
+be fierce, warlike and no respecters of persons--they were {247}
+determined to make the attempt.  The desire to gain a knowledge of
+the white man's religion had taken complete possession of their
+minds, and they would not be content until that object should be
+attained.
+
+At a joint council of the Nez Perces and Flatheads, one Indian of
+advanced age and a young brave of each tribe were selected to go in
+search of the explorer they had remembered during the quarter century
+since he had been among them, and ascertain the truth of the reported
+better religion than their own.  During the summer and early fall of
+1831, these four delegates traversed more than half of the Continent
+from the far Northwest to the junction of the Mississippi and
+Missouri rivers.
+
+Arriving at St. Louis after a long, difficult and perilous trip of
+which no account was ever made, they were directed to the home of
+Gen.[2] William Clark, who received them cordially and during their
+stay there often entertained them in his own house.  As may well be
+imagined, the General was astonished when he learned the purpose that
+brought them from such a distance; and although outside his line of
+duty, he determined to do everything possible to assist them.
+
+Clark spent considerable time showing them the town and its
+attractions; to those children of the wilderness, St. Louis was of
+course a strange and wonderful place.  It was at that time the
+largest settlement in the middle West, and the principal outfitting
+point for travel, explorations or hunting expeditions to the Rocky
+Mountains or beyond.  But the greatest obstacle to the progress of
+their mission was the inability of the Indians to speak or understand
+our language.
+
+{248}
+
+Before they had been very long in St. Louis, one of the old men
+became ill, doubtless from the fatigue of the long journey, change of
+diet and impure water of the Mississippi; he soon passed away, and
+was buried there.  In about two weeks the other old Indian followed
+him in death, neither living to know the result of their mission.
+The two younger men remained there during the winter, and in the
+spring started up the river on their way back to the far Northwest.
+One of them died in the Yellowstone region, and the other proceeded
+to cross the Great
+ Mountains alone, finally succeeding, after a long absence,
+in reaching his home and kindred.
+
+While they were at St. Louis an Indian agent, William Walker, en
+route to the Osage and other tribes beyond the Mississippi, arrived
+there with a letter from the Secretary of War, and called upon Clark
+for special instructions regarding the Indians he was about to visit.
+The General informed him of the Nez Perces and Flatheads under his
+roof at the time.
+
+Anxious to see those aborigines from beyond the Rocky Mountains, Mr.
+Walker interviewed them and gives an interesting account of their
+appearance and the reason for their coming.  This was published after
+his return from the trip already mentioned; and although he does not
+give dates, it has been established from contemporary records that
+the Indian delegation was in St. Louis during the winter of 1831-32.
+
+Mr. Walker's letter in the _Christian Advocate_ of March 1, 1833, at
+once aroused the greatest interest and religious fervor throughout
+the length and breadth of the land.  Missionary enthusiasm quickly
+arose to fever heat, due to the fact that a party of Indians had
+voluntarily come more than two thousand miles over mountain and
+desert from near the waters of the Pacific, calling for Christian
+enlightenment.
+
+It aroused the apostolic spirit among the churches to a height not
+seen in a generation; meetings were held, subscriptions to defray the
+expenses came pouring in, and devoted men offered their services to
+answer the call.  The {249} first in the field were the Methodists,
+animated by the evangelical spirit of John Wesley, founder of that
+great denomination.  Funds were raised, the personnel of the party
+decided upon, and all preparations completed for the journey to the
+far West in the spring of 1834.
+
+Rev. Jason Lee was placed in charge of the expedition; and I had
+abundant opportunity to personally observe how well fitted he was
+mentally, physically and spiritually for the serious task.
+Arrangements were made for the missionaries to accompany Nathaniel J.
+Wyeth, of Boston, who had organized a fur company to carry on that
+business in the Oregon Country; and had some forty or fifty men in
+his party.
+
+The journey across the Continent was full of exciting
+adventures--fording or swimming turbulent and treacherous rivers,
+eluding or repelling small bands of predatory Indians, fleeing for
+safety from the thunderous charges of stampeding buffalo, and many
+incidents of lesser import.  But while neither my time nor your
+patience will admit of giving a detailed recital of them, one event
+which happened on that trip deserves more than passing mention.
+After crossing the Rocky Mountain divide, their course was northwest
+until they came to the Snake River.  While on an exploring trip the
+previous year, Mr. Wyeth had decided to erect a trading post at a
+point on that stream near where a considerable tributary, the
+Portneuf River, enters it and in the midst of a good fur-producing
+territory, well adapted for his purpose.
+
+The party camped at this place and remained there a few days.
+Besides the men Wyeth had brought from the eastern States, who by
+this time had become genuine frontiersmen at least in appearance, he
+had taken quite a number of mountain men and independent trappers
+into his employ at the Rendezvous on Green River, near the site where
+Fort Bridger was located by James Bridger in 1843, about nine years
+later.  There were also some nondescript characters with no visible
+occupation--altogether a motley and extremely picturesque throng.
+
+Many of the men had buckskin suits, embellished with {250} fringes
+and decorated with beads; others wore untanned deer and bearskin
+garments of almost every conceivable design.  A few had coats and
+trousers of buffalo hide, and one a complete suit of wildcat skins.
+All had beards, some reaching to the belt line, while others were
+clipped until they resembled bristles; but there was no evidence that
+any man among them possessed a razor.
+
+Though it was midsummer, many wore fur caps and some went bareheaded.
+Various kinds and patterns of rifles and muskets were in evidence,
+while a few carried Spanish musketoons.  Physically they were
+somewhat above the average stature of men in "the States."  While
+encamped there the men spent most of the time playing cards, shooting
+at targets or swapping yarns.
+
+It was not the kind of a crowd you would expect to see occupying
+church pews or attending Sunday School; but Jason Lee made an
+announcement that he would hold services on the Sabbath, and desired
+every one to be on hand.  They evidently thought it a good joke for
+any one to attempt to preach Christianity to such a lawless crowd of
+semi-wild and godless men; however, it was a diversion, and all
+promised to be there and hear the reverend visitor's message.
+
+Jason Lee was six feet or more in height and slightly stooped; his
+head was large and well-shaped, with an undeniable expression of
+determination and courage.  Yet there was a kindly look in his eye;
+and when he smiled, you instinctively knew that beneath his rugged
+outward appearance was a genial spirit tempered with seriousness.
+
+Shortly after breakfast he took his Bible and went some distance from
+the camp to the shade of large trees, and spent a couple of hours
+walking back and forth in serious meditation.  About 10 o'clock--the
+hour announced for the services--he returned to the camp where the
+throng had assembled.
+
+Some were lolling on the grass, others squatting on blankets, a few
+listlessly leaning against the trees and others standing by the tent
+openings.  There were no benches, nor any roof to protect the
+audience from the {251} fierce rays of the summer sun; but that did
+not matter to men who had lived for years in the open, and were
+accustomed to sleep under the canopy of heaven.
+
+[Illustration: REV. JASON LEE'S GREAT SERMON IN THE SNAKE RIVER
+COUNTRY, 1834; SEE OPPOSITE PAGE]
+
+Lee took a stand where all might be within range of his voice, cast
+his eyes over the unusual assemblage, opened the Bible and read in a
+clear and penetrating voice a text from the gospels about the
+crucifixion and death of Christ.  Then he requested all to join with
+him in prayer.  Some who had not entirely forgotten their early
+training, did so as best they could, while the more hardened sinners
+nudged each other in the ribs and smiled--as if to say, "What
+nonsense!"
+
+The clergyman was not an eloquent speaker, but forceful and
+impressive; and his subject was well suited to call forth all the
+earnestness of his nature and the sincerity of his faith.  He spoke
+for an hour, and before half through had the complete attention of
+every one in the audience; those who were at first inclined to scoff
+soon lost their indifference and listened with profound attention to
+every word.  When at the close of his sermon, he quoted dramatically
+the words, "Socrates died like a philosopher but Jesus Christ died
+like a God," there was such a stillness as if all within hearing were
+spellbound; and they were.
+
+I have listened to great orators in the political arena, and on
+various occasions to brilliant ministers of the gospel; but have
+never known one to so thoroughly magnetize his hearers as Jason Lee
+did the trappers, hunters and mountain men who composed that audience
+away off in the wilds of the Snake River Country in 1834.  It was the
+first sermon ever preached west of the Rocky Mountains; and has
+probably not been excelled to this day.
+
+Wyeth put his full force at work erecting the rectangular trading
+post, more generally known as Fort Hall, for his contemplated
+fur-dealing activities.  Although it remained only a short time in
+the control of that enterprising American, and passed into the hands
+of the Hudson's Bay Company upon the collapse of Wyeth's original
+enterprise the following year, that frontier {252} establishment was
+a very important factor in the great emigration to the Oregon Country.
+
+A day or so after the Jason Lee sermon, the missionary company
+departed for its intended destination, the Columbia River, where a
+favorable location for a Mission was to be selected.  The journey on
+horseback for several hundred miles through rugged and broken country
+was fraught with many difficulties and dangers, all successfully
+overcome.
+
+In September the tired and travel-stained little party arrived at
+Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia, the chief trading post and
+outfitting headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company east of the
+Cascade Mountains, where they were kindly received and hospitably
+entertained by Mr. C. P. Pambrun, the official in charge.  Here it
+was decided to leave the horses and complete the remainder of the
+journey by water; and fortunately a party of fur-hunters returning
+with a cargo of pelts taken along the waters of the upper Columbia,
+was then on the way to Fort Vancouver.
+
+With these the missionaries were given passage, and floated down the
+great river in their batteaux.  The French-Canadian crew were expert
+boatmen and a happy lot to travel with, joking and singing almost
+without intermission; their care-free and mercurial natures never
+seemed to be ruffled, no matter what obstacles interfered with their
+progress.  The annual fur-hunting expedition had been very
+successful; and they were looking forward to a genuine celebration
+upon their arrival at Fort Vancouver, a privilege given to them once
+a year.
+
+I shall never forget the mingled feelings of wonder and admiration as
+our little party approached the mighty break in the upper levels of
+the Cascade Mountains made by the river when, in prehistoric time, it
+forced a passage through that gigantic range.  The scenery was
+superb--nothing grander can well be imagined--magnificent snow-capped
+mountains, primeval forests clothed with foliage of various hues
+reaching down to the water's edge, and numerous sparkling waterfalls
+leaping over the sides of {253} perpendicular bluffs from elevations
+of two to six hundred feet.
+
+Occasionally immense basaltic pillars, rising from the bank of the
+river to a great height, and some of most grotesque outlines, would
+be encountered.  There is nothing of the kind in the United States to
+compare with that scenery of the Columbia.
+
+Upon reaching Fort Vancouver we met with a truly cordial reception.
+That grand old autocrat Dr. John McLoughlin had word of our arrival,
+came out to meet us and in the most courtly manner but with
+unaffected ease and dignity, ushered us into his private apartments
+where he said we were to be his guests during our stay.  We greatly
+enjoyed the hospitality of the Doctor, especially after our long and
+tiresome journey; and have always looked back with sincere pleasure
+to the whole-hearted welcome given us by the representative of
+another nation, when we might reasonably have been considered in the
+guise of intruders.
+
+A day or so after our arrival, Jason Lee unfolded to Dr. McLoughlin
+his plans for establishing a Mission among the Flathead Indians.  The
+Doctor listened patiently as Rev. Mr. Lee related the details
+connected with the project; and then while expressing the
+satisfaction he felt at having a Mission located somewhere in the
+country, he pointed out the stupendous task of conducting it so far
+from a base of supplies.
+
+Everything for the Mission must come by water around the Horn, be
+unloaded somewhere on the lower Columbia, and then carried by
+batteaux and pack animals a distance of five hundred miles
+up-country--a very serious handicap.  Jason Lee saw it in the same
+light, but did not know what else to do.
+
+Dr. McLoughlin suggested founding a Mission in the Willamette Valley
+near French Prairie, where a small settlement of French-Canadians
+already existed and there were Indians in the vicinity needing
+spiritual as well as temporal enlightenment.  Such a point would also
+be reasonably accessible for receiving supplies by water.
+
+{254}
+
+So convincing were the facts presented by Dr. McLoughlin in support
+of the Willamette Valley as compared with the Flathead country for a
+Mission location, that Jason Lee decided to accept his views and
+followed his counsel.  The Doctor also promised to assist it by every
+means in his power compatible with his duties as Chief Factor of the
+Hudson's Bay Company; and kept his word.
+
+The Mission established in the Willamette Valley was conducted
+successfully until measles and other epidemic diseases introduced by
+the whites almost completely annihilated the native population, so
+that in ten or twelve years after its founding there were no Indian
+children to attend its school.  During that time, however, the white
+population increased rapidly by accessions to the missionary force,
+many newcomers brought from "the States" by glowing descriptions sent
+back by earlier arrivals, and the even stronger corroboration of the
+surpassing advantages of the new country by men returning east for
+missionary reinforcements.
+
+In this again, my friends, I cannot but see the interposition of
+Divine Providence.  Had our Mission been established among the
+Flatheads as originally intended, there would have been no such
+influx of American citizens as afterwards followed into the disputed
+territory to offset the prestige of the British claim, because that
+remote interior region offered no such opportunities for settlement
+as the salubrious climate and fertile valleys west of the Cascade
+Mountains.  So I may well say again, "God moves in a mysterious way
+His wonders to perform."
+
+While I have told you, and truthfully, that the Methodists were the
+first to answer the call from the Indians beyond the Rocky Mountains,
+the Presbyterians and Congregationalists soon followed.  In 1835 Rev.
+Samuel Parker of Massachusetts, and Dr. Marcus Whitman of New York
+State, were sent out by the Missionary Board of that church to
+examine into the character and disposition of the tribes residing in
+the region from which the {255} four Indians made the long journey to
+St. Louis in search of the white man's religion, and report as to the
+desirability of establishing a Mission among them.
+
+With that purpose in view, Rev. Mr. Parker and Dr. Whitman crossed
+the plains, and in the summer of 1835 arrived at a point in the Rocky
+Mountains known as the "Rendezvous," a famous place for trappers and
+Indiana to congregate for trading in furs and pelts.  They found
+encamped there several hundred Nez Perces and Flatheads just returned
+from a successful buffalo hunt; and through an interpreter learned
+that they were very anxious to have white religious instructors sent
+out to them.
+
+This convinced Rev. Mr. Parker that the field was a very promising
+one.  It was therefore agreed that he should accompany the Indians to
+their homes and select a suitable location for a Mission site, while
+Whitman would return east and arrange for a missionary party to go
+out there under his charge the following spring.
+
+Parker impressed upon Whitman the necessity of having the company
+well equipped with everything essential for such an arduous
+undertaking, and above all else to provide himself with a good wife.
+The Doctor laughed and replied, "That is easier said than done;
+however, I may make the attempt."
+
+By their genial manners and evident sincerity of purpose, these two
+advance missionary agents while at the Rendezvous won the confidence
+of the assembled Indians to such an extent that they permitted
+Whitman to select two or three young boys to return with him to "the
+States," remain there for the winter, and accompany him back.  The
+Doctor knew that their presence would have the effect of stimulating
+the Board to organize and equip a missionary party with the least
+possible delay; and would be tangible proof that the Indians were
+earnestly seeking religious instruction.  Whitman also realized that
+the boys would be of great assistance to the missionaries in crossing
+the plains and mountains in the spring.
+
+The Doctor and his wards experienced no serious difficulties on the
+journey back to civilization, and arrived {256} at his home in
+Rushville, Yates County, New York State, early in the winter.  He was
+dressed in the picturesque garb of the mountain men--buckskin coat
+and trousers decorated with fringes on the arms and legs, moccasins
+and bearskin cap, and had not been shaved for several months.
+
+Reaching there late on a Saturday, Whitman did not go all the way
+into the village or make his presence known until Sunday, when he
+proceeded just as he was, and accompanied by the young Indians, to
+the church where services were being held; entered, walked up the
+aisle, and became the cynosure of all eyes in the congregation.  At
+first everyone wondered where the uncouth and wild looking individual
+came from, and why he should interrupt the services.  After gazing
+intently at him for a moment or two his mother, who was in the
+audience at the time, exclaimed, "Why if there isn't Marcus."
+
+Services were immediately suspended, and all gathered around to
+welcome the intrepid Doctor back from the wilderness, where he had
+gone as a soldier of the Lord.  He was the hero of the hour, and
+every community in that part of the State made an effort to honor him.
+
+But there was one locality where he seemed to relish the attentions
+paid him more than in any other, and a house to which he made the
+most frequent visits.  It was not because of the genial hospitality
+of the host--which was proverbial in the vicinity; nor altogether the
+fascination of his conversation, though he was a man of culture and
+refinement, to whom it was a treat to listen.
+
+The admonition of Rev. Mr. Parker was uppermost in the Doctor's mind,
+and beneath that roof dwelt the charming daughter of the household he
+had known and admired for a long time, and who he hoped entertained
+more than a passing regard for him.  He now determined to press his
+suit with all the energy of his forceful nature.  But before telling
+you the results of his efforts in that direction, I should give a
+brief sketch of the early life of Narcissa Prentiss, a noble
+character whose life and deeds will always occupy a very prominent
+place among {257} the pioneers of the Oregon Country--more so,
+indeed, than any other woman.
+
+She was the daughter of Judge Stephen Prentiss, a highly respected
+and well-to-do citizen of the Lake Region in New York State.  Careful
+attention was bestowed upon her early education and training, and
+every possible advantage given her within reach of people in moderate
+circumstances in that part of the country at the time.
+
+In her early teens she is described as about the average in height,
+the possessor of an unusually fine and well-rounded form, with blonde
+hair and blue eyes.  She had winning manners and a remarkably sweet,
+well trained voice which naturally made her a popular leader in the
+church choir and singing circles.
+
+A romantic incident in her early life greatly impaired her happiness
+in after years, as will subsequently appear.  While attending the
+village school one of the pupils, a boy her senior by a few years,
+became enamored of her beauty and sprightly manners.  He sang in the
+same church choir, was a diligent scholar, had a good voice and was
+generally acceptable; thrown together in this way, they became very
+good friends.  On her part this meant nothing more than congenial
+companionship, but with him it ripened into a master passion.
+
+In this frame of mind, he asked her to make a solemn promise to
+become his wife as soon as circumstances would permit him to assume
+the responsibility of providing suitably for her.  She laughed
+heartily at his boyish assurance, and said that she was entirely too
+young to even think of such a thing; besides, when she did, he would
+not appeal to her in that light.  Even after this rebuff, he still
+hoped that by making no further advances for the present, and abiding
+his time, she would gradually come to look more favorably upon him.
+
+A few years later Narcissa Prentiss had become one of the most
+attractive young women in that portion of the State--not only
+beautiful in person, but with a sweet and lovable disposition that
+endeared her to all.  She also had a serious turn of mind, and was
+foremost in every {258} activity connected with the church of which
+her family were members.
+
+Narcissa had almost forgotten the school boy proposal when most
+unexpectedly the young man, then about to be ordained for the
+ministry, again appeared upon the scene.  When he called at the
+Prentiss home, she received him in the usual friendly manner and
+treated him with the greatest cordiality, for they had been
+pleasantly associated in the choir, Sunday School and religious
+activities of various kinds, never having had any serious
+disagreement--unless the incident already mentioned might be so
+considered.
+
+After conversing pleasantly for some time on general topics, he said,
+"Narcissa, I have called upon you at this time for a special purpose.
+You know that I am now about to become a minister of the gospel, may
+be sent to distant parts and separated from all my friends of boyhood
+days.  This is not a pleasant prospect; but I could bear up under all
+those things, sustained by the knowledge that it is in the service of
+the Master, were it not that I would be leaving behind to me the most
+precious thing on this earth--you, Narcissa, the idol of my
+affections.  Won't you accept the offer of my hand and heart, and be
+my helpmate through life?"
+
+Narcissa, who thought she had firmly squelched the earlier fancy, and
+that he had long forgotten to think seriously of ever winning her
+hand, was dumfounded.  But now in far more earnestness than ever, he
+had renewed the effort, apparently under the delusion that he might
+be successful.  In an instant her mind was made up what to say and
+how to act; she must let him know once for all that such a proposal
+was unwarranted and repugnant to her.
+
+Arising and standing before him in all the dignity of her womanhood,
+she asked, "Have I ever acted toward you in a way you might construe
+that I entertained any affection for you, or given any grounds for
+you to hope that I might have anything more than just a friendly
+feeling towards you?  If I have so acted, I'm not aware of {259} it.
+Now bear this in mind--never under any circumstances would you be
+considered in the light of a lover or husband for me!"
+
+A cloud passed over the brow of the young man as he felt the sting of
+her reply, and it is generally believed that a vow of eternal
+animosity against what he deemed a haughty and insolent young woman
+who had repelled his well-intentioned proposal was made by him.
+"Some time you may regret this," he remarked, or words to that
+effect, and took his departure.
+
+Narcissa, kind hearted and reluctant to hurt the feelings of anyone,
+regretted having wounded his vanity and pride so deeply; but thought
+that was the only way his persistent suit could be stopped for all
+time.  This happened some four years before the return of Dr. Whitman
+from the Oregon Country to his home in New York State.  About a year
+after his rejection by Narcissa Prentiss, Rev. Mr. Spalding was
+married to Miss Eliza Hart, a very estimable young woman, and sent
+west to engage in missionary work.
+
+Marcus Whitman, although making frequent visits to the Prentiss home,
+and received on every occasion by the Judge and his family as a
+welcome guest and intimate friend, did not attempt as yet to play the
+role of suitor for the hand of Narcissa.  He must first know that all
+arrangements for the projected missionary expedition were
+satisfactorily completed before committing himself in any personal
+way that might later prove embarrassing.
+
+It was a matter of considerable importance for the Missionary Board
+to assemble and outfit a sufficient number of persons for such an
+undertaking; and many investigations and calculations had to be made
+before a complete organization was effected.  It was considered
+necessary to have an ordained minister, and difficult to find one
+willing to go.  But in the early spring the personnel of the party
+was decided upon, and the animals, wagons and supplies purchased so
+that the westward movement could begin as soon as the season was far
+enough advanced.
+
+{260}
+
+Whitman now decided that the auspicious moment had arrived to take
+the important step that had been uppermost in his mind since his
+return from the Rocky Mountains.  He was of a sanguine temperament
+and optimistic by nature, with supreme confidence in his ability to
+overcome obstacles; in the vital matter now in hand he felt confident
+of success, but was anxious to know what the result would be.
+
+With this purpose in view he mounted his horse and rode hurriedly to
+the Prentiss home, finding the Judge out but Narcissa there.
+Entering the sitting room, he took a seat and without any
+preliminaries remarked, "Well, Narcissa, everything is arranged and
+the party will start for the great undertaking in just one month from
+now.  I said the party was complete, which is not quite correct;
+there is yet one vacancy and I have come, Narcissa, to ask you to
+fill it by becoming the wife of Marcus Whitman, leader of the party.
+
+"I need not tell you that you hold a higher place in my estimation
+than any other living mortal; your womanly intuition has long ago
+made you aware of that.  I also believe that you entertain for me a
+feeling of uncommon friendship, at least--if not more.  Am I right or
+wrong?  Answer me, Narcissa."
+
+"Marcus, this is so abrupt you almost take my breath away, but I will
+be just as frank," she replied.  "I will go with you."
+
+Taking her hands in his and gazing into the depths of her beaming
+blue eyes he exclaimed, "I felt in my soul that you would."  Drawing
+her nearer and enfolding her in his arms, he imprinted a seal of
+affection on her lips.
+
+* * *
+
+Both were naturally well fitted for the task of bringing the light of
+the gospel and the advantages of civilization to the Indians.  Marcus
+Whitman was strong and rugged, with an unlimited capacity for work;
+and although a physician, the missionary life appealed to him much
+more than the practice of his profession, due {261} probably to
+natural inclination and his early training.  A knowledge of medicine
+was a valuable aid in a region without professional men.
+
+Narcissa Prentiss was in full health and vigor, capable of enduring
+the privations and hardships incident to such a life, and of an
+intensely religious temperament.  She left home, friends and every
+association dear to the majority of womankind, and set forth on a
+tremendous journey across deserts and over mountain ranges--the way
+beset by difficulties and dangers--in order to lend a helping hand in
+carrying the "tidings of great joy" to the natives of the far
+Northwest.
+
+A great deal of spoken and written eulogy has been bestowed upon the
+devotion to duty, courage and fortitude of Marcus
+Whitman--unquestionably in great part well merited.  So far, little
+has been said in praise of the noble qualities of head and heart
+possessed by his wife and coworker in the Lord's vineyard.  But as
+time goes on I have no doubt that historians and poets will exalt her
+virtues and sing her praises.
+
+The marriage ceremony in the Presbyterian Church at Angelica, N.Y.,
+in February, 1836, was very quiet and simple, as both were opposed to
+any undue publicity.  But when the members of the congregation became
+aware that the missionary party was about to start, it was arranged
+to have a farewell party and services on the eve of its departure.
+The little church was crowded to capacity; not only was nearly every
+member present, but many who were not affiliated came to bid farewell
+and Godspeed to this universally beloved member of the community,
+which had been the home of the Prentiss family since 1834.
+
+She took her usual place as leader of the choir, while the eyes of
+all were riveted upon the pleasing countenance and attractive form of
+the one who was about to leave them--perhaps forever.  After the
+services and singing of appropriate hymns, a time for greetings was
+announced; and the whole congregation surged forward, each anxious to
+grasp the hand and say a personal word {262} to her whom they loved
+so well and were reluctant to let go.  Before being dismissed, all
+were asked to join in a parting hymn selected for the occasion.
+
+Narcissa led the singing, and when the last verse--beginning with the
+words, "Yes, my native land, I love thee"--was begun, audible sobs
+were heard through the audience.  Before it was finished the pent-up
+feelings of the assemblage were unloosed, and the genuine feeling of
+sorrow became contagious; handkerchiefs were pulled out, and there
+was scarcely a dry eye in the audience.  Only the voice of Narcissa
+carried the words all the way through; but she never faltered until
+it was finished, when she also gave way to the prevailing emotion.
+
+Rev. Henry H. Spalding and his wife were selected by the American
+Board of Home Missions to accompany Dr. and Mrs. Whitman.  For some
+time past the Spaldings had been engaged in missionary work in the
+State of Ohio from where, upon the arrival of the Whitmans from New
+York State, the four proceeded to Liberty, Missouri, the point at
+which final arrangements for the western journey were to be completed.
+
+The Board of Commissioners probably did not take the precaution of
+consulting Dr. Whitman as to his choice of companions for the great
+task they were entering upon; could Narcissa have had any voice in
+the matter, the Spaldings would certainly not have gone with them.
+It is to be regretted, for the good of the cause, that such an
+appointment was made, as subsequent events will explain.  W. H. Gray,
+a mechanic, was also designated by the Board to accompany the
+missionaries.
+
+Rev. Mr. Spalding was a stockily built man of medium height, with a
+large head and rather high forehead; and was a voracious reader,
+especially of books on religious and controversial topics.  Although
+rated, even by his admirers, as a "peculiar" man, he accomplished
+commendable results in the mission field for nearly 40 years.  Mr.
+Spalding died August 3, 1874, in his 71st year, and is buried in the
+Nez Perces country a few miles from Lewiston, Idaho.
+
+{263}
+
+His wife, Eliza Hart Spalding, was rather tall and angular, and
+though not possessing regular features, had a kindly and intelligent
+expression that won many friends.  She had the gift of knowing how to
+gain the respect and confidence of the Indians, and was conspicuously
+successful as a teacher among them.  Gray was a self-important
+person, with quite a smattering of learning, but inclined to be
+self-willed and even insubordinate.
+
+These men and women established the first Indian Missions in the vast
+region between the Rocky Mountains and the Cascade Range, nearest the
+tribes who had sent the delegation to St. Louis in 1831, seeking a
+knowledge of the Christian faith.  About the time the missionaries
+arrived at Liberty, a number of hunters and trappers in the employ of
+the American Fur Company, under the leadership of two experienced
+frontiersmen, Milton G. Sublette and Thomas Fitzpatrick, were
+assembled there preparing to leave for the Rocky Mountain region on a
+trading and fur-hunting expedition.
+
+By this good fortune, the missionaries were able to travel in the
+company of a well-equipped outfit, without fear of molestation by
+roving bands of Indians on the way.  But not everything required for
+the long journey had been secured in time to start with the larger
+party, which set out two days in advance.  Whitman determined to
+catch up with the fur hunters before reaching the most dangerous part
+of the route, which he did.
+
+Many days were consumed in traversing the bad roads of western
+Missouri, which in the spring in those pioneer days were full of ruts
+and mud-holes; and the Doctor was the only one of the party with any
+previous experiences in that kind of travel.  Early in May they were
+on the west side of the Missouri River with their wagons, horses and
+cattle all in fairly good shape, but on the south side of the Platte
+near its mouth.  The latter was nearly a mile wide, and the crossing
+of it a very formidable undertaking; but it had to be done, for the
+Trail continued westward on the north side.
+
+That might be termed the real starting point on the {264} expedition,
+as there every vestige of civilization was left behind, and immense
+plains and great mountain ranges inhabited only by Indians and wild
+animals, extended far out before them.  It was a perilous trip in
+those days, even for men fond of adventure and thoroughly accustomed
+to hardships.
+
+But in the company were two refined and educated women leaving
+friends, kindred and the comforts of civilized life to undergo the
+discomforts and face the hazards of the long journey.  It was a noble
+courage, and heroism of the rarest type.  Their names should be held
+in high veneration by the Christian people of this land for all time
+to come; and I believe they will be.
+
+The crossing of the Platte was difficult and wearing; and the burden
+of it fell upon Dr. Whitman, as Rev. Mr. Spalding was ill and unable
+to help.  Mrs. Whitman and Mrs. Spalding were taken over in a "bull
+boat," a contrivance made by stretching a buffalo hide over small
+willow growths.  In the process of making, the larger ends were stuck
+in the ground, and the smaller ones interlapped, after which a fresh
+hide was fastened over them and allowed to dry.  Then the ends of the
+willows were pulled out of the ground, it was turned upside down--and
+called a "boat."
+
+Though a very risky affair in which to cross a wide river, there was
+no other available conveyance; so they entered it, at least with a
+show of confidence, and were carried safely over.  An entire day was
+required to get the outfit to the other side; Whitman was obliged to
+swim back and forth several times, and by evening was completely
+exhausted.
+
+Early the next morning a start was made and the animals were urged
+forward at the utmost speed under the circumstances, to overtake the
+fur-hunters before the Pawnee villages were passed, as unfriendly
+Indians might be encountered beyond.  I will not enter into a
+detailed account of the many events of interest on their way over the
+great plains, but cannot refrain from mentioning a few outstanding
+features of the journey.
+
+{265}
+
+When they came within sight of the Elkhorn, a tributary of the
+Platte, it presented a very menacing appearance at the height of the
+flood-water season.  Arriving first at the river, the Indian boys
+Whitman had taken back with him the preceding winter saw a skin canoe
+on the farther side; completely stripping, they wound their shirts
+around their heads and swam over, returning with the canoe by the
+time the rest of the party came up to the bank.  A rope was then
+stretched across, and the goods hauled over in the canoe without much
+difficulty.
+
+Those Indian boys were very useful to the missionary party in driving
+the loose stock, herding, guarding at night and in many other ways.
+They seemed more than willing to render assistance whenever the
+occasion called for it; and in initiative were equal if not superior
+to white youth of the same age.
+
+About a hundred miles east of the "Rendezvous," the party fell in
+with a large number of Indians belonging to tribes west of the
+Rockies who came over the mountains every year to hunt buffalo.  Some
+of them had met the Doctor on his previous trip, and remembered his
+intention of bringing missionaries to instruct them in the white
+man's way of worshipping; now they manifested great pleasure at
+meeting the little party on the way to fulfill the promise made the
+year before.
+
+The ladies especially aroused the curiosity and wonder of the
+savages, who now for the first time beheld a white woman.  No sooner
+had Mrs. Whitman alighted from her horse than a number of the native
+matrons came forward to welcome her; each one of them shook hands
+with her, and at the same time placing the left hand affectionately
+upon her shoulder, gave her a hearty kiss.  Mrs. Spalding was greeted
+in a similar manner.
+
+Both were deeply moved by the cordiality and sincerity of their
+welcome by those Indian women, and greatly surprised to learn from
+this experience that they have about the same manner of salutation as
+their civilized white sisters.  It goes to show that regardless of
+climate or color, human nature is about the same the world over.
+
+{266}
+
+One of the chiefs present when the ladies arrived soon took his
+departure, and returning in a short time with his wife, introduced
+her to both of them--with a wave of the right hand towards his squaw
+and the left towards the white women, at the same time bowing
+politely.  When the tents were pitched and occupied by Mrs. Whitman
+and Mrs. Spalding after the fatigue of the horseback ride, some of
+the Indians, with unabated curiosity, remained in the vicinity and
+were occasionally bold enough to peep in and then grin with
+astonishment.
+
+Arriving at the "Rendezvous," a long-to-be-remembered sight was
+presented to their eyes.  There were assembled hundreds of trappers,
+hunters, traders and packers--in fact all kinds of mountain men--some
+of whom had not seen a white woman in more than twenty years; and
+there must also have been some fifteen hundred or two thousand
+Indians who had traveled there to trade with the American Fur
+Company.  All of them, white men and Indians alike, were intent upon
+having a good look at the first two white women who had ever
+penetrated that far into the wilderness, and were to traverse another
+thousand miles or so of rough country before reaching their
+destination.
+
+Mrs. Whitman thoroughly enjoyed the novelty and excitement of the
+strange situation.  Some of the mountain men ventured to approach her
+and offer some kind of a compliment, which amused her exceedingly;
+but she always answered them with gracious and cordial bearing, and
+thus became very popular with these semi-wild and reckless
+frontiersmen.
+
+Mrs. Spalding was more interested in the appearance of the natives
+among whom she had come to teach, and anxious to acquire a knowledge
+of the Nez Perces language.  Somewhat from anxiety to see how she
+would act, the Indians gathered around her while she tried as best
+she could to converse with them.
+
+Before the departure of the missionary company for the Columbia
+River, a grand reception and display was planned in its honor.  On
+the appointed day, the Indian {267} warriors formed a procession in
+gala dress at one end of the plain, each of the four tribes being
+represented by a company in fighting costume--which was breech-clout,
+with plenty of paint and feathers.  All were mounted on well-shaped
+Indian horses, which though not large were spirited and active.
+
+These fighting braves carried their weapons, and in addition many had
+drums, horns and other noise-making instruments.  When everything was
+in readiness the command was given, and there burst forth from every
+painted warrior such a wild and terrifying yell as only aborigines
+can utter; then, joining in a mighty chorus of barbarous song, the
+cavalcade charged down the valley at frantic speed, brandishing their
+weapons and beating drums.
+
+Reaching the farther end of the valley, they whirled around and
+dashed back with equal impetuosity, afterwards performing skilful
+evolutions in front of the missionary tents.  The whole maneuver was
+conducted like a preconcerted military movement, the force of six or
+seven hundred Indians obeying the signals of the leaders with
+machine-like precision.
+
+All members of the missionary party had assembled in front of their
+tents before this torrent of furious savages approached and swept by
+them with wild gesticulations.  Their bronze bodies glistened in the
+summer sun and quivered with the great excitement under which they
+labored in this mimic attack upon an imaginary foe.
+
+In front of the rushing columns rode a huge warrior of the Snake
+tribe, known as "Big Foot," more than six feet tall and well
+proportioned.  His horse was much larger than the ponies of the other
+Indians (most of whom rode bareback); and he had a saddle of the
+Mexican pattern, probably secured during a foray into the settlements
+of New Mexico Territory.
+
+He raised in his stirrups, whirling a Spanish musketoon and yelling
+like a demon, his voice being heard above all the din and uproar.
+The whole performance was so realistic that before it ended the
+nerves of the women {268} were severely tried; and at its conclusion
+the Indians crowded around the tents to further gratify their
+curiosity.
+
+The missionaries rested for a few days at the Rendezvous on Green
+River and then set out for Fort Hall with only one wagon, the other
+having been abandoned by necessity farther east.  At the fort, then
+owned by the Hudson's Bay Company, they were very kindly received,
+but told that it would be virtually impossible to travel any farther
+with the wagon.  However, on account of Mrs. Spalding's delicate
+health, Whitman determined not to give it up until absolutely
+necessary.
+
+Owing to the deep sand and large sage-brush about twenty miles below
+American Falls on the Snake River, and the extremely rocky surface of
+the hills, he was obliged to leave the box and rear wheels there,
+converting the remainder into a cart which he managed to take as far
+as Fort Boise, where that also was abandoned.  With the wagon-box was
+left something far more valuable to Narcissa Whitman--a little trunk
+which she dearly prized as a present from her sister Harriet.  Here
+is the way she laments the loss of it:
+
+
+Friday evening
+
+Dear Harriet:
+
+The little trunk you gave me has come with me so far, and now I must
+leave it alone.  Poor little trunk!  I am sorry to leave you.  Twenty
+miles below the Falls on Snake River shall be thy place of rest, x x
+x x.  Narcissa.
+
+
+My good friends, before proceeding farther with my story I must tell
+you that about three years ago I visited the home of Judge Prentiss
+in New York State; and the fine old gentleman accorded me the great
+privilege of copying the voluminous correspondence written by his
+daughter on the journey across the Continent and during the years
+spent at the Mission station until her unhappy death.  I will at
+times quote her exact words describing events intimately connected
+with her missionary labors.
+
+She possessed the rare gift of expressing in the most lucid language
+the condition of her feelings regarding the {269} many trials and
+afflictions it was her lot to bear during their life at Waiilatpu.  I
+have with me copies of all these letters; and will now read her
+description of the crossing of Snake River, as must be done more than
+once in your own journey to the "Promised Land":
+
+
+Preparing to cross Snake River.  The river is divided by two islands
+into three branches, and is fordable.  The packs are placed on the
+tallest horses, and in this way we crossed without wetting.  Husband
+had difficulty with the cart, which was turned upside down in the
+river, and the mules entangled with the harness.  The mules would
+have been drowned but for a desperate struggle to get them ashore.
+Then after putting two of the horses before the cart, and two men
+swimming behind to steady it, they succeeded in getting it over.
+
+I once thought crossing streams would be the worst part of the
+journey.  I now do so without fear.  There is one manner of
+crossing--take an elk skin and stretch it over you, spreading
+yourself out as much as possible.  Let the Indian women put you on
+the water, and with a cord in the mouth they swim and draw you to the
+other side.
+
+
+In four or five days more of travel they arrived at Fort Boise, where
+the Snake River had to be recrossed.  Again I will quote Mrs. Whitman:
+
+
+22nd.
+
+Left the Fort yesterday, came a short distance to Snake River;
+crossed and encamped for the night.  The river has three branches
+divided by islands.  The first and second places were deep but we had
+no difficulty in crossing on horseback.  The third was deeper still.
+
+This being a fishing post of the Indians, we found a canoe made of
+rushes and willows.  Mrs. Spalding and myself placed ourselves and
+our saddles in it, and two Indians on horseback with a rope towed us
+over.  The canoe is made of bunches of rushes tied together and
+attached to a frame made of a few sticks of small willows.  It was
+large enough to hold us and our saddles.
+
+
+The cart which had been brought from the Falls of Snake River
+especially for the accommodation of Mrs. Spalding was abandoned here
+and the remainder of the trip to Fort Walla Walla made on horseback.
+No serious mishaps befell the little party on this part of the
+journey, although it was an exceedingly rugged and difficult region
+{270} to traverse.  They were tendered a very kindly reception at the
+fort by the employees of the Hudson's Bay Company, and a boat was
+secured to convey them down the magnificent river to Fort Vancouver.
+
+At forts Hall, Walla Walla and Vancouver, where the missionaries were
+guests of the great fur company, all were greatly interested in the
+two refined and educated American women who had the pluck and
+hardihood to undertake such a long and hazardous journey.  Upon
+reaching the head of the rapids above The Dalles of the Columbia,
+Mrs. Whitman gives an interesting account of what had to be done to
+pass safely that formidable obstacle to their progress.  She says:
+
+
+8th.
+
+Came last night to the Chute (above The Dalles), a fall in the river
+not navigable.  There we slept, and this morning made the portage.
+All were obliged to land, unload, carry our baggage and even the boat
+for half a mile.
+
+I had frequently seen a picture of Indians carrying a canoe, but now
+saw the reality.  We found plenty of Indians here to assist in making
+the portage.  After loading several with our baggage and sending them
+on, the boat was turned over and placed upon the heads of about
+twenty of them, who easily marched off with it.
+
+September 9th.
+
+We came to The Dalles just before noon.  Here our boat was stopped by
+two rocks of immense size and height, all the water of the river
+passing with great rapidity between them in a very narrow channel.
+We were obliged to land and make a portage of two and a half miles,
+carrying the boat again.
+
+The Dalles is a great fishing resort for Indians of several tribes;
+we did not see many, however, for they had just left.
+
+
+[Illustration: DR. JOHN McLOUGHLIN, CHIEF FACTOR OF THE HUDSON'S BAY
+COMPANY, WELCOMING MRS. MARCUS WHITMAN AND MRS. HENRY H. SPALDING AT
+FORT VANCOUVER ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER, IN THE FALL OF 1836: SEE
+OPPOSITE PAGE]
+
+
+At Vancouver they were also cordially received and hospitably
+entertained by that grand old man, Dr. John McLoughlin.  It was a
+never to be forgotten sight for me to observe this representative of
+the all-powerful English fur company, of towering stature and
+knightly dignity, standing with hat in hand at the portal of the fort
+graciously bending to salute and welcome the two first white women to
+set foot upon the immense territory over which he then held
+undisputed sway.  It was not a mere formal {271} greeting, but a
+genuine expression of satisfaction to see devoted men and women
+coming into the territory to improve both the spiritual and temporal
+condition of his Indian wards, in whose welfare he was deeply
+interested--for McLoughlin was by nature benevolent.
+
+In consultation with Whitman, he advised the latter to establish his
+Mission somewhere east of the Cascade Mountains, for the reason that
+the Indians of the interior were mentally and physically superior to
+those near the coast, as well as more likely to adopt the rudiments
+of civilization and accept Christianity from the missionaries.
+Thereupon Whitman, Spalding and Gray returned up the Columbia to the
+vicinity of Fort Walla Walla for the purpose of selecting a site,
+while the women remained at Fort Vancouver as Dr. McLoughlin's guests
+until a Mission House could be erected.
+
+After looking over the country for several days they decided that a
+point called Waiilatpu, on the Walla Walla River about thirty miles
+from its mouth, would be a desirable location for a Mission, as it
+was convenient to the habitat of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes
+and reasonably near the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company for
+that vicinity, in case trouble should arise.  Work was immediately
+begun upon the construction of a comfortable log dwelling roofed with
+poles covered with straw and dirt thrown upon the top, which very
+well suited the purpose for which it was intended.
+
+A site for another Mission to be in charge of Rev. Mr. Spalding was
+located among the Nez Perces on the Clearwater River about 100 miles
+northeast of Waiilatpu.  Mr. Spalding then returned to Fort Vancouver
+for the ladies, while Dr. Whitman continued work on the dwelling.  In
+about three weeks Mrs. Whitman arrived at Waiilatpu, and the
+Spaldings went on to the Clearwater.
+
+At this isolated and unattractive Mission in the midst of uncivilized
+and unappreciative aborigines, practically shut off from people of
+her own race and tongue, Narcissa Whitman spent eleven long weary
+years in the prime of her young womanhood, endeavoring to enlighten
+the {272} minds and improve and elevate the morals of the savages,
+with no hope or prospect of being rewarded in this life, except by
+the consciousness of doing the utmost for her fellow mortals, and
+that her work might be pleasing in the eyes of God.  The sacrifice of
+her own life was her only visible reward.
+
+In 1839 a great sorrow fell upon the Whitman household.  They had a
+beautiful little girl, an only child who was suddenly snatched away
+from her loving parents, without the slightest inkling of approaching
+danger or cause for apprehension.  The poignancy of Mrs. Whitman's
+grief was intensified by the peculiar circumstances surrounding them
+at the time.
+
+She was in a wilderness inhabited by cruel and treacherous Indians,
+cut off by nearly three thousand miles from the old home and her own
+family, with only Dr. Whitman to lend a helping hand or console her
+with a loving voice; and he was overwhelmed with pressing duties.
+Her anguish was beyond description, but with true Christian courage
+and exalted faith she bowed to the Divine will.  What sublime
+resignation!
+
+I have a copy of the characteristic letter she wrote to her father on
+that sorrowful occasion, from which I will now read:
+
+
+Waiilatpu, Sept. 30, 1839.
+
+MY DEAREST FATHER:
+
+Doubtless before this you have heard through the Board of the
+melancholy death of our most precious and only child, Alice Clarissa.
+That we loved her most ardently is true, and we feel keenly the
+severe pangs of a separation from her.  Yet it is the Lord that hath
+done it, and He has dealt with us as a tender parent deals with the
+children He loves.  O, how often have I felt and thought what a
+privilege it would be, if I could see and unburden to my dear parents
+the sorrows of my broken and bleeding heart since we have been bereft
+of our dear, sweet babe.
+
+Although deprived of this inestimable consolation yet, dearest
+father, I desire to ask you to unite with us in praise and gratitude
+to God who has so mercifully sustained me, and that when crushed to
+the earth because His hand lay heavily upon me, His grace was
+manifest to preserve and sustain my soul from murmuring or repining
+at His dealings with us.
+
+{273}
+
+This unspeakable consolation is ours, that our daughter is at rest in
+the bosom of Him who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto
+me, for of such in the kingdom of heaven."  Young as she was, we
+could plainly see a manifest relish and enjoyment in singing and
+worship; the last month of her life she commenced learning to read,
+and improved rapidly.
+
+I would describe to you if I could her bright, lively appearance on
+Sabbath morning, the day of her death.  She had always slept with me
+until just a week before then, and that night she proposed, of her
+own accord, to sleep on the mat on the floor.  This gave me a very
+strange and singular feeling, for I never before could persuade her
+to lie away from me, not even in her father's arms * * *.  It being
+very warm, and because she preferred it, I let her sleep on the floor
+all night--but did not sleep much myself.  Ever after this I made a
+bed for her by the side of mine, where I could lay my hand upon her.
+
+Her appearance at worship in the family was deeply interesting.  For
+some time she had been in the habit of selecting the hymn she wished
+us to sing, and that morning her choice was "Rock of Ages Cleft for
+Me."  Oh, if dear father and mother could have seen with what
+animation she sang, and how her sweet voice soared above ours!
+
+* * * * * * * * * * *
+
+Dear father, when you sing this hymn think of me, for my thoughts do
+not recur to it without almost overcoming me and bringing fresh to my
+mind how she appeared when she last sang it.
+
+NARCISSA.
+
+
+That letter bears the impress of having been written by a superior
+woman suffering the keenest pangs of a mother's grief, yet bearing it
+with all the fortitude and resignation of the early Christian martyrs.
+
+The tragedy happened on a Sabbath morning, while Dr. and Mrs. Whitman
+were reading the scriptures.  Alice Clarissa went to bring some water
+from the river which flowed near-by the Mission House, as she had
+done many times before.  She went from the house with a cup in each
+hand, bounding down to the river bank to fulfill her errand, and
+returned no more.
+
+How it happened is simply conjecture, as there was no witness when
+the cold waters of the Walla Walla River fanned out the precious life
+of this first white American {274} child born west of the Rocky
+Mountains.  The little mound that marked her grave not far from the
+house was kept green and bedecked with flowers until the day of the
+massacre and destruction of the Mission.
+
+The missionaries--particularly Rev. Mr. Spalding and Dr.
+Whitman--never worked in harmony after their arrival in the Indian
+country.  It is said that the bitterness of Mr. Spalding against Mrs.
+Whitman continued from the time he was a suitor for her hand; and
+that the rankling of it led at least to a lack of co-operation on his
+part with his successful rival, the Doctor, in carrying on the
+Mission work.  I will read a letter of Mrs. Whitman to her father,
+which throws a flood of light upon the subject:
+
+
+  Waiilatpu, Walla Walla River,
+      Oregon Territory, Oct. 10, 1810.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER:
+
+The missionaries' greatest trials are but little known to the
+churches.  I have never ventured to write about them for fear it
+might hurt.  The man who came with us ought never to have come.  My
+dear husband has suffered more in consequence of his wicked jealousy
+and great pique towards me than can be known in this world.  Not he
+alone but the whole Mission suffers, which is most to be deplored.
+It has nearly broken up the Mission.
+
+The pretended settlement with father before we started was only an
+excuse; and from all we have seen and heard, both during the journey
+and since we have been here, the same bitter feeling exists. * * *.
+I never did anything before I left home to injure him, and nothing
+since; and my husband is cautious in speaking and thinking evil of
+him or treating him unkindly; yet he does not, nor has he received
+the same kindness from him since we have been missionaries together.
+
+Every mind in the Mission that he has had access to he has tried to
+prejudice against us, and did succeed for awhile, which was the cause
+of our being voted to remove and form a new station.  This was too
+much for my husband's feelings to bear, and so many arrayed against
+him for no good reason.  He felt as if he must leave the Mission, and
+no doubt would have done it had not the Lord removed from us our
+beloved child.  This affliction softened his feelings and made him
+willing to submit to the will of the Lord, although we felt that we
+were suffering wrongfully.
+
+The death of our babe had a great effect upon all in the {275}
+Mission; it softened their hearts towards us, even Mr. S's for a
+season. * * * The Lord in His providence has brought things around in
+such a way that all see and feel where the evil lies.  Some of them
+are writing to the Board; and it may require his removal or return to
+effect it, not so much for his treatment towards us as some others
+also.
+
+* * *.  I have long desired to have some few judicious friends know
+our trials, so that they may understand better how to pray for us.
+If this Mission fails, it will be because peace and harmony does not
+dwell among its members.  Our ardent desire and prayer is that it may
+not fail.  It is this state of things among us that discourage us.
+When we look at the people and the providence of God, we are more and
+more encouraged every year.
+
+As ever, I remain, your affectionate daughter,
+
+NARCISSA WHITMAN.
+
+
+During the early days of the Mission the Whitmans devoted themselves
+almost exclusively to the difficult task of inducing the Indians to
+receive instruction in both spiritual and temporal matters.  The
+Doctor was rough and ready in his manner, outspoken in his opinions
+and, particularly, vigorous in his actions; when the Indians did not
+do exactly as he thought they should, he openly showed his
+disapproval and scolded them.
+
+This helps to explain why the Mission was not as successful as it
+might have been; but Whitman was nevertheless a thoroughly sincere
+and honest man, always prompted by high motives.  Due somewhat to the
+lack of harmony in the establishment there, the Board finally
+concluded that Waiilatpu should be abandoned.
+
+Very different indeed was the disposition of the lovable and
+sweet-tempered woman, Narcissa Whitman, his helpmate in the work.  By
+kindly manner and tactful methods she endeared herself to those in
+her special charge, and was eminently successful in the care and
+management of children.
+
+
+
+WHITMAN'S RIDE AND THE MASSACRE
+
+Having learned that the Board had ordered the abandonment of two
+stations, including the one at Waiilatpu, Whitman asked the
+missionaries to convene at that place {276} for consideration of what
+steps should be taken to have the order rescinded.  Upon arrival of
+some of them, he called the meeting without awaiting the arrival of
+those coming from a greater distance, as he deemed the matter too
+urgent to be postponed even a day.  It was decided to have the Doctor
+proceed immediately to the East to lay the whole matter before the
+Board.
+
+Accordingly Whitman, accompanied by A. L. Lovejoy, left Waiilatpu
+October 3, 1842, on the long and afterward famous horseback ride over
+the Rocky Mountains and through the vast prairie country during the
+winter.  He was the kind of man no dangers or difficulties could
+deter; and although he underwent great privations, successfully
+completed the trip.
+
+His reception by the Board was by no means cordial; but in a forceful
+way he showed the serious consequences that would follow the
+abandonment of the Missions.  Finally convinced by his logic, the
+Board rescinded the order, which action was the object for which the
+ride was undertaken.  After that he visited his old home in New York
+State.
+
+Westbound during May of the following year, Whitman overtook the 1843
+emigrants somewhere along the Platte River and traveled with them as
+far as Fort Boise on the Snake River.  Worried about affairs at
+Waiilatpu after so long absence, he then went on ahead.
+
+From that time on the affairs of the Mission were still more
+unsatisfactory; and the Indians gradually became alarmed at the
+number of immigrants arriving in the country, bringing the measles
+and other diseases generally fatal to the natives.  Whitman was very
+successful in treating his own people, but the great majority of
+affected Indians succumbed to the diseases contracted from the whites.
+
+The more superstitious ones began to imagine that the Doctor was
+using "bad medicine" to kill them off so that his white brothers
+could have their lands, an idea which became an obsession with them.
+It did not bear fruit for awhile; but as time went on and conditions
+showed no {277} signs of change, the foolish natives determined to
+destroy the station and kill the missionaries.  The latter had been
+forewarned more than once by friendly Indians to be on their guard,
+as something desperate might happen; but they did not take it
+seriously.
+
+On Monday, November 29th, the first of the fatal blows fell.  Whitman
+was in the sitting room talking with Mrs. Osborne who lived in an
+adjoining room.  An Indian came to the door, knocked and asked to see
+the Doctor about some medicine; he stepped into the outer room where
+several were assembled, and talked with them about their sick.  While
+thus engaged one of them suddenly drew a tomahawk from beneath his
+blanket and delivered a crushing blow upon Whitman's head.
+
+Then pandemonium broke loose, and with frightful yells the savages
+began the slaughter of the defenseless inmates.  In only one instance
+was any resistance offered; when attacked by an Indian with a knife,
+the school-teacher grappled with his assailant and struggled for his
+life until dispatched by another of the natives.
+
+Mrs. Whitman was shot through the breast by a renegade half-breed,
+Joe Lewis, and afterwards beaten over the head and face with clubs
+until life was extinct.  She was the only woman slain, the others
+being made captive and confined in one of the Mission houses.  The
+reign of terror continued through Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,
+with several other murders of the white people.  Two seriously ill
+men were dragged out of their beds and clubbed in a most barbarous
+manner until they expired.
+
+It is surprising that, wrought up to such a high state of frenzy
+against the Mission and its inmates, the Indians did not also
+massacre the fifty or more women and children who fell into their
+hands.  Through the untiring efforts of Peter Skene Ogden, Chief
+Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, the latter were ransomed after a
+few weeks' captivity.
+
+The Whitman Massacre was one of the saddest and most revolting
+episodes in the annals of missionary effort in North America.  It
+cast a shadow over the land, and {278} caused those who were active
+in the movement for the regeneration of the red men to almost abandon
+it in despair.
+
+No doubt you think it strange that in telling you about the Oregon
+Country, its exploration and early settlement, I should have devoted
+so much time to the expeditions, labors and sufferings of the
+missionaries.  But it was owing primarily to the initiative from
+those sources that the Pacific Northwest, with all of its wonderful
+resources and possibilities, became known to the people of "the
+States"; large numbers were thus encouraged to emigrate to it, aiding
+materially in bringing all of that vast region under the flag and
+within the dominion of our beloved country.
+
+Otherwise the choicest portion of that territory would in all
+probability have passed into the possession of a foreign power.  Is
+not that a good reason for occupying so much time in recounting their
+efforts and exploits?  I will now give briefly a few of the
+outstanding incidents since the migration to the Oregon Country began
+in the wake of the missionaries.
+
+
+
+THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
+
+In the spring of 1843, a kind of Provisional Government for the
+Oregon Country was organized at a meeting of settlers held at
+Champoeg in the Willamette Valley.  Previous attempts had been made
+for that purpose, but owing to divergent views, they had ended in
+failure.
+
+Now, however, at a gathering in March, 1843, called ostensibly for
+the purpose of taking steps to protect the settlement from predatory
+animals and known as the "Wolf Organization," a resolution was
+introduced and carried to appoint a committee of twelve to formulate
+a plan.  At the meeting held on May 2nd attended by both British and
+American partisans, the vote was very close, the advocates of a
+Provisional Government winning by a slight margin.
+
+It was so close that there was difficulty in determining {279} which
+side had the majority; so after one or two unsuccessful attempts to
+decide by a _viva voce_ vote, an agreement was reached to have a
+division and count--those in favor of the proposal going to the
+right, while those opposed went to the left.  Joseph L. Meek, a man
+of splendid physique and the hero of many adventures in the Rockies,
+clad in the garb of the mountaineers, with sparkling eyes, a voice of
+command and the air of a Major General, stepped to a niche in history
+as he strode to his position crying out, "Who's for a divide!  All in
+favor of the report and organization follow me."
+
+The hunters and trappers who were present followed his lead, and so
+carried the day for the proponents of the measure.  More than half
+the Americans present voted against it, because they (wrongfully)
+believed it a scheme of the Mission party to secure control of the
+organization.  Were it not that quite a number of French-Canadians
+favorable to self-government voted in the affirmative, it would have
+lost.
+
+On the following day, May 3rd, the Provisional Government was duly
+organized--a date and event long to be remembered.  That government
+was ably and wisely carried on for a term of six years, until the
+United States assumed jurisdiction in 1849.
+
+Dr. John McLoughlin recognized it, as he never would have done were
+it not worthy of respect.  It demonstrated that the Oregon pioneers
+were capable, resourceful and not mere imitators of other men.  Their
+deeds should be admired and their names venerated.
+
+I might add that the entire white population of the Oregon Country at
+that time was only a little more than two hundred.  But the tide had
+set in, and nearly five times that number were already assembled at
+different points on the Missouri River preparing to start overland.
+
+
+
+THE 1843 MIGRATION
+
+This was in many respects the most remarkable and important migration
+that ever left the Missouri River {280} for the far Northwest.
+Although numerically far below those of the following years, it was
+the first company regularly organized to go out to that territory
+with the sole object of making permanent settlements, and growing up
+with it.
+
+The people composing it were not influenced to any considerable
+extent by the evangelical movement, but mostly farmers, tradesmen and
+mechanics determined to find and make the best of opportunities for
+improving their material condition.  It was the first migration to
+succeed in taking wagons beyond Fort Hall to the banks of the
+Columbia and down along the south side of that river to The Dalles,
+thence by batteaux or rafts to Fort Vancouver and the Willamette
+Valley, thus blazing a trail for future thousands to follow.
+
+Among those emigrants were several men of unusual ability and
+forceful character, who were subsequently very successful and
+attracted wide attention.  Peter H. Burnett--keen, alert and
+ambitious, the possessor of an almost inexhaustible fund of
+information and anecdote--became the first Governor of California,
+1849-51.
+
+Another one was J. W. Nesmith, witty and brilliant, later United
+States Senator from Oregon.  Jesse Applegate, one of the men who came
+over the Oregon Trail in 1843, was a versatile writer, forceful
+speaker and a leading worker in the ranks of every progressive
+movement in the Pacific Northwest during his long and useful life
+there.
+
+These men had the hardihood to attempt a feat considered utterly
+impracticable by those who had passed and repassed over that route on
+horseback for many years.  When asked for his opinion as to the
+feasibility of taking the wagons to the Columbia, Richard Grant, the
+Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Hall, made this
+characteristic and undoubtedly honest reply, "I will not say that
+Americans cannot do it, but for myself I cannot see how it would be
+possible."
+
+The news that a large company of home seekers had succeeded in
+driving their teams and four-wheeled vehicles {281} all the way
+through by that route caused widespread rejoicing throughout "the
+States," and virtually settled the question as to which nation the
+region should belong.
+
+
+
+THE UNFORTUNATE SAGER FAMILY
+
+Of the many tragic and pathetic incidents along the Trail during the
+early migration to Oregon, none surpasses that of this most bereaved
+and sorely afflicted family.  Mr. Sager, a blacksmith, went in 1838
+from Ohio to Missouri; in the fall of 1843 he moved to St. Joseph in
+that State, and in the spring of 1844 joined the Gillman party bound
+for the Oregon Country.  He was accompanied by his wife and six
+children, the eldest a boy of fourteen (a seventh was born on the
+road), making five girls and two boys.
+
+While crossing the Platte River one of his wagons in which Mrs. Sager
+was riding, overturned and so seriously injured her that she never
+entirely recovered from it.  Near Fort Laramie the oldest girl fell
+under the wheels of the wagon and was rendered helpless during the
+remainder of the journey.  At Green River, Mr. Sager died leaving an
+invalid wife, a crippled daughter and six children, the youngest a
+baby only a few weeks old.
+
+In the party was an unmarried German doctor of a benevolent
+disposition who, seeing the straits to which the family was reduced,
+volunteered to drive and care for the oxen and assist the
+unfortunates to their destination.  Mrs. Shaw, a kind hearted woman
+of the train, took the infant in charge.  At Fort Bridger the greater
+part of the property brought that far by the emigrants, among them
+the Sagers, had to be abandoned, making their lot still harder, for
+henceforth they must travel in a cart.
+
+Notwithstanding all that could be done to alleviate the sufferings of
+the ill and weak mother, she could no longer endure the hardships of
+the journey; and gave up her spirit in the wild and forbidding region
+of the Snake River.  Delirious at the time, she called upon her dead
+husband to take good care of their little ones.
+
+{282}
+
+Mr. Shaw went to the Whitman Mission to see if Dr. and Mrs. Whitman
+could be prevailed upon to assume the care and custody of the
+orphans.  Though prompted by their natural inclinations to do so, the
+Whitmans hesitated to assume the additional responsibility.
+
+While in this uncertain frame of mind, the two-wheeled vehicle with
+its cargo of six ragged and travel-stained children appeared upon the
+scene.  It was utterly impossible for those kind-hearted people to
+resist that appeal.  When the question of the infant came up, the
+Doctor could not see how it could be managed; but Mrs. Whitman turned
+to him and said, "I would like to have the baby most of all."
+
+[Illustration: ARRIVAL OF THE SAGER ORPHANS AT WAIILATPU, THE WHITMAN
+MISSION IN THE OREGON COUNTRY, FALL OF 1844: SEE OPPOSITE PAGE]
+
+The arrival of the cart load of orphans at Waiilatpu presented a
+sight worthy of the brush of some great artist to transfer it to
+canvas, for such a combination of circumstances seldom occurs in real
+life.  All that then remained of their once complete outfit was in
+the foreground; and the emaciated, nearly exhausted oxen dropped down
+to rest as soon as they were unyoked.  John, the oldest boy, was
+seated in the front end of the cart, his ragged garments covered with
+a heavy coating of grey dust from the sagebrush plains, while his
+woe-begone countenance and tear-stained cheeks clearly indicated his
+supreme anguish.
+
+Francis, the younger boy, was leaning on one wheel of the cart, his
+head resting on his arm and sobbing audibly.  On the near side, the
+three little girls were huddled together bareheaded and barefooted,
+looking at the boys and then at the house, dreading whatever might
+happen.  Close to the oxen stood the German doctor with his whip in
+hand and kindly eyes viewing the scene with suppressed emotion.
+
+The baby member of the family was in the care and custody of Mrs.
+Shaw, whose husband somewhat thoughtlessly asked Mrs. Whitman if she
+had any children of her own.  Stopping at the threshold, the good
+woman pointed to the little grave on the side of a small mound easily
+seen from that point, and replied, "The only child {283} I ever had
+sleeps yonder."  In the tone of her voice and the expression of her
+face there was unspeakable sadness.  Only a few years later John and
+Francis were brutally murdered at the same Mission House by
+infuriated Indians, and all the girls taken into captivity.  That
+family certainly was tried in the crucible; and never in my
+experience have I found a parallel to it.
+
+* * *
+
+Up to the present time fully nine-tenths of the emigrants going to
+the Oregon Country have settled in the Willamette Valley--a very
+large and fertile valley, probably seventy or eighty miles long by
+some ten or twelve in width.  It is flanked on either side by ranges
+of heavily timbered hills, and traversed by the large Willamette
+River, which is fed by numerous streams issuing from the adjacent
+mountains on its course northward to join the mighty Columbia.  The
+climate is remarkably mild and entirely free from extremes of
+temperature; and its very fertile soil produces small grains such as
+wheat, oats and barley, in great abundance.  Vegetables of every kind
+grown in the temperate zone do remarkably well, while fruits such as
+apples, pears, plums and cherries are not only raised in great
+quantities, but are generally superior to the same varieties in the
+Atlantic States.  Fish and game are also quite plentiful.  Since the
+discovery of gold in California, that region has been an excellent
+market for everything raised at fancy prices; if this condition
+continues, the Oregon farmers will soon be more prosperous than the
+California gold miners.
+
+There is also a vast region north of the Columbia, heavily timbered
+but interspersed here and there with numerous fertile valleys, which
+in recent years have been receiving many immigrants who claim to see
+a great future ahead.  Even in the eastern portion of the territory,
+which is still occupied almost exclusively by Indians, shrewd men see
+possibilities of large settlements springing up within the next few
+years.
+
+It is a wonderful country to which you are going, and you will
+probably never have cause to regret the decision.
+
+
+
+[1] As this narrative was told in the early 1850s, "half a century
+ago" refers to the period shortly after 1800.--E.M.
+
+[2] Companion of Capt. Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis & Clark
+Expedition of 1804-6; 1st Lieut. U.S.A., Jan. 31, 1806 (resigned Feb.
+27, 1807); appointed Brig.-Gen. of Militia by Thomas Jefferson, March
+13, 1807; Governor of Missouri Territory 1813-21, and afterward,
+including the time of the visit of these Indians, Superintendent of
+Indian Affairs at St. Louis until his death in 1838.  Brother of Gen.
+George Rogers Clark.
+
+
+
+
+{284}
+
+THE WORK BEGUN AND CARRIED ON FOR TWO DECADES BY EZRA MEEKER TO BE
+CONTINUED ON A LARGER SCALE BY THE OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION,
+INC. OBJECTS: PLAN: MEMBERSHIPS:
+
+
+More than twenty years have elapsed since the author started, January
+29, 1906, on a return trip over the Oregon Trail, which he had
+traversed with an ox-team when just past 21 years of age, accompanied
+by a brave young wife and a babe, nearly fifty-four years before.
+The first journey was in search of a home in the Oregon Country, of
+which he has now been a resident for over seventy-three years; and
+the second one to rescue from impending oblivion the memories of the
+Pioneers by rediscovering the Trail they followed, and erecting
+permanent monuments to honor their heroic achievements.
+
+A third trip was made with the ox-team in 1910 to continue and
+enlarge the effort; a fourth one with an automobile in 1915 to enlist
+the co-operation of the motoring public in the great work, and
+finally a fifth by aeroplane in October, 1924, when he looked down
+from the air at a speed of 100 miles per hour upon the route
+previously followed at an average of about two miles an hour by a
+migration of at least three hundred thousand, of whom not less than
+twenty thousand gave up their lives on the way.  Although a total of
+nearly two hundred monuments and markers have been {285} placed along
+or nearby the old tracks, the plan as a whole is still incomplete;
+and the desirability of carrying it forward beyond the limitations of
+a single life, unquestionable.
+
+On January 9, 1926, the OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC. was
+organized under the laws of the State of New York, for the following
+specific purposes:
+
+
+1.  To search out, identify, suitably and permanently mark the line
+of the Oregon Trail, in so far as possible at this time, with or
+without visible marks of the old tracks.
+
+2.  To erect suitable monuments or memorials on or nearby the sites
+of historical forts, trading posts or other important landmarks along
+the Trail, such as Fort Kearney, Fort Laramie, Fort Hall, Fort
+Bridger and others of distinct historical interest.
+
+3.  To restore the Whitman Mission in the County of Walla Walla,
+State of Washington, as the same existed at the date of the Massacre,
+November 29, 1847; to establish, or promote the establishment of, a
+park or other memorial to appropriately commemorate the sacrifice of
+Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and the other victims of that historic
+tragedy; also to identify other localities where massacres are known
+to have taken place, and to suitably mark them.
+
+4.  To promote, encourage or portray in moving pictures, vividly
+recording the historic scenes on the great emigration over the Oregon
+Trail, with a reproduction of the characteristic scenery along the
+route, for use in the schools of the Nation, teaching exact and
+truthful history by such methods.
+
+5.  To collect and preserve written accounts, objects of interest and
+other things pertaining to the history of the winning of the Pacific
+Northwest; to deposit same with the historical societies, preferably
+in the States where found, or to designate a Museum or {286} museums
+to preserve such records, relics or objects of interest as may be
+donated or otherwise acquired; and erect a suitable memorial to the
+Pioneers, most appropriately in the City of Washington.
+
+Membership consists of two classes--Annual and Life.  Any citizen of
+the United States, of adult age, shall be eligible for membership by
+the payment, annually, of two dollars ($2); or for a Life Membership
+by one payment of fifty dollars ($50).  No assessment of members
+shall be made; nor shall membership involve any financial obligations
+beyond the stated fees or dues to the Corporation.
+
+
+The considerable number of men and women who have already become
+identified with the organization are devoting their time and money to
+perpetuate the memory of the Pioneers, all but a few of whom have
+gone to their reward, and to preserve the history of the great
+overland migration which was the principal factor in advancing the
+northwestern boundary of the United States to the Pacific Coast.
+Work will be started in the field as soon as sufficient funds are
+secured to enable it to be carried forward on the high standard
+outlined.  Success in accomplishing these objects depends upon public
+confidence and support; and the reader of this volume is invited to
+become a member.
+
+
+  OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
+  Ezra Meeker,   Rev. David G. Wylie, D.D., LL.D.
+  President      Secretary
+  18 Old Slip, New York City
+
+
+
+
+{287}
+
+WORKS BY EZRA MEEKER
+
+LOVED BEFORE SEEN (1874), a Story of Pioneer Life.
+
+WASHINGTON TERRITORY WEST OF THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS (1870), a
+descriptive pamphlet, out of print and rare; as high as $100 has been
+paid for single copies.
+
+FARM AND HOME, an editorial series of 52 numbers, 1884-6; newspaper
+publication only.
+
+HOP CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES (1883); rare and out of print.
+
+PIONEER REMINISCENCES OF PUGET SOUND, AND THE TRAGEDY OF LESCHI
+(1905); 550 pages in two volumes under one cover, silk cloth binding,
+$15.00.
+
+SHORT STORIES FOR CHILDREN, each with a moral.
+
+THE LOST TRAIL (1911-12-15), a booklet of 32 pages, of which several
+editions totaling a hundred thousand copies, have been issued.
+
+THE OREGON TRAIL, VENTURES AND ADVENTURES, revised and republished
+under title of THE BUSY LIFE OF EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS (1916); 400 pages,
+$1.65, postpaid.
+
+FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON (1915); 400 pages, $5.00
+postpaid.
+
+KATE MULHALL, a Romance of the Oregon Trail (1926); this volume, $2
+postpaid, with the usual discounts to the trade.
+
+In active preparation (1926): A CENTURY OF BUSY LIFE--the biography,
+varied experiences as pioneer, farmer, author and traveler, including
+four years in Europe, and the "homespun" philosophy of Ezra Meeker,
+1830-1930 (borrowing a few years from the future, through which the
+author confidently expects to live, and thus justify the title chosen
+for this work), amplifying and carrying forward THE BUSY LIFE OF
+EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS in more definite historical retrospect.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78040 ***
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of Kate Mulhall, by Ezra Meeker
+</title>
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+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78040 ***</div>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-cover"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-cover.jpg" alt="Cover art">
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-front1"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-front1.jpg" alt="PRESIDENT AND OLD PIONEER">
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+  Signature of President Coolidge<br>
+  from the White House,<br>
+  March 25, 1926.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+PRESIDENT AND OLD PIONEER
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Calvin Coolidge and Ezra Meeker, two stalwart Americans&mdash;the President
+a New Englander, and Mr.  Meeker a native of Ohio, though for
+nearly all his adult life a resident of the Pacific Northwest.  Mr. Meeker
+was a youth past fourteen when the late John C. Coolidge, father of the
+President, was born.  Photograph taken on the White House grounds,
+near the Executive Offices, in October 1924, just after Mr. Meeker had
+flown in an aeroplane from Washington State to the City of Washington:
+and the old gentleman took advantage of the opportunity to say to the
+President&mdash;as he had to President Theodore Roosevelt near the same
+spot on November 29, 1907&mdash;that the memory of the Pioneers should be
+preserved, and the route of the Oregon Trail suitably and permanently
+marked.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-front2"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-front2.jpg" alt="EZRA MEEKER">
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+EZRA MEEKER
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Born December 29, 1830.  Only survivor (1926)
+among the adults who passed over the Oregon Trail
+in their own outfits at the height of the migration of
+1852.  Founder and President of the Oregon Trail
+Memorial Association, Inc.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<h1>
+<br><br>
+  KATE MULHALL<br>
+</h1>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  A Romance of the<br>
+  OREGON TRAIL<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  By<br>
+  EZRA MEEKER<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+  Author of: Ox-Team Days, Pioneer Reminiscences,<br>
+  The Busy Life of 85 Years, Pioneer Stories for<br>
+  Children, Story of the Lost Trail to Oregon<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+  Drawings by Margaret Landers Sanford, Rudolf A. Kauach<br>
+  and Oscar W. Lyons<br>
+  Map of the Oregon Trail, and photographs<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-title"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-title.jpg" alt="(oxen and wagon)">
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  Published by<br>
+  EZRA MEEKER<br>
+  18 OLD SLIP, NEW YORK CITY<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED AS A TRIBUTE OF DEVOTION TO<br>
+  THE MEMORIES OF<br>
+<br>
+  PHOEBE BAKER MEEKER<br>
+<br>
+  MY MOTHER<br>
+<br>
+  ELIZA SUMNER MEEKER<br>
+<br>
+  MY WIFE<br>
+<br>
+  WHO CROSSED THE OREGON TRAIL AS A YOUNG MOTHER IN 1852,<br>
+  AND WAS AFTERWARD THE COMPANION OF MANY YEARS OF MY LIFE<br>
+<br>
+  THE HEROINES OF THE PLAINS<br>
+  AND 20,000 PIONEERS<br>
+<br>
+  MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN&mdash;BURIED IN UNMARKED GRAVES,<br>
+  ALONG THAT GREAT HIGHWAY OF HISTORY TO THE FAR NORTHWEST<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+  Copyrighted 1926<br>
+  By EZRA MEEKER<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+  All rights reserved<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+CONTENTS
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+<a href="#chap00b">FOREWORD</a>: Ezra Meeker, the Author
+  By Robert Bruce.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap01">CHAPTER I</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+Early Life in Missouri; A Farewell Party; Kate's Suitors
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap02">CHAPTER II</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+Off for Oregon; Crossing the Missouri; Encountering the
+Buffalo; Troubles with the Indians
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap03">CHAPTER III</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+Trials of the Long Trail; Dangerous River Crossings; the
+Death of Catherine; West of the Rockies; Separation
+of the Party; New Homes in the Oregon Country
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap04">CHAPTER IV</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+A Massacre and a War; Kate Mulhall, Deputy Sheriff; A
+Race for a Wife; The Wedding and Charvaree; A
+Delayed and Adventurous Honeymoon on Puget Sound
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap05">CHAPTER V</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+An Encounter with Pirates, and a Fortunate Deliverance;
+Ben Found; His prompt start for Missouri and
+unexpected arrival; a Son born to the Peltons
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap06">CHAPTER VI</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+The Wedding of Ben and Linda; A second Overland Trip;
+Massacre of nearly all the Company; Binding up the
+Wounds; The Trip resumed; Survivors reach the
+Oregon Country
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap07">CHAPTER VII</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+Linda's hope never realized; Death of David Mulhall;
+Craig's promise remembered; Lessons from a
+Trail-marking Outfit; Decision to make the trip
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap08">CHAPTER VIII</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+The Start for the Rockies; Re-discovery of the Old Trail;
+Recollections of Burnt River; All signs of Ben's grave
+obliterated; A granite Monument erected near the
+Lone Pine and wagon tire at the grave of Catherine
+Mulhall: Closing Scenes
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#chap09">APPENDIX</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang">
+The Missionary's Story&mdash;The Lewis and Clark Expedition;
+Outline History of the Oregon Missions; Jason Lee's
+great sermon; Massacre of Marcus and Narcissa
+Whitman; Destruction of the Mission, &amp;c
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-front1">President and Old Pioneer</a> ...... Frontispiece
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-front2">Ezra Meeker, the author</a> ...... Frontispiece
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-008">Condensed map of the Oregon Trail and National Road</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-027">Farewell Party at the Mulhall Homestead in Missouri</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-052">A near catastrophe in crossing the Missouri</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-053">Typical emigrant outfit on the Oregon Trail</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-057">Using a wagon-box as a "boat"</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-066">Under the Yoke for the first time</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-074">A Corral at an overnight stop on the Trail through the
+Indian Country</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-075">Almost "Down and Out"</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-088">Monument along the Clover Creek Highway, near Tacoma,
+Washington</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-102">Reduced to a Hand Cart</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-125">The honeymoon party on Puget Sound</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-136">"Help Yourself</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-159">"Babe in the Woods"</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-175">Scene after the Massacre</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-217">Tracks on the Oregon Trail made nearly a century ago</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-223">The lone pine</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-251">Jason Lee's great sermon</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-270">Dr. John McLoughlin welcoming Mrs. Whitman and
+Mrs. Spalding to Fort Vancouver</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+<a href="#img-282">Arrival of the Sager orphans at the Whitman Mission</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The front cover design combines a distant view of the
+majestic mountain of the Pacific Northwest with a pictorial
+representation of one of the great falls on the western slope
+of the Rocky Mountains&mdash;both landmarks enshrined in the
+memories of the few surviving Pioneers over the Oregon Trail.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap00b"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P5"></a>5}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+FOREWORD
+</h2>
+
+<p class="t2">
+EZRA MEEKER, THE AUTHOR
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  A LIFE SPAN OF MORE THAN NINETY-FIVE YEARS FROM THE<br>
+  ADMINISTRATION OF ANDREW JACKSON TO THE<br>
+  PRESIDENCY OF CALVIN COOLIDGE<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+By ROBERT BRUCE
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ezra Meeker was born December 29, 1830, about ten
+miles east of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, while
+Andrew Jackson was President of the United States, John
+C. Calhoun, Vice President, and Martin Van Buren,
+Secretary of State.  There had been only six
+Presidents&mdash;Washington, John Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe
+and John Quincy Adams; and the last three were still
+living.  Considerable numbers could remember listening
+to the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia or
+elsewhere; a trifle less than half a century had elapsed
+since the decisive victory at Yorktown, and survivors
+among men who served in the armies of the Revolution
+were younger than the average of Civil War veterans in
+1926.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Although we are accustomed to think, read and speak
+of the Oregon Trail as "old," the route to which that
+name has since been given did not come into existence
+until several years after Mr. Meeker was born.  So the
+shadow thrown upon the screen of time by the living
+figure of this remarkable man is longer than we may
+say figuratively is cast by the highway itself; and while
+the latter has been gradually passing into the background
+of history and romance, he is still carrying forward with
+singleness of purpose and unabated energy what will
+probably be left to posterity as the most important work of
+his whole busy life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Prior to 1830, neither the people east of the Mississippi
+nor the Government at Washington had adequate
+conceptions of the geographical, political or future
+commercial importance of the Pacific Northwest; and the
+wonderful developments there in the last seven decades
+have grown out of the overland migration of the 40s and
+50s, or at least owe much to it, historically and practically.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P6"></a>6}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A most appropriate symbol of the "Course of Empire"
+from the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri to the
+Columbia River and Puget Sound country would be
+a miniature wagon&mdash;sometimes idealized as a "prairie
+schooner"&mdash;carrying many thousands of home seekers into
+what now comprises all of Oregon, Washington and
+Idaho, with contiguous parts of Wyoming and Montana.
+Except for that great human movement, of which the
+author of this Romance is the only survivor among the
+men who went over the Trail with their own outfits in
+1852, that region would have continued primarily a
+fur-hunting territory for many years later than was actually
+the case, and then in all probability have become a part
+of the British Dominions in America.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As a youth, Ezra Meeker saw recruits somewhat older
+than himself leave for the Mexican War; he was intensely
+interested in reports about the far-away and then
+almost legendary Oregon Country before there was any
+established travel to it, and heard echoes of the discovery
+of gold in California&mdash;though he was not, as frequently
+stated, a "Forty-Niner."  Accounts of opening the Panama
+Railroad in 1855, with its considerable effect upon the
+subsequent emigration to the Pacific Coast, and of the
+Crimean War, reached the family cabin built with his own
+hands in "Old" Oregon.  Mr. Meeker is now the only one
+left from the adults residing in Washington Territory
+when it was created in 1853.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For more than fifty years he was a farmer and hop
+grower in the Puget Sound region, meanwhile spending
+four winters introducing hops from Washington and
+Oregon in the European market; and was also at one time a
+prospector and miner in the Yukon.  Within the span of
+his life the population of the United States has increased
+from less than Thirteen Millions, then living mostly along
+the Atlantic seaboard, to about a Hundred and Fifteen
+Millions occupying the whole country to the western
+ocean.  So far as we have been able to ascertain,
+Mr. Meeker is the only person who ever undertook an
+important work of fiction in his 95th year; and this has been
+done to revive and preserve the experiences and memories
+of his youth, in connection with the efforts of two decades
+to mark the Trail and honor the Pioneers.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P7"></a>7}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+PREFACE
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thrice crossed the Oregon Trail by
+ox-team, first during the year 1852 accompanied by a
+courageous young wife, the second and third times
+during the years 1906-10, erecting monuments to
+mark the Trail and perpetuate the memory of the
+pioneers who traversed it, again in an automobile in
+1915, and finally over 1,300 miles of it in an
+aeroplane in October, 1924, presumably none will
+question that the author can write from his own
+experiences.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One hundred and seventy-one granite monuments
+have already been erected on or near-by the general
+route of the Oregon Trail, along which twenty
+thousand died. An effort is now being made to portray
+the scenes and experiences of these pioneers in
+moving pictures with fidelity to historical accuracy, that
+present and future generations may know what
+happened in the winning of the great Farther West.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The names of the actors in this romance are
+fictitious; but the characters are as the writer knew
+them. The incidents are based on occurrences in real
+pioneer life, many of which the author saw, some
+of which he experienced, and all he knows to be in
+accordance with the truth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[Signature of Ezra Meeker]
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+New York City, January 1926.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P8"></a>8}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-008"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-008.jpg" alt="Condensed map of the National Road and Oregon Trail, the first transcontinental route, which did more than any other to &quot;bind the nation together in a common brotherhood, and thus perpetuate and preserve the Union.&quot; The journeys described in this volume were made over these two great lines of travel.">
+<br>
+Condensed map of the National Road and Oregon Trail, the first transcontinental route, which did more than <br>
+any other to &quot;bind the nation together in a common brotherhood, and thus perpetuate and preserve the Union.&quot; <br>
+The journeys described in this volume were made over these two great lines of travel.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap01"></a></p>
+
+<h2>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P9"></a>9}</span>
+</h2>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER I
+</h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  EARLY LIFE IN MISSOURI; A FAREWELL PARTY;<br>
+  KATE'S SUITORS
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+Kate Mulhall was just twenty when her
+father crossed the Missouri River and the
+Great Plains on their way to the "Oregon
+Country."  Prior to the day of their departure for
+that far-away region of mystery and romance, she
+had never been outside the restricted neighborhood
+where she was born&mdash;in La Fayette County, Missouri,
+whose every third inhabitant was a slave; had never
+seen a railroad, and until a short time before, not
+even a cook-stove.  All of her life had been in a real
+pioneer environment; but she grew up strong, hearty
+and self-reliant upon the plain and wholesome food,
+the pure air and active outdoor life of what was then
+the frontier.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was of the brunette type, with dark hair and
+lustrous eyes that fairly sparkled with the delight
+of being interested in the fields and flowers, grand
+old woods full of wild life, birds, animals and
+everything about the home or farm.  Of more than the
+average height, her movement was lithe and free; her
+form an excellent subject for an artist's brush.
+Outdoor life appealed to her nature, and she took a
+joyful satisfaction in all of its activities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate was an expert horsewoman and a crack shot
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P10"></a>10}</span>
+with the rifle, often picking a wild turkey off the
+lower limb of a forest tree at one or two hundred
+yards.  In addition to that splendid game bird,
+timorous water-fowl were abundant on the rivers and
+in ponds; deer, grouse and pheasants in the wood and
+brakes; rabbits and squirrels almost everywhere; and
+the "razor-back" hog, wild and ferocious, roamed
+the forests and dense thickets of Missouri in those
+pioneer days.  Many a litter of pigs, sprung from
+domesticated ancestors, lived by digging out edible
+roots under the surface, or hunted beneath the heavy
+fall of autumnal leaves for the more nutritious
+acorns, beechnuts and walnuts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The constant search for food developed an
+independent life which soon relapsed into the state of
+nature; so wild hogs became, like the deer and turkey,
+common property for the hunter's rifle.  From these
+various kinds of game Kate kept the Mulhall family
+table well supplied with substantial and seasonable
+food.  Missouri also harbored among its inhabitants
+not a few wild men, contact with whom sometimes
+involved taking desperate chances.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+David Mulhall, Kate's father, was a typical
+non-slaveholding farmer of that period in Missouri&mdash;honest
+but not "progressive" in the present general
+understanding of that word.  He was intensely
+prejudiced against the negroes, but bitterly opposed
+to the institution of slavery.  Because of these
+well-known views, he was regarded with suspicion by a
+majority of his slaveholding neighbors; and, in fact,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P11"></a>11}</span>
+looked down upon as belonging to the "poor white
+trash" of the South who worked with their hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Many others like him migrated from Missouri because
+of their hatred of slavery, though usually carrying
+with them a prejudice against the black man.
+Others left that region for "free territory" because of
+the bitter class prejudice existing between those who
+owned negroes and those who did not; and the latter
+particularly to save their children from the necessity
+of competing with slave labor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall was by nature and training an easy-going
+person, who believed in "letting well enough alone";
+and was, therefore, averse to going out upon a world
+of uncertainties, or taking unnecessary chances for
+bettering his condition.  He was born before the
+advent of railroads in the United States, when oxen
+supplied the principal means of transportation, and
+"hog and hominy" comprised the basic food supply
+for a majority of the people.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sickle cut his grain, which was thrashed by
+the flail; and the wind separated it from the chaff.
+Boiled wheat frequently took the place of white
+bread, as it was a long distance to a mill and usually
+a tiresome wait for the "turn" to have the grist
+ground; hominy was often substituted for johnny-cake
+or corn pone when the meal was all gone.  It is
+difficult for a generation accustomed to an abundance
+of every kind of food, including luxuries, to
+realize how the American farmer lived in the early
+part of the nineteenth century.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P12"></a>12}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A rather large one-room cabin was the home of the
+Mulhalls&mdash;with a loft overhead, the fireplace in one
+end and the bedroom, curtained off for the parents,
+in the other.  Kate's room was in the loft with the
+younger children&mdash;all girls&mdash;reached only by a ladder
+fastened to the wall; the patter of rain on the roof
+often lulled the youngsters to sleep, whether they
+willed it or not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate was not one of those who constantly chafe
+for things they cannot have and lament over their
+fate.  She was too healthy in mind and body to give
+way to discontent&mdash;was satisfied with her lot, and
+proud of the class to which she belonged.  Nor would
+she willingly exchange places with anyone who lived
+in idleness and comparative affluence upon the
+involuntary labor of fellow mortals of a different color.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fine qualities of head and heart combined with
+an exceptionally attractive personality to make her
+very popular with the young men of marriageable
+age and inclinations in all the country around.  Nor
+were all of her admirers of her own circle; at least
+one belonged to those prone to consider themselves
+superior to white families who owned no servants.
+But at the time this story begins, Kate had no
+serious intention of taking any step that would abridge
+her personal freedom; there was plenty of time for
+that.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whenever there were any "doings" in the
+neighborhood&mdash;dances, spelling bees, sociables or
+camp-meetings&mdash;she was sure to be on hand, and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P13"></a>13}</span>
+never lacked for an escort home.  Sometimes it
+would be Ben Hardy, at other times James Price or
+one of the Shaeffer boys.  She had never gone
+anywhere with Isaac Pelton, although she always treated
+him in a friendly way at such places, and actually
+admired him more than any of the other young men
+of her acquaintance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was a fine looking young man, sensible and
+well-behaved; but when the thought that he belonged
+to the slave-holding class&mdash;most of whom either
+sneered at her kind of people, or acted patronizingly
+towards them&mdash;came vividly into her mind she said
+to herself, in effect, "Banish the thought!  Never
+will I come to terms of intimacy with one of those
+would-be aristocrats, however nice he may be personally."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac was really a victim of circumstances.  Born
+of a slaveholding family, he had a good education
+and bore himself like a gentleman, never assuming
+any airs of superiority over his neighbors, whatever
+their station in life.  As a matter of fact, he
+deplored the conditions that separated him from those
+with whom he felt he had more in common than
+with his own people.  There were many like him in
+those days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Standing six feet in his stockings, he was erect
+in bearing and rather slender in frame, though no
+weakling when it came to physical prowess; "of
+stature tall and slender frame, but firmly knit" would
+apply to Isaac Pelton.  His hair was brown and his
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P14"></a>14}</span>
+eyes grey, indicating mental alertness; a slightly
+prominent chin and firm-set lips stamped him as one
+not easily swayed from his course.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At a neighborhood gathering just prior to the
+beginning of this story, Isaac noticed that Kate had no
+escort; so, availing himself of a favorable opportunity,
+he approached her and in a very gentlemanly
+way offered to see her home.  It was the first time
+Pelton had ever done anything of the kind; Kate
+seemed embarrassed for a moment, and blushed perceptibly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If only her feelings were to guide her actions,
+she would have cheerfully accepted the offer, for she
+really liked Isaac and admired his many good qualities;
+but again that class barrier arose in her mind,
+and she courteously declined.  He knew it would be
+useless to try to press his suit further just then; so
+retired, defeated for the moment but not discouraged.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had been studying Kate for quite a while,
+and as time went on, the more interested he became;
+her sterling qualities appeared to greater advantage
+every time he had an opportunity to observe her.
+He felt that she was the one woman he could love and
+cherish throughout his life; and no matter how great
+the obstacles in his path, he would win her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Notwithstanding the rebuff, he felt sure that she
+had no personal objection to him, but was actuated
+by what she deemed a principle.  Were he not the
+owner of human chattels, he believed his advances
+would have been more favorably received; that
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P15"></a>15}</span>
+barrier must somehow or other be removed before he
+could hope to be successful.  He was right, but that
+was a wakeful night for Kate.  The more she thought
+about it the worse she felt; she regretted wounding
+Pelton's feelings, but it would have strained her
+principles to have accepted his offer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As she lay awake pondering over recent events,
+Kate began to realize that Pelton was more to her
+than she had imagined; and remembered the many
+small courtesies extended by him when they met at
+the frequent neighborhood gatherings.  Both were
+fond of flowers, and she now recalled the many new
+bouquets slipped into her hand with a list of their
+names and classifications.  She remembered, too, that
+unlike so many of the neighborhood boys Isaac always
+had something sensible to say, and was an attentive
+listener; that at times he seemed reserved, almost
+timid, in her presence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+An almost forgotten incident of two or three years
+before now came vividly to her mind; how when the
+matter came to his attention, Pelton hunted up and
+soundly thrashed a ruffian who had used insulting
+language to her.  These and other incidents helped to
+banish sleep.  As her mind was absorbed with
+thoughts relating to Isaac, in a dreamy sort of way
+Kate began to realize for the first time in her life
+that a strange feeling of more than friendship,
+admiration or simply respect possessed her.  She loved
+Pelton in spite of herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the hateful words "slave" and "slaveholder"
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P16"></a>16}</span>
+stole into her mind to break the reverie, causing her
+to again exclaim half aloud to herself, "Banish the
+thought!"  The present generation can scarcely
+realize the virulence and intensity of the feeling
+generally held by the slaveholding class against anyone
+who condemned that system.  Kate was well aware of
+this, and naturally inferred that Pelton was imbued
+with the same sentiments.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Her attitude was due to some definite facts within
+her personal observation or knowledge, of which a
+single instance will suffice here.  One James Smith,
+of Pike County, had recently published in a local
+paper the following advertisement: "For Sale: six
+yoke of oxen; two nigger wenches; four buck niggers;
+three nigger boys, one barrel pickled cabbage
+and various other articles of merchandise," stating
+as his reason for selling, "I'm g'wine to Californy."  This
+gave assurance that the sale was genuine and
+conveyed the intimation that bargains in slaves might
+be picked up there.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After Kate had recovered somewhat from the excitement
+incident to refusing Pelton's offer to accompany
+her home, the mother reminded her that Isaac
+did work with his own hands and was shunned by
+many of his class because of it.  "But, mother," she
+replied, "you know I have no thought of marrying
+anyway!"  Nevertheless she could not help being
+vexed for allowing herself to be influenced by such
+a prejudice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate had known Pelton, or rather of him, almost
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P17"></a>17}</span>
+her whole life, having often seen him at the meeting-house
+and upon other public occasions.  She was conscious
+of some admiration for him; but had no
+thought of betraying her secret by act or manner,
+although she may unconsciously have done so.  One
+thing Kate was sure of&mdash;she never would place herself
+in a position for others to look patronizingly
+upon her; nor would she ever become the wife of a
+man who held slaves.  Perhaps Kate had never
+thought about this as a rule of life; it was an
+expression of her nature.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+According to common gossip in the neighborhood,
+she had two or three suitors, but there was nothing
+to warrant such an assumption.  James Price had
+been known to spend a Sunday evening or two at
+the Mulhall cabin, and Ben Hardy had twice gone
+home with Kate from singing school.  Coming to
+Kate's ears, this gossip annoyed her.  "Couldn't a
+body be civil without being talked about?" she asked
+herself.  Then her mother would say, "Well, what's
+the difference?  Some people do get married, you
+know, and there's no harm in talking about it.
+Father and I were married once upon a time, and it
+didn't hurt us even if people did talk."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate couldn't fathom what was running in her
+mother's mind, for she had said time and again that
+she was not going to marry and leave home.  But
+when alone, she was troubled by the thought that she
+did feel just a little jealous when she heard that
+Isaac Pelton had gone home with Linda Shaeffer two
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P18"></a>18}</span>
+Sundays ago, and that James Price had also paid
+attentions to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Fudge," she said to herself, "what's the matter
+with me?" and pinched her arm until it hurt for having
+such a thought.  She should really be glad of it,
+for Linda was her friend.  But, in spite of her effort
+to banish it, the idea would come back when thinking
+of Pelton as Linda's beau.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+James Price was of a good family, but several
+years older than either of the girls; in fact, as thought
+in those days, bordering on bachelordom.  He was
+of good address, but not ambitious to make his mark
+in the world, aside from mingling with the petty
+politicians of the county; and might have passed for one
+of them.  Price called twice at the Mulhall cabin
+and stayed unusually late; there was nothing to
+indicate that he had come to "see" Kate, but the sharp
+eyes of the mother easily detected the object of his
+visit, and later she told Kate so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Hardys lived on a rented farm not far from
+the Mulhalls and they had been neighbors for several
+years.  Kate and Ben attended school together, had
+pulled on the long grapevine in the tug-of-war on
+the same team or on opposite sides; had been to
+candy pullings in the sugar making season, and
+twice were the last "spelled down" as captains of the
+two opposing camps of spellers.  But that they were
+old enough to marry seemingly never occurred to
+either of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben was the opposite of Kate in complexion, figure
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P19"></a>19}</span>
+and general appearance.  While Kate was very dark,
+Ben was fair&mdash;almost pale&mdash;with deep blue eyes;
+Kate's eyes were almost coal black and her face was
+full, while Ben's was spare.  Ben stuttered just a
+little, but enough to be noticed and occasionally to
+amuse those with whom he was not well acquainted.
+Ira Hardy, Ben's father, was not thrifty in worldly
+matters.  Some would say he was shiftless or indolent;
+whatever the cause, the elder Hardy suffered
+by the imputation, and his son Ben with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One day Kate came home from a visit to her Uncle
+Tim's with the news that he was going to Oregon.
+Her cousin Jacob had written of mountains miles
+high where you could see snow all summer, and yet
+it would be warm in the valley; and the grass
+remained green all winter.  Potatoes were selling
+there for three dollars a bushel, eggs sixty cents a
+dozen and butter for seventy-five cents a pound;
+daisies bloomed in December and apple trees would
+bear in three years from the graft.  Jacob also wrote
+that there were no wild turkeys or bees in all that
+region; if his father could bring a swarm of honey
+bees he would be able to sell them for a thousand
+dollars spot cash.  He added a statement about there
+being no slavery in Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What most impressed father Mulhall was the report
+of no slavery there, and that the grass remained
+green all winter.  They all knew that what Jake
+wrote would be found true; but he had neglected to
+describe the difficulties of a trip to Oregon&mdash;the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P20"></a>20}</span>
+danger, fatigue, intolerable dust, alkali water and a
+thousand other things which would not fit into such
+a fine picture.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I tell you, Catherine, if you will agree to it and
+Kate will go along, I've a notion to go to Oregon this
+very next year."  "But what will you do with the
+farm?" the good wife inquired by way of response.
+"What's the use of a farm if we can't make any
+money on it?  Sam Kemper sold nearly a full steam-boat
+load of hogs for a hundred dollars, and just went
+off leaving his farm to be sold for taxes."  "I'm in
+favor of going, and that's all I have to say," was
+Kate's comment as she climbed the ladder to the
+loft.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That night again Kate was wakeful; try as best
+she could to sleep, her eyes would remain open.
+Gradually the vision of Oregon faded from her mind,
+but that jealous thought of Linda would not down.
+Nevertheless, what was Isaac Pelton to her?  Didn't
+she scorn the very thought; and hadn't she erected
+a lasting barrier between them?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It soon became known that Squire Mulhall was
+going to Oregon the next spring, and an unexpected
+buyer came for the farm; it went at a low price, but
+that was better than leaving it to be eaten up with
+taxes.  Preparations now began in earnest for the
+great journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate wanted the mare Nell to ride, and when she
+thought about the side-saddle, remarked to her
+mother, "I'm going to have a saddle I can ride with
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P21"></a>21}</span>
+comfort and safety, and they may say what they
+please.  You and the children must have Dick and
+Ned and a carriage like Sam McCoy's," Kate
+continued; "they'll take you through all right."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Squire Mulhall was a quiet man, of few words and
+meant whatever he said.  He did not hesitate to
+condemn slavery, though not from the housetop; but
+would not conceal his real sentiments, thereby
+incurring the displeasure of his neighboring slaveholders
+without forfeiting their respect.  Some other
+subjects, one of which was the use of whisky&mdash;upon
+which he held positive opinions&mdash;developed real
+enemies; he said as little as possible about them, and
+went the even tenor of his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That was before the time of temperance societies
+or of saloons as known in later days, when the
+school-master, or even the parson, would take a "wee
+drop"&mdash;sometimes more.  Whisky, obtainable in almost all
+retail stores at twenty-five cents or less a gallon, was
+usually in evidence at social gatherings and often
+in the harvest fields.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Catherine"&mdash;-the Squire speaking to his wife&mdash;"I've
+a notion to invite in the neighbors before we
+go, and include all.  Maybe some won't come, but I
+want them to know I bear no ill will to any of them;
+what do you say?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Such a crowd&mdash;you wouldn't know what to do
+with them," was Catherine's cautious response.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate suggested, "Send them to the barn and let
+them dance on the thrashing floor."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P22"></a>22}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"That's the thing," continued Mulhall, "the
+women folks put off their extra duds in the cabin,
+and the men go to the barn&mdash;plenty of room there."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Anything to please you and Kate; I'll do the best
+I can, but you're undertaking a big job," Catherine
+said.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so plans were laid for a farewell party during
+the months before the start was to be made for Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Let me see," asked the Squire, "how will we go
+about inviting 'em; post up notices, would you say?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"You wouldn't want that man Tracer, who treated
+you so last year and said so many mean things,
+would you?" inquired Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Why not?  It didn't hurt me a bit; it did him.
+Let 'em all come and wipe the slate clean," Mulhall
+responded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It would be better to write the invitations and
+send them around," Kate said.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Well, well, have your way," answered the Squire,
+"but I'd like to invite everybody."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"How'd you expect to light the barn?  Candles
+would blow out or run down so fast they wouldn't last
+long," Catherine asked without receiving an answer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next morning Kate went over to see Ben Hardy&mdash;called
+"Bennie" by everybody&mdash;to ask his help in
+making ready for the party.  Although just past
+nineteen, Ben hardly looked like a grown-up.  As a
+boy he had been a regular "towhead," and his hair
+hadn't darkened much yet which, with a light
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P23"></a>23}</span>
+complexion, made him look very young for his age.  Kate
+and Ben had always been good schoolmate friends,
+and she thought no more of asking a favor of him
+than she would of a younger brother old enough to
+help her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I golly, you bet I'll help you," Ben said; and at
+once the two began the planning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Squire Mulhall's barn was large, with a capacious
+thrashing floor between the two mows, one for grain
+and the other for hay.  A wide door on either side
+opened the way for a team to drive in one way and
+out the other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I've got it," Ben exclaimed after talking about
+how to light the barn; "we'll take two or three barrels,
+knock out the ends, fill them with dirt and stick
+torches in the dirt.  You just leave it to me, Kate,
+and I'll make that barn floor so light you can see to
+read.  Besides," he added, "it's full moon that
+night."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Any reader who may have had the experience of
+cutting down a "coon tree" by the light of a hickory
+bark torch will readily understand the origin of
+Ben's idea.  Coons were plentiful in the Missouri
+bottom lands; a story is told that during the Civil
+War some people were compelled to adopt a diet of
+elm bark fried in coon grease as a substitute for
+bread and butter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Squire Mulhall was busy cleaning up
+things about the barn, fixing a long table where the
+women folks could put their knickknacks, and bought
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P24"></a>24}</span>
+a half dozen tin cups, which he said would be enough
+to go around with the "gourds" they had.  These
+were to be placed by the cider barrel that would stand
+just outside the barn where all could help themselves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall rode over to see if Pelton would let Andrew
+come and play for the dancers, and Jennie help
+Catherine in the house; and added, "Of course they
+can bring Margie along."  Pelton had already
+received an invitation from Kate, and wondered if it
+was written in her own hand; it was real neat and
+Ben Hardy had delivered it.  Pelton didn't dream
+of being jealous of Ben, thinking of him as a mere
+boy, not realizing there was but a year's difference in
+age between Ben and Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Why, yes," Pelton said, "you can call on me to
+help in any way I can; and I will bring over a barrel
+of cider."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall said he had already provided for a barrel,
+but Pelton thought one wouldn't be enough and
+said he would bring another.  One of the neighbors
+provided a bushel of hickory nuts; another some
+walnuts, and the like.  Still another, not to be
+outdone, brought a good supply of leaf tobacco he had
+raised, and a great number of cob pipes; many
+women smoked in that day.[<a id="chap01fn1text"></a><a href="#chap01fn1">1</a>]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mother Hardy said it would never do to leave
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P25"></a>25}</span>
+Catherine all the work of providing for so large a
+crowd, and the other women thought the same; so
+word came to her not to bother about the table at the
+barn, for they would bring their own dishes and
+enough of everything all the people could eat.  The
+fact was, when the word passed around that Squire
+Mulhall was going to give a farewell party, with
+everybody invited, class prejudice broke down.  Or
+at least it was suspended; apparently everyone was
+pleased, and ready to join to make it a great success.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few days before the party, a man rode up to
+the door of the Mulhall cabin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Won't you come in?" was the Squire's greeting.
+Without seeming to notice the invitation, the
+stranger asked, "Is this Squire Mulhall?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, won't you come in?" was the renewed invitation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I jest come to tell ye," the stranger continued, "I
+live down in Jackson Township where that feller last
+year came and talked so mean about ye.  We believed
+him and talked about as mean as he did; but
+it was all a lie.  So we got together yesterday and
+signed this paper to let you know afore you go to
+Oregon that we now know it was all a lie, and don't
+want you to hold anything against us.  If ye will
+let us, we want to bring up a nice fat critter and
+barbecue it for your friends; ye needn't turn yer
+hand over to pay a cent, and we will bring a lot
+of things to go with it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The man's manner was proof of his sincerity.
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P26"></a>26}</span>
+After the Squire had assured him that he and his
+friends would be welcome without bringing
+anything, but that they might bring whatever they
+wanted to, the stranger rode off without going into
+the cabin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hearing what had been said, Kate came near,
+threw her arms around her father's neck and kissed
+him for teaching her by this example to be kind to
+one's enemies.  She kissed him again and again,
+while her tears wetted his cheek as well as her own,
+saying "I shall never forget it"; and she never did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At last the day of the party arrived and with it,
+true to promise, a large delegation of men and women
+from Jackson Township, with two wagon-loads of
+lumber and the "critter"&mdash;a fine fat beef&mdash;in another
+wagon to be barbecued.  In an incredibly short time
+the lumber was unloaded and a dozen willing hands
+were laying a floor just outside the barn for dancing,
+while some were erecting tables and others digging
+a pit for the barbecue.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This is no overdrawn picture; the pioneers were
+accustomed to do for themselves, and not stand by
+to be waited on.  Thereby hangs a big story of
+pioneer life, full of self-reliance and independence,
+the simple life that developed manhood and joy in
+the household and on the farm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For the time being, Ben's usual occupation was
+gone; the older men fairly drove him away, and
+told him to be ready to take part in the dance.  The
+women in the cabin did the same for Kate, who
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P27"></a>27}</span>
+then started up the ladder to dress for the great
+occasion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew and Stinson's colored man Sam often
+spent happy hours singing and playing together; and
+Sam was asked to come along with his banjo.  When
+the music began every elderly dame remembered her
+younger days; soon the cabin was full of dancers as
+in the long ago, and the songs were of the kind that
+bring rapturous joy.  Nothing moves the emotions
+more than the pathetic melody in the old folklore
+songs of the negro race; in this case the souls of the
+two experts were in the music.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-027"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-027.jpg" alt="FAREWELL PARTY AT THE MULHALL HOMESTEAD IN MISSOURI, BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE OREGON COUNTRY, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE.">
+<br>
+FAREWELL PARTY AT THE MULHALL HOMESTEAD IN MISSOURI, BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE OREGON <br>
+COUNTRY, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The visitors from Jackson Township had also
+brought fiddlers; dancing was going on in the barn
+and on the improvised floor near-by, as well as in the
+cabin.  For hours the tables were full of happy
+partakers of the barbecue and the abundant viands with
+which they were loaded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben and Kate had planned to have their first dance
+of the evening together; so when James Price asked
+her for it, she told him that he should have the next.
+Ben was on hand for the engagement, and from that
+moment Price was jealous of him; as the evening
+wore on Ben and Kate again danced together, and
+then Price was sure he had a rival.  Finally Pelton
+offered and was accepted; to Kate's own surprise she
+was dancing with a slaveholder, but justified herself
+by Squire Mulhall's lesson of forgiveness, though
+somehow there was more to it than she could explain
+to herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P28"></a>28}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Probably disturbed by the noise and unusual light,
+the cock crowed at midnight, but nobody paid any
+attention to it.  At near daybreak the elderly folk
+began to leave; but the younger ones said they
+wouldn't go home till morning, and didn't.  By
+daylight the hay mow was full of sleeping men, Andrew
+and Sam were on their way home nodding, and the
+Jackson Township folks were loading their wagons;
+the big event passed into history, but the memory
+of it remained for many years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the night word came to the cabin that
+some of the men were acting in an unseemly manner.
+Catherine said to herself she'd bet the grocer had
+slipped some whisky into the barrel of cider he sent;
+in fact, was sure of it, as what she had tasted seemed
+unusually strong.  Going out to the barn and biding
+her time, she threw her apron over it and opened
+the faucet; the barrel was soon empty, and what
+had been left soaked the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and her father were the last to leave the
+barn.  A bright shining sun spread over the scene;
+the symphony of song birds so dear to Kate's ears
+had nearly ceased, and the dew on the grass was
+fast disappearing, though some of it still glistened
+in the bright sunshine.  Nell, the favorite mare,
+whinnied to remind the Squire that she missed the
+usual early breakfast; Brindle and Star, though
+quietly and contentedly chewing their cuds, looked
+wistfully at Kate for her deft hands to relieve their
+full udders of milk.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P29"></a>29}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After attending to the wants of Nell and Ned, the
+Squire hurried to the cabin where Catherine, who
+had returned some time before from the night's
+activities, lay in peaceful slumber.  Kate soon finished
+her task, and as usual took the milk to the cabin.
+The cock of the yard had ceased to crow, and silence
+reigned over the scene so recently one of boisterous
+joviality.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Throwing herself upon the bed without undressing,
+face resting upon her arm, Kate's mind was full
+of visions as well as of serious thoughts, particularly
+of the night just ended.  The memory of Pelton's
+breath upon her cheek as they participated in the
+dance became uppermost in her thoughts; in spite of
+herself, tears mingling joy, despair and contrition
+came involuntarily and wet the pillow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After what seemed to be hours in this mood, Kate
+fell into a troubled sleep which lasted until long
+after midday, when she was awakened by the gentle
+touch of her mother's hand accompanied by words
+of affection.  "Don't you think you had better have a
+bite?  It's long after dinner hour; father is up and
+it would be nice to eat together."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Catherine had arisen a little after the usual hour,
+and given the children their breakfast, followed by
+permission for them to visit the children of a neighbor
+for the day, that the sleepers in the cabin might
+not be disturbed.  Mulhall arose with a slight
+headache, which he couldn't account for, unless it was
+drinking a little too much "cider"; Catherine kept
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P30"></a>30}</span>
+her own counsel, but of course knew what was the
+matter with the Squire's head.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Other influences were at work upon Mulhall; the
+excitement incident to the warm greetings of his
+neighbors, and the general expression of genuine
+regret that the community was about to lose so
+valuable a member, had their natural reaction.  The
+Squire's thoughts also turned to the stern responsibilities
+confronting him, and how he was qualified to
+meet them.  Had he fully informed himself as to
+the obstacles to be encountered; was he personally
+fitted to safely make the long trip and not endanger
+the lives of his family?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a word, Mulhall awoke in a mood of anxiety,
+dissatisfied with himself and in fact with a stroke
+of the blues, so often fatal to true happiness.  The
+dinner passed moodily; the Squire had nothing to
+say, and Kate very little.  Strive as best she might,
+Catherine could not arouse the usual cheerfulness,
+and gave up in despair.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+We think of discontent as synonymous with pessimism,
+unhappiness, misery and many other ills of
+life; on the other hand it leads to enterprise,
+boldness and progress.  Had the pioneers been content
+with their lot, they would never have crossed the
+Missouri River; there might have been no long
+western trails, and the Oregon Country would probably
+not have been secured to the American Government.
+Civilization itself rests upon the spirit of adventurous
+discontent; so when Squire Mulhall arose from
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P31"></a>31}</span>
+the table in that frame of mind, he simply followed
+in the footsteps of many others, realizing, however,
+that he had not taken care to acquaint himself
+definitely with what lay ahead of them on the proposed
+trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One day Pelton rode up in front of the cabin,
+hitched his horse and came to the door.  Kate, not
+knowing who was there, went to answer the call.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Is the Squire at home?" inquired the visitor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, he is at the barn," was her reply, as she invited
+him in while the little sister ran to call father.
+Pelton disarmed all embarrassment by at once making
+inquiries about Oregon; and Kate could hardly
+do otherwise than to take a seat beside him to
+answer his questions&mdash;and more too&mdash;about Oregon and
+the proposed trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Bess returned to say that, "Father will be in as
+soon as he puts the team away."  Neither Kate nor
+Pelton showed any signs of impatience at being left
+alone; she enjoyed talking about Oregon as much
+as he liked to hear her, and so they forgot everything
+except the topic of the great trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Stamping his feet repeatedly to shake off the mud
+and partially clean his boots, father Mulhall's
+presence was announced; and at once in true pioneer
+spirit, he asked Isaac to have his horse put up and
+stay to supper.  Preparations for a frugal repast
+were well under way when Pelton arrived; but it
+would never do, the mother said, to sit a neighbor
+caller to such a picked-up meal.  So while the two
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P32"></a>32}</span>
+men went to the barn to care for the horses, Kate
+and her mother took counsel together.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Only a few days before she had picked off a young
+turkey with her father's rifle; but the mother said
+the "leavings would at best make a mussed-up meal."  Just
+at dusk Kate went off to the barn for a chicken;
+she had no trouble securing a desirable fowl and
+quickly returned to the house.  They had plenty of
+"sassafras" bark for tea, and a small portion of last
+spring's run of maple sugar.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of the neighbors had found a bee tree and
+brought over a dish of honey that the mother had
+saved for special occasions.  Thirty years before,
+Daniel Boone discovered bee trees lower down the
+river; but the dry plain and lack of timber had
+served as a barrier to invasions farther west extending,
+as we have seen by Jake's letter, to the Oregon
+Country&mdash;and as we later know, to the whole of the
+Pacific coast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The children had an early supper and were out of
+the way, leaving only the four people to partake of
+the meal and join in the conversation, most of which
+was naturally about the proposed journey.  During
+the evening it developed that Pelton knew more about
+the Oregon Country than the Mulhalls; so Kate
+couldn't help but surmise that his early inquiry about
+Oregon thinly veiled the real object of his visit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was puzzled to know how anyone of spirit
+could come back after the rebuff she had administered
+to him; but could not help acknowledging to
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P33"></a>33}</span>
+herself that she had really enjoyed the visit, and
+wondered if she had in any way revealed her inmost
+feelings.  Long before bedtime she climbed the ladder
+to the loft determined not to "make a fool of
+myself"; but as before, she couldn't go to sleep until
+long after their visitor had left.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As Pelton rode home from the Mulhalls, he berated
+himself for not carrying out the design that
+prompted the visit, and let Kate know that he
+intended to free his slaves; then his pride would again
+rise up to justify hesitation.  Would Kate assume
+that this resolution was either a subterfuge, or
+simply to win her hand?  Could she respect a man who
+would sacrifice a principle, as Kate would assume
+that all slaveholders believed that slavery was right?
+No, he must convince her by deed to prove the
+sincerity of his purpose, not by words of promise
+actuated by the motive to gain favor in her sight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came the question, could he free all of them?
+Margie was a minor and if "free" could, under the
+laws of Missouri, be taken before the County Court
+and bound out to servile employment until of legal
+age; this was virtual slavery, and it would
+unquestionably be done upon motion by some one of the
+slaveholding class who might make application to the
+court to enforce the law.  The secret "Blue Lodges"&mdash;night
+riders in fact&mdash;law or no law, in conjunction
+with other organizations of similar aim, virtually
+ruled the State.  When Pelton arrived home and in
+accordance with life-long custom called Andrew, in
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P34"></a>34}</span>
+a fit of absent-mindedness he told him to take care
+of "Kate" instead of naming his saddle horse, "med."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Massa, what's you mean?" asked the servant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Oh, I mean Ned, of course," was Pelton's reply.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew chuckled to himself and told Jennie he'd
+bet Massa had been off to see Kate Mulhall, bringing
+a response that she hoped he might "ketch her."  Pelton
+was vexed at himself, but now recalling the
+slip of the tongue, awoke to the consciousness of
+how completely the one name had taken possession
+of his mind.  He did not know that another was
+awake in the Mulhall cabin loft revolving his own
+name in her mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The spark of hope to win Kate's hand was almost
+extinguished; yet he felt sure that only the slavery
+question prevented the successful prosecution of his
+suit.  Pelton thought he knew, and actually did
+know, her real feeling toward him, while Kate
+imagined that she might have given some manifestation
+during Pelton's visit&mdash;a possible unguarded
+word, a tone of the voice that spoke louder than
+words, or an expression of the eye that revealed her
+secret.  All these haunted her wakeful hours, and
+followed into the dreams of restless slumber.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Who can fathom the essence of pure love, that
+flows from the heart like the fragrance of the flowers
+of the field, that knows no bounds, breaks all
+barriers; and, if disappointed, leaves a sting in
+memory through life?  Such was Isaac's love of Kate.
+He had known her independent character and unselfish
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P35"></a>35}</span>
+devotion to her father, and last though not least,
+her altruistic actions on many occasions.  He was
+but two years older than Kate, and in health her
+equal; why should he not claim her and establish a
+happy home?  Then that monster slavery would
+arise to dispel his dreams.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had inherited a part of his father's estate,
+including two slaves, Andrew and his wife Jennie.
+Both were older than he; in fact, Jennie looked after
+his clothes when he was a boy, and he thought almost
+as much of her as of his own mother.  Pelton
+maintained his own household and "Mamma" Jennie took
+scrupulous care of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She had a five-year-old girl that Isaac thought the
+cutest little thing he had ever seen&mdash;fat, chubby and
+always in good humor; and of course Jennie thought
+there never was another such a cute girl as her
+Margie.  Sometimes a cloud came over her face as
+she thought what might happen if "Massa" died, or
+got in debt and couldn't pay; but as yet little Margie
+had no forebodings, and her mother was careful not
+to open any way for such thoughts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had long contemplated setting free all three
+of them; but if he did, what could Andrew do for
+himself?  He might apportion enough land to make
+a home for them; but a black man was forbidden by
+law to own land, and in fact had no protection for
+property of any kind.  At one time he had seriously
+thought of going to Oregon himself, taking Andrew
+and Jennie with him to set them free there; but
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P36"></a>36}</span>
+word came that the pioneers had passed a law[<a id="chap01fn2text"></a><a href="#chap01fn2">2</a>]
+forbidding negroes living in Oregon under penalty of
+the whipping post, if they did not leave after due
+warning.  Kate, in entire ignorance of Pelton's
+troubles and intentions, looked upon him as one of
+the class she could never treat with forbearance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Up to this time Isaac had kept his own counsel as
+to his plans; to let them be known would serve no
+good purpose and bring upon him a storm of obloquy
+and reproach from other slaveholders for endangering
+their property rights.  Within his recollection,
+the like had been done only once in the neighborhood,
+when Squire Young manumitted eleven slaves,
+and finally moved away to escape continual insult
+because of his act.  Pelton knew, or thought he knew,
+that Kate's impulsive action was because of her
+intense hatred of slavery and aversion to slaveholders;
+but anticipated the taunt that he had freed his
+negroes as the price of winning a wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had made the fateful visit in an undecided
+frame of mind&mdash;just drifting, though intending if
+the opportunity occurred to make a clean breast of
+his whole plan.  But soon after Kate left the room,
+he started for home while she lay sleepless on her bed
+in the loft.  Here we leave them, each with a
+troubled mind, to take up another thread of the story.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap01fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap01fn1text">1</a>] The author remembers lighting his mother's pipe with a
+coal of fire nearly ninety years ago, before matches had come
+into general use.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap01fn2"></a>
+[<a href="#chap01fn2text">2</a>] This law, passed by the Provisional Government in 1843,
+was never enforced and soon repealed; but it served to
+illustrate the intense prejudice against the black man by
+pioneer settlers who nevertheless voted resolutely against making
+Oregon a slave State.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap02"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P37"></a>37}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER II
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+OFF FOR OREGON; CROSSING THE MISSOURI;
+ENCOUNTERING THE BUFFALO; TROUBLES WITH THE
+INDIANS.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+Ben Hardy was employed to help break in
+the team and for other necessary preparations;
+also, if his father would consent, to
+make the entire trip with them.  Neither Ben, the
+Squire nor Kate knew anything about oxen; but all
+realized that they must have a team.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few days after the party at the Mulhall cabin,
+the trio experimented in breaking in some cows to
+the yoke.  Kate thought Brindle and Star would
+make a capital team, and at the first attempt
+succeeded in getting the yoke on Star&mdash;except that she
+broke away from them and circled around the yard
+with her tongue out, bucking and fiercely bellowing.
+Kate quickly climbed the fence in dismay, wondering
+why gentle old Star should object to be yoked.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally getting both cows under the yoke just
+before dinner call, Kate and her father went to the
+cabin while Ben started home for lunch.  Kate, the
+first one out after dinner, could hardly believe her
+eyes.  Star, yoked by them on the off side, stood on
+the near side, while Brindle had changed places with
+her, and was on the off side.  Kate knew perfectly
+well that she had been yoked up last and on the near
+side.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P38"></a>38}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In her astonishment she at first overlooked the
+yoke hanging under the necks of the cows instead of
+resting on top; they had turned the yoke, and as a
+sailor might report such an incident&mdash;"the starboard
+ox was on the larboard side, the larboard ox on the
+starboard side, and the ox-yoke had left the hurricane
+deck and gone below."  Squire Mulhall could see
+the humor of the incident, but realized a very serious
+side to it, as illustrating how little they knew about
+outfitting for the great journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ordered the attempt to break in a team
+discontinued for the time being; and the next morning
+mounted Nell and rode off, ostensibly in search
+of a team, though, as he afterwards said, with a
+notion to look at the country north of the Iowa line.
+"But what's the use of raising corn to burn in the
+stove to keep from freezing, or bacon as fuel for
+racing steamboats?"  While in Iowa he was asked if he
+knew a man by the name of Pelton reported to live
+in the county from which he had just come.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, but what of it?" was the Squire's laconic
+reply.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Nothing," the stranger continued, "except he has
+been looking for land to settle free negroes on, and
+the neighbors didn't like it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for once in his life he had something to keep
+from Catherine, who had told him what she had
+surmised&mdash;and in fact knew&mdash;Kate's secret, although
+only through her motherly instinct to read signs often
+plainer than words.  Again Mulhall wavered; to tell
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P39"></a>39}</span>
+Catherine what he had heard would be equivalent to
+telling Kate, the apple of his eye.  He could not
+bear the thought of losing her; in fact had resolved
+never to go to Oregon unless Kate went along.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the Squire's search for a trained team
+(labor lost, for there were only here and there old,
+slow, broken-down or ill-matched oxen), he heard of
+a missionary or itinerant preacher who represented
+that he had been in Oregon.  Mulhall eagerly took
+the track of this man and followed it for days
+before overtaking him; but was well rewarded by
+finding his new acquaintance a very intelligent,
+well-read man with large experience in the Oregon
+Country&mdash;just the one he was seeking.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But he had already been gone a week, was nearly
+a hundred and fifty miles from home, and Catherine
+would soon become very uneasy about him.  The
+minister would probably also talk more about
+missionary work than topics Mulhall was eager to
+discuss.  So on the second day arrangements were
+made for the two to go to the Mulhall home where
+the missionary could rest from his labors, recuperate
+his worn-down horse and confer at more length about
+outfitting for the trip to Oregon.[<a id="chap02fn1text"></a><a href="#chap02fn1">1</a>]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was done, and following the counsel of the
+visitor, preparations for the trip went on apace.  The
+Squire purchased ten trim, well developed five-year-old
+steers, not off the range but farm raised, with
+two extras as a relief for lame or other temporarily
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P40"></a>40}</span>
+unfit ones in the teams.  In other matters the
+missionary's advice was adopted, with the result that
+when completed Mulhall's outfit was equal to any he
+afterwards saw on the plains, and far superior to the
+vast majority of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben Hardy, whose mother hesitated but finally
+gave way to his pleadings, was engaged to take
+charge of one of the teams.  Mulhall offered such
+liberal compensation that Ben's father also
+consented, although the lad was still under age.  The
+Squire knew that Ben would be true to his interests,
+and thought of him not as the hired man, but as one
+of the family; in fact, he promised Ben one of the
+teams for his own when they arrived in Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben had a secret of his own about which Mulhall
+knew nothing.  He and the Shaeffer boys were
+friends, and no one suspected that Ben's frequent
+visits to their home had any other attraction than a
+good time with the boys; nor did they dream that
+"Bennie," as they called him, had any thoughts about
+their sister.  But mother Shaeffer had detected more
+than mere friendship between Ben and Linda; and
+under the circumstances developments were not
+likely to be long delayed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben resolved to make a clean breast of it and
+know from Linda's spoken words that she loved him
+and would await his return, or possibly come to him;
+and firmly concluded not to go unless Linda would
+consent.  In this mood Ben boldly declared himself
+to Linda in a scene that need not be described here.
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P41"></a>41}</span>
+Linda was a dutiful girl and would have no secret
+from her mother.  "I will go with you now if mother
+will consent," she said between smiles and tears;
+"or I'll wait until I can come to you."  The thought
+of having Linda go with him now had never entered
+Ben's mind until she suggested it, subject to her
+mother's consent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I'll be true to you, Ben, to the end," she said
+and submitted willingly to the sealing of the promise
+by a responsive kiss.  "Come tomorrow night, Ben,
+and we'll talk it over with mother;" and so they
+parted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben went home living in a new world, with
+increased confidence in the future and a happiness
+never before experienced.  This scene was enacted
+a week before the start was to be made; and
+meanwhile Ben was busy at the Mulhalls' from dawn to
+twilight.  Two ox-teams, each with two yoke of
+oxen, and a yoke of cows were used to haul fuel from
+a distant woodland for the new owner of the farm,
+training the teams and drivers to the road, as well as
+a token of good will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and her mother were busy preparing and
+cooking various articles of food, while the Squire
+was laying in a stock of provisions, water containers,
+tents and other necessities for a journey of more
+than two thousand miles extending over a probable
+period of six months.  Mulhall had been warned
+that once across the Missouri River, he would be
+in the Indian Country and unable to renew his
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P42"></a>42}</span>
+equipment except from overloaded outfits, abandoned
+property, or by dealing with the sharpers of the
+so-called trading posts, some of them regular dens of
+thieves, often kept by renegade white men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A mishap to one of the teams on the road detained
+Ben until long after dark; and when he reached the
+Mulhall barn, the teams and all the loose stock had
+still to be cared for.  So he could not keep his
+appointment with Linda; and it was near midnight
+when he crawled into the hay mow to snatch a few
+hours of sleep before daybreak.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I wonder why Ben didn't come to-night as he
+said he would?"; and in spite of all efforts, Linda's
+voice betrayed her deep solicitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I'll warrant he had good reasons," the mother
+responded; but Linda could not be satisfied in her own
+mind.  The great journey was to begin the following
+Monday, and it was only seven days before the start.
+Upon awaking Tuesday morning, Ben resolved that
+at all hazards he would go to see Linda that day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On his way to the Shaeffer home, conflicting
+thoughts ran through Ben's mind.  What would
+Mulhall say?  What would his own mother and,
+particularly Linda's mother, say?  If she could go along, it
+would enable them to make an earlier start in life;
+and each would be entitled to a hundred and sixty
+acres of land from the Government free, whereas in
+a year or two at most, neither could secure any
+without purchase.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was late Tuesday night when Ben left the Shaeffer
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P43"></a>43}</span>
+home after a long visit with Linda.  The mother
+did not positively forbid her going now, but strongly
+advised against it; upon second thought Linda herself
+began to doubt the advisability of such a move,
+though willing to go and share the hardships with
+Ben if he thought best.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With tears that could not be restrained by either,
+they decided that Ben had better go alone.  Who can
+fathom the sacrifice of such a decision or decide as
+to the wisdom of it?  Once made, cheerfulness
+returned, plans for the future were laid and sacred
+vows renewed; and life opened to them anew.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The wagons were loaded and the tent set up well
+in advance, so the start could be made early on the
+following Monday.  When the time came, Kate had
+saddled Nell, and Dick and Ned had been hitched
+to the carriage for an hour; but the start was
+delayed, and Squire Mulhall remained in the cabin.
+At length, after consulting with Ben, the conclusion
+was reached that the ox-teams should go ahead and
+the carriage would follow later.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Catherine assumed a bold, cheerful attitude while
+the preparations were being made, and concealed her
+pent-up grief at leaving.  Several of her children
+were born in the cabin, and one of them had died
+in it.  She had passed many happy hours within
+its humble walls, and tender memories came vividly
+to mind.  Even Mulhall was moved with emotion as
+never before, and determined to wait quietly until
+Catherine recovered her composure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P44"></a>44}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No one without the experience of parting with
+one can realize the deep feeling of affection for the
+home, even if it is only a cabin.  The love of a lowly
+dwelling is often more intense than that of a princely
+palace, for a cabin becomes a part of one's self.  No
+wonder that the good housewife should shed tears of
+regret upon parting with the home she had loved so
+well and so long.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After all the neighbors who came to bid Godspeed
+to the Mulhalls had left, Catherine quietly came out
+of the cabin, entered the carriage and drove in the
+track of the ox-teams without looking back, shedding
+a tear or making any sign of distress.  The struggle
+was ended and the die cast, although the sacrifice
+required supreme courage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In spite of all their efforts, Kate and the two
+younger sisters were unable to drive the loose stock
+fast enough to keep up with the ox-team, and finally
+lost one cow in the brush.  Riding forward to
+overtake Ben and have him make an early camp, Kate
+had a foretaste of what was ahead of them on the
+journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben found a convenient barnyard and plenty of
+feed for the cattle, and a cheerful grass plat for the
+camp.  He quickly had the tent up, fire in the stove
+and the oxen fed when the carriage and Kate arrived
+with the loose stock.  Whoever has had the experience
+of a good camp under favorable conditions will
+realize the cheerful atmosphere that enlivens the
+spirits of all; the bracing air, the novelty and keen
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P45"></a>45}</span>
+appetites due to the exertion of the journey,
+combined to bring joy and contentment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They were only eight miles from the old home; but
+the start had been made, and all considered it a good
+distance for the first day.  Early in the calm, warm
+mid-April evening, the sharp notes of the bob white
+quail rang in the ears of the campers, soon followed
+by the shrill whistle of the whippoorwill in the
+near-by meadow.  Millions of fireflies, with their
+mysterious alternating of light and darkness, were
+floating in the air.  Contentment reigned supreme in the
+camp, and care for the morrow was soon forgotten
+in peaceful slumber.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Difficulties and trials beset the early part of every
+trip like the Mulhalls'.  In the deep, sticky Missouri
+mud, a well trained team drawing a light load could
+flounder through with great exertions; but with
+half-trained oxen and a heavy load it was frequently
+necessary to double the teams, or lighten the loads
+and make a second trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Walking alongside his wagon or prying up a wheel
+deeply sunk in the mire, Ben became bespattered
+with mud from head to foot, but did not lose patience.
+The cows would not keep in the road, often
+compelling Kate to dismount and go after them on foot.
+Neither would swear, though both at times felt like
+doing so; but when night came, they laughed off
+their troubles in the camp.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They had been acquainted for years, but neither
+had fully measured the other until now.  "I golly,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P46"></a>46}</span>
+Kate, it's rough driving the cows, isn't it?"  "Yes;
+but what about the teams?  I think you catch it worse
+than I do."  Their mutual trials drew them closer
+together; and each had unlimited faith in the other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Squire Mulhall had great confidence in Ben when
+he engaged him for the trip, but every day his
+admiration for the lad increased as better acquaintance
+brought out his sterling character.  Thoughts
+of Ben for a son-in-law flitted across his mind, and
+would involuntarily return; but he kept it to
+himself&mdash;the second secret from Catherine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally, after a long struggle encountering mud,
+rain, wind-storms and quicksand, the Mulhall outfit
+arrived on the high bluffs overlooking the Missouri
+and the great encampment of emigrants.  Hundreds
+of tents near the ferry landing and extending back
+from the river revealed the magnitude of the great
+western movement of the 50's.  Squire Mulhall could
+not do otherwise than camp with the motley throng,
+and turned the ox-teams out to graze with several
+thousands of other stock in the river bottoms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Looking around to size up the situation, he found
+people there from several States, of all conditions in
+life and with nearly as varied outfits as there were
+camps&mdash;scarcely any two alike.  Here was one bound,
+like himself, for Oregon; right alongside, another
+emigrating to California; next a group of Mormons
+going to Salt Lake&mdash;all waiting their turn to be
+crossed over the Missouri by the two scows called
+a ferry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P47"></a>47}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The throng consisted of all ages from the very old
+to the infant in arms, and were in various moods.
+Near-by would be a religious meeting with singing,
+praying and preaching; others were engaged in pitching
+quoits, card playing or foot racing&mdash;anything to
+dispel the tedium incident to the long delay on the
+Iowa side of the river.  Some of these people had
+been camping there fully two weeks, waiting for their
+numbers to be called, and might be obliged to remain
+several days more.  A brisk trade in "turns" naturally
+resulted; in one case fifty dollars was paid to
+entitle the purchaser to immediate crossing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Open gambling was seen in many places, and a
+great crowd congregated around a race-track.  In a
+stroll of a couple of hours Mulhall noticed a number
+of intoxicated men, though not many were boisterous;
+the intoxicants evidently came from the camps.
+Here, as back in Missouri, whisky was pure but cheap
+(averaging 25c a gallon), and no regulation as to
+sale or disposal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One corner of the encampment was particularly
+clean and orderly; no litter of papers or cast-off
+articles of any kind were in sight, and there was an
+entire absence of gambling, card playing or other
+amusements.  Two of the emigrants in peculiar garb
+were digging a pit in which to bury rubbish.  The
+men were usually either reading well-worn Bibles,
+writing or amusing the children, while the women
+were generally caring for the camp, sewing or
+knitting; one was weaving cloth on a hand-loom, and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P48"></a>48}</span>
+another spinning yarn on an old-time wheel, the sharp
+tones of the spindle vibrating in the air.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was like part of a long established and law-abiding
+eastern community transplanted to the edge
+of civilization.  A brief conversation disclosed that
+these campers were from a Methodist settlement in
+central Indiana, and that their pastor, though
+temporarily holding service at a near-by village, was
+traveling with them.  Mulhall thanked them for the
+invitation to attend the evening meeting and continued
+his stroll, intending to do so if Catherine and
+Kate would accompany him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The next group of camps visited presented a very
+different appearance.  More than half of the party,
+which was bound for the Mormon settlement at Salt
+Lake City, had recently arrived from Europe.  There
+were very few men; the greater part were women
+who huddled in tents almost devoid of camp
+conveniences, while a number of their ragged and
+dirty-faced children were playing in the vicinity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Men and women alike showed a sober mien; here
+and there a man would be reading a Bible, and
+Mulhall noticed one reading the Book of Mormon.
+Like the Methodists, they held religious services
+every evening.  There were very few wagons for
+so large a party, making the problem of their
+transportation unusually difficult.  In a corner of the
+encampment were a number of hand-carts which a
+portion of those belonging to this camp intended to
+use in crossing the plains; and one man with a
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P49"></a>49}</span>
+wheelbarrow completed the picturesque assemblage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With the invitation in mind, the Squire and Catherine
+prepared to attend the Methodist meeting that
+same evening.  Kate said, "Ben, let's go, too."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I golly, Kate, that's just what I was going to
+say," Ben replied.  So all dressed in their best and
+walked toward the Methodist camp, for which they
+had started, along a path which led near the Mormon
+part of the encampment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Seeing the people gathering for religious services
+Mulhall, more out of curiosity than otherwise,
+suggested that they stop and listen for awhile.
+Catherine had only a faint idea of what "Mormon"
+meant; but held a deep prejudice against them, and
+said that she preferred to attend what she considered
+a real religious meeting.  But as the rest of the party
+desired to hear the Mormons, Catherine consented,
+and all took seats among those provided for strangers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The minister, a burly figure somewhat uncouth
+but evidently sincere, opened the meeting by reading
+a chapter from the Old Testament; he took his text
+from the chapter read, and to their surprise preached
+a real orthodox sermon, differing little from what
+they had often heard from itinerant Methodist
+preachers passing through their neighborhood.  On
+the way back to their camp Mulhall berated himself
+for not attending the Methodist meeting as originally
+intended; he resolved to do so the next evening, and
+all the others said they would accompany him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+True to the resolution, preparations were made to
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P50"></a>50}</span>
+go as the next evening approached.  Ben had left
+early in the morning to look after their cattle
+running at large in the Missouri bottoms with
+thousands of others belonging to the numerous camps,
+and at dusk had not returned.  Three of the oxen
+could not be found; whether they had strayed off on
+their own account or had been stolen he could not
+tell, but strongly suspected the latter.  He did not
+return until dark and then was tired and hungry;
+Kate said she wouldn't go until Ben had dinner, and
+her mother was of the same mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall lost interest in the meeting when Ben
+came with the news; the loss of three of his best oxen
+would be very serious, and he was then in no mood
+to think of anything else.  Early the next morning
+Kate saddled Nell and Ben borrowed a saddle for
+Ned; after an early breakfast the two mounted and
+started down the wide river bottom to look for the
+strays.  Toward the end of nearly an all-day search
+they were found about seven miles from camp; but
+from that time on either Ben or the new hired man
+always stayed out with the herd.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few mornings after the night watch had been
+inaugurated Ben, having had Dick for a bedfellow
+the night before, remarked, "I golly, I snuggled up
+close to his back and slept as warm as wool."  That
+was the beginning, for him, of an experience shared
+by many pioneers, including the author; and is the
+origin of the term "bedfellow of the ox."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few evenings later, when everything was still and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P51"></a>51}</span>
+calm, and not a breath of air stirring, Mulhall,
+while sitting in front of his camp, heard a number of
+voices in the distance.  The sound came from the
+direction of the Methodist camp; he thought he
+caught a word or two, but was not sure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Just then a gentleman passing by asked, "Do you
+hear the Methodists?"  "Is that noise of voices we
+hear the Methodists?" Mulhall asked.  "Yes, they
+have been going on that way for an hour," answered
+the stranger, who passed on and disappeared from
+sight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and Catherine had both retired for the night,
+but Mulhall resolved to go and hear what they were
+saying and see what they were doing.  He walked
+briskly in the direction of the sound, sure enough,
+it was a "Methodist awakening," as the participants
+expressed it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The reader would not doubt this part of the narrative
+if he had ever attended a meeting of the "shouting
+Methodists" of Indiana in early days, particularly
+after a sermon where endless punishment was
+preached for unbelievers.  Now the Squire saw some
+of the men and women who a few days before were
+sedate in their industrious camp, shouting and
+violently gesticulating; some were fairly dancing in an
+ecstasy of joy, others praying or lying down as if
+in a trance or stupor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When, after waiting three weeks, Mulhall's turn
+came to cross the river, he concluded to send one team
+and wagon ahead with the tent and cooking outfit;
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P52"></a>52}</span>
+Ben and Kate went along with it to establish and
+prepare the camp for the remainder of the party.  About
+mid-stream the boat upset.  The heavy running-gear
+of the wagon immediately sank out of sight; but the
+bed, though partly submerged, and with Ben and
+Kate in it, continued to float, though it was being
+carried away from the scene of the mishap by the
+strong current.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sometimes the outfit would sink to near the top of
+the cover, and in another moment the whirl of the
+turbulent current would leave the greater part of
+it visible again.  Ben managed to remove the cover
+that had entrapped them, so they were not in
+immediate danger of drowning; he at once began throwing
+heavy things overboard, the stove first and then
+whatever else could be found to lighten the load.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At a bend of the river in sight from the crossing,
+the bed grounded on a sand-bar projecting upstream
+from the head of an island, and swung around broadside,
+affording the imprisoned occupants a safe landing.
+Seeing their peril, two Indians plunged fearlessly
+into the Missouri, and swam out to the rescue;
+others immediately followed in canoes, and soon
+landed both of them safely on the west side of the
+great river.  Yet we sometimes hear thoughtless
+people say, "there are no good Indians but dead Indians!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate returned to the Iowa side by the next boat,
+but Ben remained awhile longer on the west side to
+care for the team that had swam across.  One wagon,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P53"></a>53}</span>
+the yokes, chains and a considerable part of the outfit
+had been lost.  After arranging for the care of the
+team, Ben crossed back about dark to rejoin the
+remainder of the party still waiting there, and to
+consult with the Squire.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-052"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-052.jpg" alt="NEAR CATASTROPHE IN CROSSING THE MISSOURI">
+<br>
+NEAR CATASTROPHE IN CROSSING THE MISSOURI
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Illustrating a scene witnessed by the author and many
+other Pioneers to the Oregon Country.  The sinking of the wagon,
+endangering the life of Kate Mulhall, the heroine of this story,
+and her rescue by Ben Hardy, as described on the opposite page,
+make a stirring incident of overland travel in the early 50s.
+An interesting reference to this "near catastrophe" a half century
+later, will be found on page <a href="#P231">231</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-053"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-053.jpg" alt="TYPICAL EMIGRANT OUTFIT ON THE OREGON TRAIL">
+<br>
+TYPICAL EMIGRANT OUTFIT ON THE OREGON TRAIL
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+"Prairie schooner" unit of a line made up of vehicles drawn
+by horses, mules, oxen or cows, with three yoke of oxen (driven
+by a man walking along the left-hand side of the farther yoke),
+followed by the captain of the train and protected by an armed
+guard at the rear. Many an outfit like this one starting out
+in good condition was reduced to the situation illustrated
+in the drawing on page <a href="#P75">75</a> before the end of the long journey.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+At the time of the accident, Catherine was at the
+camp and knew nothing about it until told by Kate
+herself; then she fell upon her knees to offer thanks
+for the rescue of her daughter.  When told that Kate
+had been saved by Ben's courage and cool-headed
+action, she gave way to tears of joy and gratitude,
+and exclaimed, "Where is he?  Where is he, the dear,
+dear boy?"  When he arrived, mother Mulhall kissed
+him again and again; even the Squire had difficulty
+in controlling his emotions, while Kate seemed dazed
+and said little.  Of course the deep gloom in the
+camp was accompanied by rejoicing that there had
+been no loss of life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The emigrants flocked around to praise Ben's act
+of bravery; but he made light of it, saying anybody
+but a coward would have done the same, and he
+wasn't entitled to any special praise.  That evening
+an elderly Quaker with his wife and daughter came
+to Mulhall's camp.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"We came to see thee," he said, "to join in praise
+to God for his mercy in restoring thy son and daughter
+to thee; and further to tell thee the Spirit moves
+us to proffer aid to enable thee to repair thy
+loss."  The Squire was deeply impressed with the evident
+sincerity of the man, and felt to some extent relieved
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P54"></a>54}</span>
+from the feeling of depression he had been striving
+to dispel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Catherine was unable to conceal her emotion or
+control herself; the shock upon the poor woman's
+nerves had been too great.  Kate arose from a cot to
+assure her mother that she would be all right again in
+a little while, but seemingly without effect until the
+Quaker lady's sympathetic words wrought a change
+of promised relief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of the ferrymen came into the camp and witnessed
+the scene of the Quakers striving to alleviate
+Catherine's anguish.  The two women were about
+the same age; and the daughter of the Quaker family
+had been a great comfort to Kate in her distress.
+Grasping the situation, and seeing that he could do
+nothing at the moment, the ferryman soon withdrew,
+beckoning Mulhall to follow him outside.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I come," he said, "to tell you we think we ought
+to replace your wagon and outfit, and will do so
+to-morrow.  A number of parties who have concluded
+not to go any farther will sell their wagons and
+outfits at a reasonable price.  Come and see us in the
+morning."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the moment Mulhall was more concerned about
+his wife than over the loss of a part of the outfit;
+but the calls of the Quaker and the ferryman were
+appreciated more for the sympathy manifested than
+for the offer of material aid.  The Quakers stayed
+until long after midnight.  Catherine had been
+induced to lie down; and with the hand of the good
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P55"></a>55}</span>
+Samaritan on her brow, had fallen asleep and
+peacefully rested.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate's companion had exercised much the same
+influence upon her as the Quaker mother had upon
+Mrs. Mulhall; and shortly after midnight she also
+passed from consciousness to sweet slumber.  The
+three visitors then noiselessly withdrew, and deep
+silence fell upon the camp.  Catherine slept late and
+awakened calm, and reassured when she found that
+Kate was up and preparing breakfast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+True to promise, on the following day the ferryman
+gave the Squire his choice of three wagons and
+outfits; and before night he was ready to cross the
+Missouri to the Indian Country, then extending
+across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
+Mulhall was confronted with a perplexing situation&mdash;one
+team was now on the west side of the river,
+and the other on the east or Iowa side.  The hired
+man, who shall be nameless, seemed to delight in
+using his long whip-lash on the oxen, and goaded
+them to unnecessary exertion; and had proven very
+unsatisfactory in other ways.  His language was
+also offensive; and when the Squire found that he
+had been indulging immoderately in liquor,
+summarily discharged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fortunately for Mulhall, at this juncture Douglas
+Craig, the young man with the outfit presented to
+him by the ferryman, came highly recommended and
+expressed a desire to continue on the trip; the Squire
+immediately engaged him, and never had cause to
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P56"></a>56}</span>
+regret it.  As soon as Mulhall could move his camp
+to the landing, he crossed over without much
+difficulty, leaving Ben to follow when he could get the
+cattle up from the bottoms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That night the campers heard the shrill whistle
+of a steamer from down the river, and soon saw the
+lights of the "Ajax" as it moved slowly up to the
+landing.  A great throng greeted the captain as he
+came ashore, and vociferously clamored to be ferried
+across the river, with the promise of extra compensation
+if done that night.  So the occupation of the
+open-scow ferryman was gone, and the steamer took
+its place; after that a hundred wagons with their
+teams were crossed by day and nearly as many at
+night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One can scarcely imagine the confusion that
+followed the congestion on the one road leading, out
+from the landing place on the western side of the
+river.  Outfits had been separated and cattle gone
+astray, children were separated from their parents,
+and thieving Indians mingled with the throng.
+Mulhall soon brought together his outfit (small as
+compared with some trains of fifty wagons) and drew
+off to a nearby camping place.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had been cautioned by the missionary not to
+join in the rush to drive furiously forward, as others
+would certainly be doing.  Kate became very impatient
+at the delay of a day that her father considered
+necessary to have everything in readiness.  On
+the fourth day they were confronted with a narrow
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P57"></a>57}</span>
+but deep river; and there was another struggle to
+get across.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-057"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-057.jpg" alt="USING A WAGON-BOX AS A &quot;BOAT&quot;">
+<br>
+USING A WAGON-BOX AS A &quot;BOAT&quot;
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Many of the Pioneers crossed the rivers on the Oregon Trail
+with all of their outfits, except the oxen, in the manner shown
+by the illustration.  At best it was a hazardous adventure;
+at one place on the North Platte nine men were drowned in making
+the attempt.  The author crossed the Snake River twice by this
+method and swam his oxen; this photograph, taken in 1912
+on the "Loup Fork," a tributary of the Platte River in Nebraska,
+shows his improvised craft in the middle of that great
+stream, and will convey some idea of the dangers encountered
+by the emigration of which he was a part.  See pages <a href="#P57">57</a>, <a href="#P69">69-70</a>
+and <a href="#P213">213</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The confusion was increased by many coming into
+camp every hour day and night.  Some were using
+a scow ferry entirely inadequate to accommodate the
+great numbers suddenly brought upon the scene;
+others were crossing on rafts, and still others in their
+boat-shaped wagon-boxes.  A few had constructed
+"bull boats" (a light form of willow twigs, with a
+buffalo hide bottom).
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Douglas Craig, the new man of the Mulhall outfit,
+proved to be an expert horseman and an all-around
+stockman; he soon managed to get the cattle
+over, while Ben crossed the wagons.  An account of
+the experiences and daily incidents of even one such
+outfit as Mulhall's in its slow progress westward
+would fill a larger volume than this.  So we will
+attempt only to briefly sketch the trials confronting
+the bold pioneers who passed over the Oregon Trail
+in the early days before the rivers were bridged,
+supply depots established or protection from the Indians
+given by the Government.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What's that dark shade on the land?" Kate asked
+her father as she rode up to his carriage.  Mulhall
+turned his glass in the direction indicated for a
+moment and replied, "Why as I live, that's buffalo."  In
+the clear atmosphere of the plains an object many
+miles away often seems near-by.  Kate was ready in
+an instant to go and bag some big game, but knew
+her mother would not consent; so she called to Ben,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P58"></a>58}</span>
+"Take my rifle and Nell, and get one.  I'll drive
+your team."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this time the whole line on the road had
+discovered the herd, and nearly all the men were making
+preparations to join in the big hunt.  Just ahead
+there seemed to be a great commotion, teams turning
+out of the road and horsemen riding furiously back
+and forth.  One, racing down the line, shouted in a
+loud voice, "Unhitch, unhitch; form corrals with
+your wagons; a buffalo stampede is coming.  Quick,
+quick; don't shoot, don't shoot;" and like Paul
+Revere, he passed on to repeat the warning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall had fallen in with several independent
+outfits and in the evenings the group had been forming
+a circle of wagons to guard against the loss of
+stock and lighten the burden of the night-watch.  In
+a very short time the wagons were arranged and the
+loose stock placed inside the circle; but the buffalo
+were all traveling in one direction on their annual
+migration, not a stampede.  Nothing but some
+insurmountable obstacle could turn the herd from the
+course that its almost incredible numbers were
+pursuing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In their migratory movements buffalo are, as one
+might say, controlled by instinct like birds of the
+air.  Here was a living mass, to all appearances one
+vast unit, passing over many miles of the trail, each
+animal traveling in the same direction as if guided
+by a compass or the North Star.  The emigrants
+could do no more than guard their own stock and let
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P59"></a>59}</span>
+the buffalo continue their majestic procession for
+hours.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the mass had gone on and only stragglers
+remained in sight, the ban against shooting was
+removed and an exciting buffalo hunt was on.  Ben
+followed Kate's suggestion by taking Nell and trying
+with his rifle to bring down a fat buffalo cow.  Not
+being either an expert horseman or a crack shot, he
+had a rather prolonged and exciting race; but finally
+succeeded in securing a fine heifer.  He could have
+more easily shot an old buffalo, as many did; but was
+out more to add to their depleted larder than for the
+excitement of the chase.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Ben returned to camp it was evident that
+he was in virtual collapse, his strength nearly gone
+and his pulse weak.  Thoroughly alarmed, mother
+Mulhall did everything she could to arouse him from
+the stupor into which he had fallen, but all to no
+purpose.  Kate fairly ran over to the near-by camp
+for a doctor, who partially revived him but cautioned
+him to be careful and patient for several days.  When
+questioned, the physician answered evasively as to
+a possible fatal result.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+An epidemic of cholera was ravaging the camps
+and taking a fearful toll; only the day before the
+Squire and Catherine halted the carriage before a
+newly made burying-ground and counted forty-four
+graves, none more than three days old.  Only those in
+the best of health seemed immune from the scourge.
+Mother Mulhall reproached herself for consenting to
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P60"></a>60}</span>
+let Ben go on the hunt, and retired to pray in secret
+for his recovery.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate showed unmistakable evidences of deep grief,
+and also blamed herself for having encouraged Ben
+to go; she remained by his bedside throughout the
+night, and was reluctant to leave when morning
+came.  As the day wore on there were signs of
+recovery, and by the third day he had sufficiently
+improved to warrant resuming their journey.
+Meantime more than a thousand wagons had passed on,
+leaving many detained in stricken camps to bury
+their dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall had been a witness to the great epidemic
+that lined the trail for a thousand miles with
+uncounted graves of dead pioneers.  He had lost
+considerable weight on the way; how much he did not
+know, but realized the fact by the fit of his clothes.
+Catherine said the difference in food had wrought
+the change, to which the Squire responded that in
+such case he would probably lose in strength, while
+he felt stronger than for many years before.  The
+fact gradually dawned upon him that the regular
+exercise taken on the trip had increased his strength
+while reducing his weight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Under the hot sun Kate became tanned, but lost
+none of the fire in her eye nor her cheerfulness of
+spirit, although her patience was often tried by the
+wilful ways of the loose stock.  The two little sisters
+helped her part of the time, until the sand became too
+hot for their bare feet; but were always welcomed
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P61"></a>61}</span>
+in the carriage driven by their mother.  When Ben
+was transferred to the carriage, their place of refuge
+was gone; after that one at a time would ride behind
+Kate, or she would often trudge along afoot while
+the two little ones rode Nell.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All the past glamour of the trip had now gone out
+of Kate's mind; but she could not admit to herself
+any regret that they were on the way to Oregon.
+At least they were free from the hated question of
+slavery!  Then her mind would revert to Pelton, with
+the thought that she might have been too rash in her
+manner of rejecting his advances; had she known
+what her father knew&mdash;that Isaac intended at all
+hazards to free his slaves&mdash;grief would have seized
+her in spite of all efforts to restrain it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate had intuitively come to discern what was
+in her father's mind with reference to Ben, and
+believed that her mother felt the same way as her
+father.  When such thought came into her own mind,
+the vision of Pelton rose above them all.  Love Ben?
+Yes&mdash;as a brother; and then she would try to think
+of something else.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What's this?" Squire Mulhall asked aloud
+rather excitedly to himself, stopping his team in the
+middle of the road.  Soon both wagons were driven
+to the outside, opening a passage for other teams
+pressing on from behind.  "What's happened,
+stranger that you are here by the roadside with no
+team?" It needed only a short time to explain that
+the family had started across the plains with a
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P62"></a>62}</span>
+neighbor who owned a team; but after some altercation,
+the neighbor became abusive, stopped and hurriedly
+pitched the bedding and clothing of the others out of
+the wagon, driving on with all the provisions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"How long since?" the Squire asked.  "About two
+hours ago," the stranger answered.  "Put your things
+in my other wagon and let your wife and children
+get in here until we reach camp tonight," said the
+Squire, thoroughly aroused and with indignation
+manifest in his voice.  "Perhaps we will overtake the
+brute by nightfall."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The family consisted of husband and wife, both
+apparently honest and intelligent, and three small
+children, the oldest about eight.  Leaving his team
+in charge of the stranger as soon as they were back on
+the road (which was literally filled with passing
+wagons and loose stock), he soon found Kate; and
+taking Nell, rode on ahead as rapidly as possible.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He soon encountered a train of a dozen wagons
+which had no sooner been passed than another one
+of thirty was overtaken; each vehicle closely followed
+the one in front, and to make headway it was necessary
+to ride alongside the road, often obstructed by
+sage-brush.  That evening the Squire said he believed
+that he had been obliged to go around at least
+five hundred wagons to gain five miles on the moving
+trains, all the while keeping a sharp lookout for the
+outfit which abandoned the family now traveling
+with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was learned that the culprit, who had been
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P63"></a>63}</span>
+recognized by the description, passed on just before dark
+and would probably travel all night.  Three armed
+men were mounted and given instructions to continue
+on far enough during the night to be sure they
+were ahead of the outfit, and then to stop and wait
+for it.  Just at daylight they overtook the guilty
+party and soon convinced him that resistance was
+useless and submission to arrest his only safe course.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The "unwritten law" of the plains was a tacit consent
+that all grievances, misdemeanors or accusations
+of crime must be laid before a jury of elderly men;
+and no one should take the law into his own hands&mdash;in
+a word, no mob violence.  Squire Mulhall soon
+succeeded in bringing together several of the older
+pioneers, who resolved to take immediate action;
+swift and adequate justice was administered, and
+the incident was almost immediately closed.  This
+code of action prevailed all along the line; no one
+was punished without a hearing, but there were no
+delays on technicalities, or any appeals.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall's trail followed the track that Marcus
+Whitman had made from the west bank of the
+Missouri River nearly two decades before, when that
+famous missionary was on the way to overtake the
+expedition of the American Fur Company before it
+reached the Indian tribe reported as hostile to white
+men passing through their country.  It will be
+recalled how Dr. Whitman swam the Platte where it
+was a mile wide, and re-crossed with the cattle until
+nearly exhausted, while Mrs. Whitman and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P64"></a>64}</span>
+Mrs. Spalding were towed over in a frail bullboat by two
+Indian women swimming, accompanied by Indian
+boys who assisted them heroically.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the sixth day out from this river, definite
+information was received that a camp of thirty Indian
+lodges was disputing the right of the emigrants to
+proceed farther without payment of toll for each
+wagon.  A number of outfits which had already
+refused to pay were encamped there; Mulhall considered
+this a wise move until he could reconnoiter and
+find out just how serious the situation was.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the rumor of the obstruction had been confirmed
+the evening before, the firing of a rifle startled
+the camp.  Unobserved, Kate had slipped out of the
+camp with her rifle; if there was going to be trouble
+with the Indians, she would have a fresh load in it.
+The next day, when her father had concluded to go
+ahead and ascertain the facts about the detention,
+Kate said she would go along.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall had not thought of taking arms with him;
+but Kate noticed that a number had gone forward
+carrying their guns, and said it was better to be
+prepared.  Catherine firmly approved the move, and
+added that they would put the camp in best shape
+possible for defense.  Experienced pioneers all agree
+that the most retiring and apparently timid women
+usually were the most courageous in times of
+danger on the plains, whether from Indians or other
+causes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate mounted Ned, bareback, while her father
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P65"></a>65}</span>
+rode Nell.  It was a ride of six miles past several
+camps and many teams standing in the road; and
+hundreds of excited men were found at the point of
+detention.  The place chosen by the Indians was a
+small ravine where a recent washout had been bridged
+by a train of emigrants that had passed on sometime
+previous.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the farther side the Indians were camped;
+most of the men were mounted, but had not put on
+their war paint.  They were intending to dispute the
+crossing until payment was made for passing through
+their country&mdash;a plausible claim, as the white man's
+government had made no treaties with them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here the dilemma&mdash;whether to pay toll or force
+their way through&mdash;confronted the responsible men
+of the emigrant column.  Was it just to force their
+way across the country if the Indians owned it?
+What right had the white man to pass through it,
+kill their buffalo, turn his oxen out on their range
+to eat off the grass, or to burn the scant supply of
+fuel?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Many of the pioneers had never thought about this
+and were puzzled; but when the Chief said, "One
+cow, one wagon," all saw instantly that to submit
+meant the disintegration or even stopping of the
+whole emigration.  As that tribe did not claim to
+own the country farther than to the next river
+crossing, a similar demand might be made again and
+again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While the improvised council was discussing this
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P66"></a>66}</span>
+question, there was a great commotion.  Many who
+did not go near the council had driven their teams
+close to the disputed bridge-head, when one bold
+pioneer spoke in a loud voice, "You fellows get
+ready to follow; I'm going across that bridge if I
+have to run right over an Injun!" and he did.  The
+Indian narrowly escaped; other teams followed in
+quick succession; the blockade was broken, and for
+the next twenty-four hours, day or night, scarce a
+moment passed without a wagon on that bridge.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-066"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-066.jpg" alt="UNDER THE YOKE FOR THE FIRST TIME">
+<br>
+UNDER THE YOKE FOR THE FIRST TIME
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+In their struggles to shake it off, Brindle and Star
+had reversed the yoke, as
+described on page <a href="#P38">38</a>.  Large numbers of cows were
+"broken" like oxen, and
+in many instances helped to make up a "team."  This
+incident is recalled, half
+a century later, by the visit to the old homestead
+in Missouri described on
+page <a href="#P234">234</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap02fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap02fn1text">1</a>] See "The Missionary's Story," pages <a href="#P235">235-283</a>.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap03"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P67"></a>67}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER III
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+TRIALS OF THE LONG TRAIL; DANGEROUS RIVER
+CROSSINGS; THE DEATH OF CATHERINE; WEST OF
+THE ROCKIES; SEPARATION OF THE PARTY; NEW
+HOMES IN THE OREGON COUNTRY.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The Dust&mdash;clouds of which were so dense
+that oftentimes the leaders of a team could
+not be seen&mdash;became almost intolerable.
+Kate adopted the sensible practice of starting early
+in the morning with the carriage and loose cattle so
+that her mother might escape as much of it as
+possible.  One day Mulhall saw her riding hastily back
+to the team.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Father," she exclaimed, "Ned has dropped dead
+in the harness and the carriage can't go any farther."  Craig
+had been ill for several days and Mulhall was
+driving the team.  Leaving it to Kate, he rode ahead
+to find Catherine in distress and his favorite, trusty
+horse lying stiff beside the carriage.  Unsaddling
+Nell and harnessing her alongside Dick, the Squire
+started the outfit on the road, advising Catherine to
+camp as soon as a suitable place could be found.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The little twin girls had forgotten their loose
+stock, which by this time was widely scattered; part
+of it had gone on with the other herds, and some was
+on either side of the road.  One old lame cow,
+Beckey, had laid down where the carriage stopped
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P68"></a>68}</span>
+and was unwilling to resume the journey.  It was
+late in the evening when all came together at the
+camp; three head of stock were missing; water could
+be procured only from a deep ravine half a mile
+distant; no fuel was in sight for a camp fire, and
+"buffalo chips" had disappeared from near camping
+grounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With Ben's assistance, Kate unyoked both teams
+and started the oxen, whose tongues were out from
+thirst, and such of the loose stock as could be found,
+to the ravine for water.  The entire party had been
+without water for several hours before reaching camp;
+and how could they prepare food without it, or fuel
+or Kate's help?  Anyhow the oxen must have the
+first attention, and water procured for the camp; and
+it was a question whether or not they could get all
+the oxen out of the ravine after their thirst had been
+slacked.  It was past midnight when Kate lay down
+to rest, and for the first time on the trip she gave
+way to grief.  Her mother had gone to bed supperless;
+Kate had seen for some time that Catherine's
+strength was failing, and realized that the strain was
+likely to become too heavy for her to bear&mdash;a thought
+which fairly stunned and even terrified her.  Blaming
+herself for favoring abandonment of the Missouri
+borne and undertaking the long trip, nature finally
+relieved her by deep and restful sleep.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall and his fellow travelers had come to dread
+river crossings without bridges or established ferries
+more than the Indians, dust, the fatigue, lack of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P69"></a>69}</span>
+grass for the oxen or anything else on the trail.  All
+were rejoiced to be safely across one, and hopeful that
+the next would be less dangerous; but in this they
+were often doomed to disappointment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As they left the sluggish current of the main
+Platte River to ascend its chief tributary the North
+Platte, the current was found to be swifter as the
+trail led gradually up the east slope of the Rocky
+Mountains.  An account of the crossing of one of
+these, written upon the spot at the time by W. P. Woods
+and preserved in his diary, will illustrate the
+difficulty and dangers to be surmounted:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Thursday, June 21, 1849&mdash;We made an early start and drove
+12 miles to the mouth of Deer Creek, where we found teams
+crossing the Platte.  Four boats, each consisting of two
+dug-outs fastened together, had been made by emigrants who had
+crossed before and gone on, others buying their rights and
+continuing the work.  We paid $3 per wagon for the use of
+the boats, and swam the oxen.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Just before reaching here the accidental discharge of a
+gun by a member of the Pittsburg Company, who was
+unloading a wagon to make the crossing, killed a man from
+Illinois, the ball passing through the body just above the
+heart.  A man was drowned here yesterday; and just 12
+miles above seven men have been lost in two days while
+rafting their wagons across.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Friday, June 22, 1849&mdash;We were roused early, and in good
+season commenced crossing our wagons.  The line for two
+miles along the river bank presented as busy an aspect as it
+ordinarily does in St. Louis, or any other small town in the
+States.  Wagons in pieces, boxes and chattels of all kinds made
+a scene of extraordinary activity far out in this uninhabited
+western country.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Our "boat" was called the "Two Follies and Betsy," from
+their being two dugouts, with a log between them.  Joining
+forces with the twelve Cincinnati mule trains, the "boat"
+started off in style with 30 men to cordelle it against the
+current.  The men were obliged to work in the water, which
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P70"></a>70}</span>
+rendered it quite unpleasant; but by 4 o'clock P.M. we were
+across, and then drove the oxen down to swim.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+With all of our efforts, swimming and wading from that
+time until dark, we could only get three of them across;
+so had at last to let them return to the shore, and were
+obliged to keep watch of them until morning.  The water
+is remarkably swift and cold, the low temperature probably
+due to our proximity to the snows of the mountains.  To the
+south of us, about four miles from the Platte, there arises
+a range of very high pine-clad hills, which appears to
+terminate in the Laramie Mountains.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Saturday, June 23, 1849&mdash;Again resumed our labors by
+recrossing the river for the purpose of crossing our ox-teams,
+but at first with no better success than the day before.  Here
+we witnessed scenes far surpassing anything the imagination
+ever conceived&mdash;the long to be remembered crossing of the
+Platte.  No pencil can portray or pen depict the scene as it
+really was.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Fancy for one moment our feelings on observing the vast
+aggregation of oxen, mules, horses and wagons mixed
+indiscriminately with men clothed, half-clad and even almost
+naked, encountering the elements that were temporarily
+stopping our progress.  By about noon we succeeded in
+crossing; but both men and teams were extremely exhausted.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The onlookers witnessed sights ranging from the laughable
+to the alarming.  In one place six men were assisted ashore
+by hanging to the tail of a mule, with a rider on him at that,
+while in another case extreme efforts were being made to
+save a man from drowning.  A boat, with a wagon containing
+women and children, sank but was saved by striking a bar.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+I was carried by the swift current outside the jam of
+cattle, and saved myself by catching hold of the tail of an
+ox as I passed him, and letting him tow me to shore.  Those
+scenes are over, though we shall long remember them.  We
+yoked our teams and drove on over a very rough sand road
+for about four miles, where we encamped on the river hank
+to feed our oxen and rest ourselves.  Many a man here wishes
+himself back in the States.[<a id="chap03fn1text"></a><a href="#chap03fn1">1</a>]
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+For a considerable sum, Mulhall secured a means
+of crossing by a train which had been provided for
+the emergency; and though not detained or endangered,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P71"></a>71}</span>
+was much relieved when safely landed on the
+opposite shore.  He knew, however, there were two
+more crossings of a mighty river on the western slope
+of the Rocky Mountains about a thousand miles
+ahead of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Catherine's strength had rapidly declined, and
+soon after the crossing just described it became
+evident that the day of her long rest was near at hand.
+Mulhall's first impulse was to stop and camp until
+she recovered her strength; but if he dropped out of
+the passing throng and was left alone, the peril of
+Indians would be greatly increased.  He was in the
+mountains with no permanent settlements&mdash;in fact
+none on the whole length of the trail beyond the
+Missouri; during the winter which would be coming
+on with heavy falls of snow, his teams would
+undoubtedly perish, and his party suffer for lack of
+food and shelter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Taking charge of the carriage himself and driving
+carefully, he fancied that Catherine's strength was
+gaining; but alas, was doomed to disappointment.
+The sorrowful end was not long delayed.  Among the
+fleeting clouds well up on the eastern slope of the
+Rockies, nearly a mile and a half in altitude above
+the home they had left in old Missouri, they buried
+her in the shifting sands of the Sweetwater River
+Valley.  Her last words to Kate, "Take good care
+of father," rang in her ears ever afterward; and she
+did&mdash;loyally and faithfully&mdash;until the last day of
+his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P72"></a>72}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nearly prostrated by the calamity that had
+befallen them, Kate felt that she did not want to go
+any farther; but gradually recovered her sense of
+duty to the little orphaned sisters, her father and
+herself.  The anguish in leaving the lone grave can
+only be known to those who have been through some
+such experience; and the thought that the little
+mound of sand would soon be leveled by the fierce
+winds of the mountain slope added poignance to the
+already overwhelming grief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Craig deeply sympathized with the stricken family.
+Little Sarah, one of the twins, who was of an
+age to realize her great loss and yet not old enough
+to be resigned&mdash;if that age ever arrives&mdash;would not
+be calmed when the hour of burial came.  She clung
+to the rough box containing her mother's body, and
+with pitiable outcries pleaded with her father, "don't
+leave her here; <i>don't; don't!</i>"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Child, do you see the rift in yonder mountains?"
+Craig asked.  Between deep sobs she answered, "Yes."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"That's Split Mountain, two thousand feet high,"
+Craig continued, "none other like it anywhere in
+sight of the trail.  The two mountains stand so close
+together the space between them seems from here
+like a black ribbon, although, we know they are many
+rods apart."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The child fixed her gaze intently on the mountain
+while Craig continued, "That is almost exactly north
+of where your mother's grave will be; I saw the
+North Star last evening just above it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P73"></a>73}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Craig had arrested the child's attention for the
+moment, and in a tone of sympathy asked, "Did you
+notice those tracks in the stone made by the wagon
+wheels just where we turned off the trail to this
+camp?  They are so deep they will last forever."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Craig had drawn the child's attention away from
+the bereavement, but had not arrested her deep grief;
+and added, "Those tracks will tell you where to stop
+to look for your mother's grave, if you ever come
+out to search for it when you grow up to be a
+woman&mdash;no others like them."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This thought impressed the little girl as no other
+words Craig had ever spoken.  Between the long
+infrequent, tremulous sighs that could not be
+suppressed, she looked imploringly and trustfully into
+Craig's eyes while he continued, "You remember that
+grave we passed marked by a wagon tire half sunk
+in the ground?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes," answered Sarah, hesitating a moment, "I
+remember the name, 'Rebecca' inscribed on the tire,
+but have forgotten the other."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Winters," Craig thought to himself, and then
+said, "that's it, Rebecca Winters.  Now my little
+friend, I'll mark your mother's grave the same way,
+so you can find it the longest day you live;" and his
+own tears dropped on the hand of his little friend,
+which he held in his.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The scene was enough to melt a heart of stone;
+the faltering voice, the Scotch brogue, the deep
+sympathy with the distressed child, and Sarah's
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P74"></a>74}</span>
+trustfulness somewhat relieved the feelings of all, and the
+burial was completed in silence.  Craig immediately
+afterwards disappeared from the camp, and returned
+after dark with a wagon tire noticed a few hours
+before they had camped.  It was from one of the
+several wagons that had been burned&mdash;mute evidence
+of a massacre where none were left to tell the story.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Douglas Craig was an all-around, handy man;
+in his native country he had worked as a smithy,
+and was an expert with metals.  Early the next
+morning echoes of his work could be heard; he was
+inscribing the name, "Catherine Mulhall, died 185-;
+aged fifty-seven."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All day long this labor of love went on with
+scarcely long enough intermission for a hasty dinner.
+Kate and the little girls went out in search of
+flowers to decorate the grave, and were rewarded
+by finding an abundance of wild roses and several
+other varieties of the flora in that region.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate noticed a very small but well formed pine
+tree that seemed likely to grow into a suitable
+landmark.  The thought came to her mind that they
+might transplant it to grow on the grave; and Ben
+said they could, without disturbing the roots.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Both busied themselves nearly all day changing
+the beautiful little tree to its new home and planted
+it, with roots undisturbed, at the head of the grave,
+with a vigorous wild rose bush.  The girls gathered
+leaves and decaying wood to mulch the ground.  Before
+nightfall, the little mound built over the sacred
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P75"></a>75}</span>
+spot was partially leveled down, covered with flowers
+and the inscribed wagon tire set in place.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-074"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-074.jpg" alt="A CORRAL AT AN OVERNIGHT STOP ON THE TRAIL THROUGH THE INDIAN COUNTRY; SEE PAGES 58 and 169">
+<br>
+A CORRAL AT AN OVERNIGHT STOP ON THE TRAIL THROUGH <br>
+THE INDIAN COUNTRY; SEE PAGES <a href="#P58">58</a> and <a href="#P169">169</a>
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The illustration shows the nature of the precautions adopted
+for defense&mdash;soon abandoned when trains began to disintegrate
+and break into smaller units, making it easier for the
+Indiana to attack and sometimes massacre a company,
+with a result like that
+shown in the illustration opposite page <a href="#P175">175</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-075"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-075.jpg" alt="ALMOST &quot;DOWN AND OUT&quot;">
+<br>
+ALMOST &quot;DOWN AND OUT&quot;
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Scenes like this were frequent on the Oregon Trail in the 50s,
+and are vividly remembered by a few survivors, including the
+author of this volume.  Many suffered from thirst, hunger and
+exhaustion, particularly on long drives through the desert regions;
+sickness and death often disrupted or even annihilated families.
+When wagons were worn out or broken beyond repair, they
+were sometimes cut down to carts or abandoned, and members
+of the party continued along on foot, driving their live stock.  Most
+of those who passed through experiences like this survived
+the hardships of the overland journey, and some of them became
+leading citizens of the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain States.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The throng of moving teams could be traced for
+miles by the clouds of dust floating in the air; and
+the wagons were seen on the trail, which passed
+within a half mile of the grave.  Both horses lost
+flesh until they appeared like skeletons; and it was
+decided to leave the carriage there.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nearly all the horses of the emigrants had died
+for want of food and overwork, or both; and Mulhall
+feared he would soon lose his if conditions did
+not improve.  He had lost one ox by straying;
+another, lamed, was sold to a trader, and now a second
+one had gone lame.  It became necessary to reduce
+one team to two yoke, or yoke up an unbroken cow
+with the odd ox; the Squire chose the latter
+alternative, with one team weakened.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though at the eastern line of the Oregon Country
+when the summit of the Rocky Mountains was
+crossed, they were not yet half way on the long
+journey.  Reaching the crest of the Continent at the
+South Pass, they camped a short distance off the
+Trail; and when morning came found banks of snow
+in the hollows and on the northern slopes, and thin
+ice in the camp bucket.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A month later the party was struggling along
+the banks of the Snake River, which had to be
+crossed twice; and they were still confronted by the
+Blue and Cascade Mountain ranges.  Apparently it
+was only a question of time when Mulhall would be
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P76"></a>76}</span>
+compelled to leave one of the wagons; this he did at
+the lower crossing of the Snake River, where two
+young pioneers[<a id="chap03fn2text"></a><a href="#chap03fn2">2</a>] had lashed two wagon-boxes together,
+and constructed a platform to enable them to run a
+wagon onto it and cross the river without unloading.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall soon arranged to send over the wagons by
+this improvised ferry, swimming the oxen and
+horses.  Ben mounted one of the horses and rode
+ahead as a decoy, while Craig and friendly helpers
+urged the oxen into the river until deep water was
+reached, when all followed Ben's lead and crossed
+safely.  While this was being done, a woman died
+from exhaustion, leaving three little orphaned
+children to the care of the stricken husband and
+father&mdash;a pathetic incident which revived Kate's grief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Men were never more loyal to one another than
+Ben and Craig were to Mulhall.  From all appearances,
+they might have been his own sons; Kate had
+treated them as brothers and the whole outfit
+including the little twins, were like one family.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For several weeks Ben and Craig counseled between
+themselves as to the advisability, or possible
+necessity, of leaving father Mulhall after the last
+crossing of the Snake River, and going ahead on foot.
+Craig had carefully ascertained the amount of food
+on hand and calculated the quantity used each day
+to supply six persons constituting the party; and
+demonstrated to his own mind there was an insufficient
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P77"></a>77}</span>
+supply for the remainder of the trip, probably
+at least another three weeks.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"We ought to go ahead, Ben," Craig said in his
+broad Scotch brogue, particularly when considering
+grave subjects.  "The two of us are consuming
+one-third of the daily food," he continued; "and, Ben,
+did you ever think of what an appalling calamity
+of famine would have overtaken us all had it not
+been for so many[<a id="chap03fn3text"></a><a href="#chap03fn3">3</a>] dying on the way?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Won't you speak to father Mulhall about it?"
+Ben hesitated to approach the Squire on the subject
+lest he might think of the suggestion as a proposal
+of desertion.  "Well, I'll talk to him," Craig said,
+seeing that Ben was reluctant to do so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When broached on the subject by Craig, the Squire
+would not agree to it at all.  The sacrifice and danger
+to Craig and Ben was too great; better go upon short
+rations and all keep together; leave one wagon and
+kill one ox&mdash;"Anything rather than to have 'the
+boys' take the risks and endure such hardships," he
+said to Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That very morning Kate had given breakfast to
+two "tramps," who had been without food for forty
+hours, "Except a few grasshoppers, but not many,"
+as one of them, a lad of twelve,[<a id="chap03fn4text"></a><a href="#chap03fn4">4</a>] naively said, "they
+were too hard to catch."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P78"></a>78}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A near famine now confronted the whole of the
+emigration; and finally all agreed that it was best
+for the two to go ahead on foot as they had discussed,
+for the young men could travel farther in one day
+than the ox-team could in two.  Before reaching a
+final conclusion Ben and Kate consulted together,
+keeping their own counsel as to what passed between
+them.  Ben and Craig had great respect for the
+Squire&mdash;if indeed affection would not be the more
+appropriate word; and it was with genuine feelings
+of regret that they parted from him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the fifth day, when it was estimated that they
+were a hundred miles ahead of "father Mulhall," as
+they now called him, the young men met the relief
+train coming out from Portland to the rescue, and
+arranged to have him supplied with such articles of
+food as they knew Kate and he needed most.  Mulhall
+received the letter Ben had written and the
+provisions with tears of affection for "my boys," as he
+was fond of referring to them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The supplies sent out to relieve the pressing wants
+of the incoming pioneers were not for sale, but for
+relief.  If a man could pay, all right&mdash;the money
+received would be used to purchase more; but the
+majority who were unable to do so, were supplied
+without obligation as to future payment.  Ben and
+Craig soon felt their strength failing from reduced
+rations; so when they heard of supply trains ahead,
+they resumed their usual allowance, and soon
+regained normal condition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P79"></a>79}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Knowing that she must be uneasy about him, Ben
+wrote to his mother at the end of his journey, and
+even before he slept under a roof.  The trip had
+taken nearly two months longer than expected; and
+now he learned that another month would be
+required to send a letter back to Missouri.  Under
+present circumstances he could not encourage Linda
+to think of coming to him, or expect that he could
+soon return to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Would she conclude that his love for her had
+declined, or lose faith in him if he wrote of the most
+insuperable barrier that now lay between them?  At the
+time it occurred, he had written to Linda the facts of
+Kate's and his adventure in crossing the Missouri.
+The gossips had wagged their tongues and surmised
+that because he had rescued Kate, she would feel
+under obligations to marry him; and Squire Mulhall
+ardently wished that that, or something else, would
+bring about such a result.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben and Kate were both annoyed, but could do
+nothing to silence the busybodies; to deny it would
+only whet their zeal.  So much talk going the rounds
+of the camp set Ben to wondering if the same gossip
+prevailed in his old neighborhood; and if so whether
+or not it had come to Linda's ears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this perplexing mood Ben went to bed inside
+a dwelling for the first time in more than half a year,
+and woke up in the morning with the memory of
+pleasant dreams of home and Linda.  His anxiety to
+secure a home in the new country had not abated
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P80"></a>80}</span>
+one jot or tittle from the time he parted with her
+on the memorable Sunday evening before starting
+with Squire Mulhall for Oregon.  The last words
+from Linda, "I'll be true to you to the end, Ben,"
+still rang in his ears as if spoken but yesterday, and
+had followed him across the greater part of the
+continent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the parting with Kate he had given up his
+secret, reluctantly but prompted by intense loyalty to
+the girl of his choice.  If anything should happen
+to him, he wanted Linda to know from Kate of his
+undying love for her to the last; and from Kate's
+own lips, or by letter from her, the senseless nature
+of the gossip concerning them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Another matter he wished to confide to Kate&mdash;he
+was going to Oregon to secure a home for Linda and
+himself; and desired to make provision that Linda
+should fall heir to it in the event that he should die
+before they married.  Ben was prompted to these
+serious thoughts by the experience of being close to
+death's door twice on the trip&mdash;once in the near
+catastrophe while crossing the Missouri, and again at
+the buffalo hunt, from both of which he had emerged
+without serious consequences.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He regretted to be parted from his mother for her
+sake and from Linda for her sake, but took very little
+thought for himself.  The tenets of endless punishment
+after death, widely taught in his boyhood days,
+never found lodgment in his brain.  He believed in
+a God of love, not of vengeance; and while clinging
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P81"></a>81}</span>
+to the present for the sake of those he loved, was
+resigned at any time to pass to the future life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Douglas Craig and Benjamin Hardy had become
+fast friends; their mutual trials and duties had
+drawn them closer together as the journey progressed.
+"There isn't a lazy bone in Craig's body," the Squire
+said to Kate one day, to which she responded that
+the same could be said of Ben.  Mulhall readily
+assented, saying that he had been blessed with "two of
+the best boys God Almighty ever made;" and added,
+"your mother thought the same, God bless her
+memory."  Kate made no response, but the tears that
+came to her eyes at the mention of her mother's name
+expressed a deep and abiding sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the morning Ben learned that it would be eight
+days before the next mail to "the States," as the
+pioneers were accustomed to speak of all the country
+east of the Missouri River; and so did not write to
+Linda as planned.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Ben, I've a notion to go with you to hunt a
+claim," Craig said when he noticed the preparations
+Ben was making for the trip.  "I don't like the idea
+of parting with you just now," he continued; "besides,
+maybe it's best for me to take a claim anyway,
+and not depend altogether upon working at my trade."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so the two "boys," who had come down the
+Columbia River and to the southern part of the great
+territory, started off in search of a home for each.
+Mulhall had determined to go into the northern
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P82"></a>82}</span>
+district of the Puget Sound; so they did not expect to
+meet him until such time as they learned where he had
+located.  After many days of searching, the spot that
+suited them was found, and a line agreed upon
+between the two adjoining claims.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I golly," Ben said, "why can't we build one cabin
+and locate it for the line to cut through the middle?
+You can have your bed in one end, on your claim,
+and I can have mine in the other end on my claim;"
+and then he added, "if you want to work at your
+trade a part of the time you would not lose your
+residence; and if I"&mdash;.  But Ben stopped there, for he
+was near to revealing his secret, if he had not already
+done so by his manner and confusion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The pact was sealed and the cabin built; and here
+for the present we must leave our young friends to
+trace the fortunes or misfortunes of Squire Mulhall
+and his three girls.  In due time also we shall learn
+whether or not Ben could leave his claim before the
+four years' residence required by the law to secure
+a title; and whether Linda remained true to him
+through all that time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Ben and Craig passed out of sight over the
+crest of the hill ahead, following the trail with packs
+on their backs, Mulhall could control his emotion no
+longer: and tears coursed down his cheeks as he
+spoke in a tremulous voice to Kate of their noble
+character and self sacrifices.  Kate, more demonstrative
+than her father, gave way without restraint to
+manifestation of distress in voice and weeping.
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P83"></a>83}</span>
+Observing the unusual scene, little Sarah joined with
+childish soothing words to Kate and her father; but
+the more she said the deeper their distress, until all
+restraint was abandoned and the three were relieved
+by tears and words of praise for the two "boys."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+David Mulhall, even though mild-mannered and
+gentle, was a man with a stout heart, and fully
+realized the gravity of the situation confronting him.  It
+was a race with famine and lingering starvation or
+death.  If he undertook to increase the speed of
+travel as some had done, his oxen would probably
+fail and leave him without a team; having noticed
+several such instances, he resolved to pursue the even
+tenor of his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The first formidable barrier to be met was the
+Blue Mountain ranges, which must be crossed at an
+altitude of about 4,200 feet; that steep ascent could
+not be avoided, and many outfits were stranded along
+the slope of the mountain.  To lighten the load in the
+wagon, some clothing was packed on the horse Ned,
+while the girls and the Squire walked.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By a succession of short drives and long rests,
+the summit was reached, though a long stretch of
+rough roads and steep hills was still ahead.  While
+not hazardous, the descent into the plains extending
+to the west and north was tiresome and tedious; it
+presented a scene of enchantment seldom equaled&mdash;the
+whole covered by a carpet of luxurious grass,
+dotted here and there with bands of Indian ponies
+and tepees of Indian villages.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P84"></a>84}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall was now about twenty-five miles from
+the site of the Whitman Missionary Station, where
+help was given to all in need until the fateful day
+of the massacre, November 29, 1847.  Here, at the
+foot of the mountain, Mulhall left the trail of Ben
+and Craig, who had followed the Columbia route
+down the river leading to Portland, and joined the
+gathering hosts of the migration along the new trail
+northward to Puget Sound.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was a daring and momentous decision.  Two
+formidable barriers were in the track&mdash;the mighty
+Columbia, the second river in length and volume of
+water on the Continent, and the Cascade Range,
+which proved to be the most formidable mountain
+obstruction of the whole trip, far greater than that of
+the Rockies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As they passed the site of the former Whitman
+Mission, Mulhall tarried to view the locality which
+had witnessed the activities of Dr. Marcus Whitman
+and his gifted wife, Narcissa Prentiss Whitman, in
+their efforts to implant the Christian religion in the
+breasts of the Indians, and where they had relieved
+the suffering of many pioneer emigrants during
+eleven years of heroic struggle to maintain their
+mission.  The day of the supreme sacrifice came
+unheralded, as recalled by the grass-grown graves of the
+thirteen victims, which Mulhall viewed with bared
+head in the presence of the three daughters, who
+had so recently witnessed the closing of the earth
+over the precious remains of their mother.  When
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P85"></a>85}</span>
+shown the small grave and told the story of the
+drowning of the only child of the lonesome mother,
+Narcissa Whitman, Sarah's grief again became
+inconsolable, and only with great difficulty was she
+persuaded to leave the sacred grounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Columbia River, more than a mile wide and
+with a swift current, was directly in their path some
+thirty miles away.  How they were to cross was not
+yet definitely known, but it was the general belief
+that at the Hudson's Bay Company's fort, situated
+on the bank of the river, there would be some means
+of getting over it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After two more days of driving, Mulhall drew up
+to the camp of more than two hundred detained
+emigrants.  The first train to arrive, consisting of 148
+people with thirty wagons, finding no means of crossing,
+undertook to build a boat large enough to carry
+a loaded wagon or several oxen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Driftwood lodged on a sand-bar above the fort
+furnished the material, and a whip-saw was set to work
+cutting the lumber; it ran day and night, and in
+eleven days the boat was launched.  Then the first
+crossing was made, and in four more days all were
+safely across, after the loss of fifteen days of precious
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whether or not snow in the mountains would block
+the trail, weighed heavily upon the minds of the
+whole company.  The abundant grass in that locality
+had greatly strengthened the oxen and enabled them
+to make good progress, though as no wagons had
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P86"></a>86}</span>
+gone on ahead, it was necessary at times to stop and
+open the way.  Measured by the current of the river
+they must follow, there were still about 200 miles
+between the crossing of the Columbia and the
+settlements on Puget Sound, about 100 of the whole
+following mountain streams.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Evidences of that drive through the gorges had
+been left, sometimes on sand-bars with rounded
+boulders imbedded in the sand, and then in the shallow
+streams.  Other marks had been made on slippery
+boulders, until deep water compelled the emigrants[<a id="chap03fn5text"></a><a href="#chap03fn5">5</a>]
+to cross the river or open a road through the timber
+and underbrush&mdash;one alternative and then another,
+until 62 crossings of the river were thus crudely
+recorded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Just beyond the summit, a rim of almost perpendicular
+rock was encountered, so steep that it was
+impossible to drive the wagons down the declivity.
+Three steers were killed, and their hides cut into
+strips to lengthen the ropes assembled from the
+train; in that way thirty wagons were let down the
+mountain with the loss of only one of them.  The
+tree used as a snubbing post was deeply encircled by
+the wear of the ropes and finally killed; but it stood
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P87"></a>87}</span>
+sentinel over the scene for another quarter of a
+century.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Mulhall emerged from the deep forests of
+the foothills west of the Cascade Mountain range, he
+was fairly dazed at the sight that confronted him;
+and could scarcely believe his eyes.  The evergreen
+trees were so tall and dense that they obscured the
+light and made it difficult to read common print at
+the noon hour, while the bright shining sun spread
+light and warmth over the tops of the forest giants.
+All through the mountains, the eyes of the pioneers
+had become accustomed to a lesser light than they
+had encountered in the open country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That forest is one of the greatest and most notable
+on the Continent or in the world.  Giant firs grow
+to a height of three hundred feet; large numbers of
+them measure six feet, with here and there one eight
+and in rare cases even twelve feet, in diameter.  A
+monster tree fifteen and a half feet through at the
+base, and probably a thousand years old, could be
+seen as one laboriously followed the trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The mind of the Squire was affected in just about
+the same way as if he had suddenly emerged from a
+dark room into bright sunlight, with his eyes dimmed
+by the glare; it required time to recover and grasp
+the change.  He had arrived at what is locally known
+as "Elk Plains" on the eastern margin of the famed
+Nisqually Plains, a wide extent of prairie country
+extending to the Nisqually River, twenty miles away
+to the south and nearly that distance to Puget Sound
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P88"></a>88}</span>
+on the west.  The whole intervening space was
+interspersed with numerous small, clear lakes with pebbly
+bottoms into which the creeks emptied their limpid
+waters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Occasionally a creek would issue from a lake fed
+by springs in the bottom; in other cases there was
+no inlet or outlet, and yet the water was as pure and
+sparkling as that running in the creeks.  Here and
+there were small groves of evergreen timber surrounded
+by the prairies to lend enchantment to the
+landscape, a veritable fairy-land in the eyes of the
+wearied pioneers.  Unexpectedly, off to the east, a
+large number of sheep were seen quietly grazing on
+the stunted grass that covered the soil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Starting to drive toward one of the lakes, Mulhall
+suddenly came upon a herd of cattle that fled at the
+sight of his wagon and took refuge in a near-by grove.
+Kate was sure she saw three deer fleeing with the
+cattle&mdash;the latter now as wild as any creature that
+roamed the plains.  At about the same time, a band
+of Indian ponies was suddenly encountered, as the
+outfit rounded a point of timber; the wild scene was
+then re-enacted as the ponies, with heads and tails
+in the air, snorted and ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sight of the deer fired Kate's imagination; she
+thought of the rifle in the wagon, but could not stop
+to try her hand on the game of that region.  She
+thought of Ben, who had saved her life&mdash;and Pelton
+too.  No flowers could grow in the deep forests; but
+here on the prairies and margins of the lakes and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P89"></a>89}</span>
+creeks many species, the wild rose predominating,
+grew to perfection.  The little sisters eagerly picked
+some of the first flowers they had found for many
+weeks, and brought them to Kate as they had
+formerly done to their mother.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="t4">
+Photograph from Washington Historical Society, Tacoma
+</p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-088"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-088.jpg" alt="MONUMENT TO BE SEEN ALONG THE CLOVER CREEK HIGHWAY, ABOUT TEN MILES SOUTH OF TACOMA, WASHINGTON">
+<br>
+MONUMENT TO BE SEEN ALONG THE CLOVER CREEK <br>
+HIGHWAY, ABOUT TEN MILES SOUTH OF <br>
+TACOMA, WASHINGTON
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Here, in Mr. Meeker's story, Kate Mulhall unyoked her
+oxen for the last
+time: see page <a href="#P89">89</a>.  The inscription on the monument
+will be found on the
+reverse of this leaf.
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3 quote">
+[Over]
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  Fac-simile of inscription upon the monument shown on the reverse<br>
+  of this leaf:<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  OCTOBER<br>
+  1853 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1913<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  COMMEMORATING<br>
+  THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY<br>
+  OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE<br>
+  FIRST EMIGRANT TRAIN<br>
+  COMING DIRECT TO THE<br>
+  PUGET SOUND VIA THE<br>
+  NATCHESS PASS.  THEY<br>
+  MADE THEIR LAST CAMP<br>
+  OCT. 8TH 1853 ON THE<br>
+  BANK OF CLOVER CREEK<br>
+  THREE FOURTHS OF<br>
+  A MILE SOUTH OF THIS<br>
+  MONUMENT<br>
+  ERECTED BY<br>
+  WASHINGTON STATE HIST-<br>
+  ORICAL SOCIETY&mdash;PIERCE COUNTY<br>
+  PIONEER SOCIETY MEMBERS&mdash;DE-<br>
+  SCENDANTS AND FRIENDS OF<br>
+  THE NATCHESS EMIGRANT TRAIN<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3 quote">
+[Over]
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The Squire soon came to the camp[<a id="chap03fn6text"></a><a href="#chap03fn6">6</a>] on the margin
+of a creek, where he found more than half of the
+pioneers who had gone on ahead; and here, about
+twelve miles from Puget Sound, Kate unyoked her
+oxen for the last time.  A fine carcass of beef had
+been sent there for them by the Chief Factor of the
+Hudson's Bay Company with the message, "divide
+this among yourselves;" and a near-by farmer
+brought a wagon-load of vegetables to give out "free
+for everybody."  Just then a team arrived from the
+fort with sugar, salt and other provisions, of which
+they were greatly in need, and told the pioneers to
+help themselves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All day and well into the night stragglers came in,
+some with teams and others with packs on their
+backs&mdash;all tired and hungry.  Fearing that their teams
+might be unable to climb the hill out of the valley, a
+few had stopped at the last river crossing, and early
+next morning an expedition was sent to assist them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As evening fell, all were safely camped together,
+with the consolation that not one life had been lost
+in the struggle over the mountain range.  All of the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P90"></a>90}</span>
+148 attended a prayer-meeting held by the light of
+the camp-fires; the pent-up feelings of emotion were
+usually accompanied by silent tears of joy, though
+some gave way to boisterous manifestations of thankfulness
+for deliverance from the hazards of the trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate's spirits had risen; but not so with her father,
+who had made the perilous trip to secure a home and
+a farm.  This charming region was suitable only for
+grazing, and besides was in possession of a foreign
+corporation.  He was now in a strange land, without
+shelter for his family of girls or ready money, and
+so far as he knew without credit; with winter
+approaching, he could not stay in camp very long, and
+as he said afterwards, "I was stumped to know
+what to do."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A large majority of those who crossed the mountains
+with him were in the same state of perplexity.
+"I do not believe in that old saying, 'misery loves
+company.'  To be sure, I did love that company of
+noble men and women, but not because they faced
+the trials that confronted me," was spoken many
+years later in a reminiscent mood.  Mulhall could
+not help being relieved at the happiness of the girls,
+especially the twins or "little buds," as he fondly
+called them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sarah had recovered from the shock that so
+depressed her upon the death of her mother, and would
+often refer to her with tears of affection.  Not being
+old enough to enter deeply into or think seriously of
+the cares of life, the girls often joyfully roamed the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P91"></a>91}</span>
+byways of the trail in search of flowers or anything
+new.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Mamma, what kind of a bird is this?" both asked
+at once.  They had now become accustomed to calling
+Kate "mamma," and she had not discouraged them
+in doing so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"That's a young robin," Kate answered, as she
+held the little bird in the palm of her hand; "where
+did you get it?"  "Mayn't we keep it as a pet?"
+Sarah anxiously inquired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes," Kate answered, "but not as a prisoner;"
+and added, "it would be better off with its mother,
+don't you think?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But its mother wasn't there; we found it on the
+grass and it couldn't fly," both again spoke at once.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, but I am sure the mother was taking watchful
+care of her little one," said Kate.  The girls had
+set their hearts on having a pet, but agreed that it
+was not right to take the young bird away, and
+cheerfully returned it to the spot where they found
+it; after watching awhile they saw the mother bird
+come and feed the little one.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The same evening the girls fairly raced to see
+who should first tell the story of an apron full of
+nuts they had found, and now exhibited them to
+"mam-ma."  "Where did you find them, girls?" Kate
+asked.  "In a hollow tree, the cutest little place you
+ever saw," Bess answered.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But that was the winter store of a squirrel; would
+it be right to rob the treasure of the squirrel, which
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P92"></a>92}</span>
+might starve before winter ended?"  The girls
+hadn't thought of it in that light; next morning
+without any further word from "mamma," they returned
+the nuts to the "cute squirrel's nest," and then started
+off for new adventures and discoveries.  All of them
+were greatly benefited by the vigorous outdoor life;
+the father was delighted to see the rosy cheeks of the
+little girls and the returned sparkle in Kate's eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I have in my pocket a document that would be
+worth thousands of dollars back in Missouri; but
+here, where there are no banks, it is not worth the
+paper it is written on.  What is the good of it if one
+can't get the money the writing calls for?  No more
+than a pile of gold two thousand miles away from
+anything to eat," he said ruefully to Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was not going to be idle; but the more Mulhall
+looked over the near-by country, the less he liked
+it.  Passing nearby the Hudson's Bay Company's
+fort he decided to go in and thank the Chief Factor
+for the beef sent to the pioneers; and to his surprise
+found a large stock of well assorted merchandise on
+the shelves of the store and numerous customers,
+principally Indians, buying or bartering furs for
+goods.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Asked if he wanted to purchase anything, he
+answered that he had no money, whereupon the clerk,
+Edward Huggins, surmising that he had something
+to barter, suggested that he see the Chief Factor.  The
+Squire hadn't the least thought of buying anything
+when he went into the fort; but he did want to see
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P93"></a>93}</span>
+the head official and thank him for the beef.  He
+met Dr. William F. Tolmie, a slightly corpulent man
+with flowing locks and an almost florid complexion,
+who spoke with a Scotch brogue and had the bearing
+of a kindly gentleman.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Oh, that's nothing at all," he said in response to
+Mulhall's expression of thanks; "you could have had
+much more than that if you needed it."  As the
+thought of the paper in his pocket and the possibility
+of using it to establish a credit flashed through his
+mind, he produced the precious document and handed
+it to the Factor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A look of surprise followed the examination, for
+it represented a large sum for that time and place.
+"Do you want the money on this?" the head official
+quietly asked, to which Mulhall&mdash;fairly stunned and
+for once off his guard&mdash;replied, "Not all of it now,
+but I do urgently need some immediate supplies."  "You
+can have either supplies or cash as may best
+suit your convenience&mdash;all of it, or part as you may
+wish, though we would be perfectly willing that you
+take all of it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After a dinner with the Factor while dressed in his
+well-worn plainsman's garb, which the host appeared
+not to notice, the business was consummated; and
+Mulhall received from the great Company a
+certificate of deposit payable on demand.  A cart was
+loaded with supplies and dispatched to his camp, and
+a servant was directed to take him to it.  Mulhall
+arrived there first, and found Kate a little dejected, as
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P94"></a>94}</span>
+the flour was all gone and only vegetables were in
+sight for the coming meal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was surprised when the Squire leaned over
+her and imparted a kiss of joy at having rescued his
+little family from want, while the girls stood near-by
+in silent wonder.  The pressing situation had been
+carefully concealed from the children, who were now
+accustomed to being limited in the variety of food;
+and when told that they could not have bread for
+supper, thought nothing of it.  They were always
+associated with the memory of the cherished wife
+and mother now peacefully sleeping in the sands of
+the Sweetwater Valley near the summit of the Rocky
+Mountains; and "let them be happy" ran in the
+minds of both their father and Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Within two years after Mulhall had completed this
+to him important arrangement, a very different scene
+was enacted a few miles distant.  The American
+Government at that time began dealing with the
+Indians in the country west of the Cascade Mountains
+as tribes by making a treaty[<a id="chap03fn7text"></a><a href="#chap03fn7">7</a>] with them; and a sorry
+mess was made of it by adopting the policy of driving
+the hardest possible bargains regardless of the future
+welfare of the Indian or the white race.  Before
+another year elapsed a small war followed, with
+massacres of whites and Indians alike, a situation in
+which Mulhall became deeply involved.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The great Hudson's Bay Company that so long
+ruled the Oregon Country was an English corporation,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P95"></a>95}</span>
+with headquarters in London; it was incorporated
+May 2, 1670, for the purpose of trading with
+the Indians of North America.  Owing its origin
+and growth primarily to the fur business, it did
+not undertake to develop the agricultural possibilities
+of the country, a policy which had a far-reaching
+effect upon the history of that region.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Had the Company encouraged settlement, as the
+Americans did when they arrived from the eastern
+and central western States, the final solution of the
+question as to which Government would come into
+final ownership of the Pacific Northwest might, and
+probably would, have been different.  It is generally
+believed that the firm hold of the American home
+builders influenced the minds of the English statesmen
+to yield in the final negotiations; they could not
+very well displace the large numbers of Americans
+who came to stay and build up the country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Wishing to avoid legal complications in the region
+where Mulhall and his comrades had landed, the
+management of the Company had organized a subsidiary
+under the name of the Puget Sound Agricultural
+Company; and thus thinly disguised, occupied the
+Nisqually Plains with their sheep, cattle and horses,
+plowed the fields and erected cabins, but for
+occupancy by employes instead of independent home
+builders.  The Factors (managers) of the Corporation
+were cultured gentlemen, known for their fair
+dealings alike with Indians and white people, following
+the policy of the parent organization; and it was
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P96"></a>96}</span>
+with the head official in that district that the Squire
+had dealt.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the arrival of the cart loaded with supplies
+from the fort, Kate sent part of them to several
+pioneer families that yet remained in camp, and then
+revised the plan for their own dinner.  Most of the
+big company had scattered, some to the timber camps,
+others to the shores of the Sound where shell fish
+abounded and a few to claims, already chosen, upon
+which they proposed to make their future homes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The first and most urgent problem was that of
+shelter for so many new arrivals.  In one notable
+instance a large hollow cedar stump served as "home"
+for a family of six until the husband and father was
+killed by the Indians.  The pathos of that story, with
+many a parallel in American history, is mentioned
+here to illustrate the difficulties and dangers
+encountered by the emigration of which the Squire and
+his family were a part.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After dinner Mulhall and Kate took counsel far
+into the night, while the little girls were sleeping on
+their beds of boughs as peacefully as in a palace.
+The faint yelping of a pack of coyotes in the distance
+could be heard; and the cougar (closely allied to the
+American panther) that infested the country, was
+abroad seeking his prey.  But Kate and her father
+paid no heed except to the all important subject as to
+their future; and it was midnight before a final
+conclusion was reached.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The opening of a farm under the varied and often
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P97"></a>97}</span>
+trying conditions prevailing in that region was very
+different from what they had been accustomed to in
+Missouri; and Mulhall was past the meridian of life.
+Why should he undergo a long period of toil to secure
+a competence, when he was possessed of sufficient
+means to live without the sacrifices incident to pioneer
+life on a new homestead?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate said, "Let's go to the county town where the
+girls can attend school and there are neighbors;" her
+father was of the same mind and that question was
+speedily settled.  Then they thought of Ben Hardy,
+to whom Mulhall had promised one of the teams upon
+their arrival in Oregon as extra compensation for
+his services in crossing over the trail.  Not a word
+had passed between them about that understanding
+at the parting of the Snake River, after which the
+Squire was reduced to one team, and it was doubtful
+whether or not he could complete the long journey
+with the one that was left.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"If I only knew where to reach him, I would send
+him enough money to buy a team," said Mulhall.
+Ben had gone into southern Oregon while the Squire
+had moved into the northern part, several hundred
+miles away; they might be five hundred or even a
+thousand miles apart, for Oregon was a big country
+without roads or the means of speedy communication.
+Where Ben had settled, or whither he had gone, was
+a problem difficult to solve.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate said, "I hear there is a newspaper in Oregon;
+let's advertise."  Mulhall thought a better plan
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P98"></a>98}</span>
+would be to secure a list of post offices and address
+a letter for Ben to all of them; "Anyway," the
+Squire said, "we must not leave a stone unturned
+till we find the boy."  Both retired to sleep and
+forgot their fortunes or misfortunes, but with a firm
+resolution to find Ben if they could.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Following the decision to remove to the county
+town, Mulhall soon purchased a nearly finished house
+at the county seat.  The thriving village, built upon
+a slope facing west and fronting on a wide bay of
+Puget Sound, presented a charming view of the
+distant range of mountains bordering on the sea with
+perpetual snow-mantled peaks; the landscape of dark
+evergreen forest covered the islands and mainland in
+the nearer view.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The wide bay was dotted with Indian canoes floating
+on the tide twice each day; and at intervals a
+ship would pass or drop anchor in front of the village
+to discharge freight or barter for a cargo of timber.
+The fort, a group of log cabins situated a short
+distance back from the water-front and out of sight
+of it, commanded a splendid view of the landscape.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the farther background, west of the Cascade
+Range, was Mount Rainier, completely encircled with
+a wonderland of timber and flowers&mdash;once seen never
+forgotten, and always cherished as the sight of a
+life-time.  That majestic mountain of the American
+Continent, "kingly and alone," a great dome separated
+from the mountain range, standing nearly three miles
+high and covered with perpetual snow, is the father
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P99"></a>99}</span>
+of seven rivers and twenty-eight glaciers, and has a
+base of several hundred square miles.  The alpine
+flower beds are simply wonderful to contemplate;
+according to John Muir, there are two hundred square
+miles between the timber and the summer snow-line
+circling the dome, with literally several thousand
+varieties of flowers, some of which force themselves
+up through the receding snow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate at once took up the task of searching for
+Ben.  Writing the first two words, "Dear Ben," she
+stopped to ask herself might he not think she penned
+them with a deeper meaning than merely a friendly
+beginning of a letter?  However, Ben was dear to
+her; he had saved her life, had been loyal to her
+father, was always kind to all, industrious and
+truthful.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before she had time to fully analyze what was
+passing in her mind, Kate began to realize that she
+was thinking of Ben more than as a brother.  Her
+pen hovered over the paper; but she finally laid it
+down with nothing more than the two words already
+written.  That evening at supper Kate asked her
+father if it would not be best for him to write to
+Ben.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Oh, no!  You know I scarcely ever write a letter;
+besides I am very busy on the house," replied
+Mulhall.  "You write, Kate, it's just as well."  The
+Squire did not have the least suspicion of why she
+should want him to write to Ben instead of doing so
+herself.  If he had, the more he would have preferred
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P100"></a>100}</span>
+that Kate write, for he sincerely wished that she
+should marry the "dear boy," as he always thought
+of him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate did not undertake to write to Ben that night,
+and the paper with the two words on it remained on
+her table untouched.  The idea that Ben might
+interpret them in a different way from what she intended
+would not down, while she half realized that they
+meant more to her than she was willing to acknowledge.
+Not for mountains of gold would she betray
+the secret Ben had confided to her, and stand between
+his love for her very dear friend, Linda Shaeffer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Linda was more than two thousand miles
+away, with what Kate thought an insuperable
+barrier between them.  The paper with the words "Dear
+Ben," was kept for several days without another word
+being added to it; and in fact the letter was never
+written.  Kate hesitated to trust herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hadn't she now abandoned all hope for the fruition
+of her first love, with a pang of regret and
+bitterness as she thought of Pelton?  She would resolve
+never to marry, but hereafter devote her life to
+altruistic work for young girls.  Kate had no knowledge
+of Isaac's resolution, while at that very moment he,
+with the one absorbing purpose in his mind, was
+feverishly carrying out plans to make the trip to
+Oregon and win her for his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few days later an advertisement appeared in
+the two Oregon newspapers asking Benjamin Hardy
+to communicate with David Mulhall at a certain post
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P101"></a>101}</span>
+office, and learn something of interest to him.  As
+weeks passed without response, the Squire and Kate
+were greatly worried, and wondered if some accident
+had befallen him.  She then began writing to
+postmasters with no better results.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate was almost in despair.  Might it not be
+possible that he had found a good location, taken up
+a claim and then started back to Missouri for Linda?
+More weeks passed, then months; and yet not a word
+came.  There was ever a warm corner in her heart
+for the playmate and companion of bygone school
+days; and she would never relax her efforts to
+unravel the mystery of his strange disappearance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben was hard at work, in ignorance of the search
+for him; but often wondered what had befallen father
+Mulhall, as he always thought of the Squire, Kate
+and the little girls after their separation on the Snake
+River.  He had written to Linda, but months elapsed
+and no answer had come.  Though often alone in his
+cabin with only one neighbor in sight, he was too busy
+to be lonesome; Craig was off working at his trade
+most of the time while Ben was making improvements
+on both of their claims.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Once a month Craig would bring supplies to the
+cabin, stay over Sunday and then be off again.  They
+sorely needed a team; and Craig was gradually saving
+so that they might be able to buy one by planting
+time in the spring.  Ben gave no thought to the
+understanding by which he was to get a team from
+Mulhall; he would have rejoiced to hear of the safe
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P102"></a>102}</span>
+arrival and good fortune of the kind-hearted family
+which had treated him so tenderly in his sickness
+and, as he believed, saved his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben had written a second letter to Linda, receiving
+no reply; but attributed the delay to the slow and
+uncertain mail service.  He was now in vigorous
+health, gaining in weight to surprise even himself;
+the pale spare face disappeared and a ruddy
+complexion took its place.  Pure Oregon air, simple diet
+and steady work had developed him so that an old-time
+acquaintance would hardly have known him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At last a letter written in a spirit of gloomy
+forebodings, came from Linda.  She had heard of the
+misfortunes of the Mulhalls, and could not see how
+she could ever reach Oregon; but remembered her
+vow to be ever loyal and true to Ben no matter what
+happened.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-102"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-102.jpg" alt="REDUCED TO A HAND CART">
+<br>
+REDUCED TO A HAND CART
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+A considerable number of Mormons traveled to
+Salt Lake City as shown in
+this illustration; described on pages <a href="#P48">48-49</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn1text">1</a>] While somewhat unusual to insert a quotation
+in a work of this character,
+no better description of the difficulties and dangers
+of crossing the Platte in
+pioneer times has been, or is ever likely to be written.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn2"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn2text">2</a>] Edward J. Allen and Ezra Meeker, the author of this
+historical narrative.&mdash;Editor.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn3"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn3text">3</a>] It is estimated that fully 5,000 died that year on the
+Oregon Trail.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn4"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn4text">4</a>] The author knew the lad who made the remark and of his
+experience; he was afterward a successful merchant in
+Tacoma, Washington.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn5"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn5text">5</a>] The author personally knew a large majority of the people
+in that train, several of whom became prominent in the affairs
+of the Territory just founded, among them the actual
+personalities represented in this story by David Mulhall and his
+daughter Kate.  Of the 148 comprising it, not one of the
+adults is now left, and only two or three of the younger
+members who vividly remember these events; their generation has
+nearly passed, but the memories of their deeds fortunately
+remain.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn6"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn6text">6</a>] A granite monument, suitably inscribed, erected by the
+State of Washington to perpetuate the memory and location
+of this camp, attests the importance of the event.
+See illustration and inscription inserted here.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap03fn7"></a>
+[<a href="#chap03fn7text">7</a>] The Medicine Creek Treaty, December 26, 1854.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap04"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P103"></a>103}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER IV
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+A MASSACRE AND A WAR; KATE MULHALL, DEPUTY
+SHERIFF; A RACE FOR A WIFE; THE WEDDING
+AND CHIVAREE; A DELAYED AND ADVENTUROUS
+HONEYMOON ON PUGET SOUND.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The great body of pioneers just arrived, like
+those who had preceded them, were honest and
+earnest Christian people, though as in all
+movements of large numbers of men and women,
+there were a few mere adventurers.  Some left their
+former abodes for the good of the country and their
+own safety; others had fled from the consequences of
+unhappy marriages or acts of indiscretion, and though
+seldom criminals, preferred to let the past life fall
+into oblivion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So a "Mr. Smith" one might meet in the new
+community may have been Mr. Jones before leaving his
+former place of residence.  These were not
+necessarily bad men in the common meaning of that word,
+but were making a new start, generally with the
+firm purpose of leading upright lives in the future.
+The reason for referring to this phase of pioneer life
+will appear later.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Many thousands of Indians roamed through the
+country at the time of Mulhall's settlement in the
+new land of opportunity.  A friendly feeling then
+prevailed between the races as such, and instances
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P104"></a>104}</span>
+of sincere friendship between individual Indians and
+whites were not uncommon.  This ought never to
+have been disturbed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The honorable policy of the Hudson's Bay Company
+had won the confidence of the Indians by always
+keeping promises and giving fair value in trading
+with them; and they were inclined to believe in the
+rectitude of white people in general.  Unfortunately
+this good opinion was soon changed to one of distrust
+and hatred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Agents of the American Government came into the
+country to make what may, by courtesy, be called
+"treaties" with the natives.  The simple-minded and
+unsuspecting Indians were overreached, inveigled
+into surrendering their rights to practically their
+entire hunting grounds,[<a id="chap04fn1text"></a><a href="#chap04fn1">1</a>] and otherwise outrageously
+wronged.  Indeed, when the nature of these transactions
+became known at Washington, the Government
+made restitution so far as possible, but too late to
+avert a cruel conflict.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P105"></a>105}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That followed a massacre on October 28, 1855, by
+infuriated Indians of innocent pioneers&mdash;men,
+women and children&mdash;thirty miles away.  A friendly
+native brought the appalling news to Mulhall during
+the night of the same day the tragedy occurred.
+Consternation reigned in the little village, the people
+not knowing to what extent the Indians might go in
+wreaking vengeance upon the white race.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Measures of defense were immediately taken by
+the villagers as best they could but they were not very
+effective.  A log cabin that sheltered and protected
+many others besides the owner and his family was
+soon built; and is still preserved in the village where
+Mulhall dwelt, seventy years after the event.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A breach which at once occurred between the military
+authorities and the civil officials nearly came to
+a clash of arms; confusion reigned supreme, and
+conditions verged on anarchy.  The military, though
+now obliged to wage war against the belligerent
+Indians, condemned various acts of the civilians which
+brought on an unnecessary conflict.  Overnight Mulhall,
+it might be said by natural selection, became
+Sheriff.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By obeying orders from the military headquarters,
+which ran counter to those of the civil court, he was
+arrested for contempt, carried off to another county
+and confined.  Before being taken away he slipped a
+paper into Kate's hand, saying in a low voice,
+"Conceal it quick," which she did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After her father's departure, when immediate
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P106"></a>106}</span>
+danger of further interference had passed, she opened
+the letter; and to her surprise found it contained an
+appointment as Deputy Sheriff during his absence.
+It was a critical situation, in which she held the keys
+of the Court House and the jail, and possession of
+the premises.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Would the opposition use force? and carry her off
+as they had Sheriff Mulhall?  The military commander
+said they should not, and sent a guard to protect
+her at the jail, while a number of citizens rallied
+to her support.  Before morning the excitement
+quieted down, cooler counsels prevailed, and she was
+able to safely leave for her home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate found the little sisters terrified, and their
+eyes reddened by weeping during most of the night
+for father and their "mamma."  They did not go to
+school the next day, but accompanied her back to the
+jail where all had dinner together.  By her tact and
+courage, Kate soon became the heroine of both the
+military and civil factions, as well as of the village;
+and conducted the office without opposition until the
+release of her father.  This brief reference to a
+strange incident of the old frontier throws an
+additional light upon the character of Kate Mulhall, and
+is at the same time an interesting glimpse of pioneer
+life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The jails of that day were without ventilation,
+sanitary conveniences or pretense of decency; all
+prisoners, civil and criminal alike, were usually
+huddled together in one room like sheep in a pen.  Under
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P107"></a>107}</span>
+these conditions it is not strange that the Squire's
+incarceration soon began to tell upon his health and
+strength.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and her father were about a thousand miles
+out on the Oregon Trail when Isaac Pelton, still in
+Missouri, adopted a definite plan of action.  He had
+discreetly kept his own counsel, planted the crops as
+usual and pursued the even tenor of his way as if
+no changes were impending.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One Saturday evening he mounted Ned and left
+home without informing any one where he was going,
+or how long he would be gone; and traveled all
+night to the county seat of Harrison County,
+adjoining the State of Iowa on the North.  His mission
+was to buy a few acres to give him legal standing
+as a landholder in that county; this done, he
+returned as mysteriously as he had gone.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In its next issue, the <i>Gazette</i>, the local county
+paper, published an item to the effect that Isaac Pelton
+had bought land in Harrison County, Missouri, and
+was about to remove to his new home.  In the same
+issue appeared an advertisement offering for sale all
+his holdings of real or personal property, but not
+including his slaves and teams.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Midsummer had just passed and harvest begun
+when Pelton and his three negroes left La Fayette
+County, in which he had lived so long; there was no
+molestation, or even a faint suspicion of what had
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P108"></a>108}</span>
+prompted the move.  Harrison County contained over
+ten thousand white inhabitants and only twenty-five
+slaves; upon arrival there, he filed his manumitting
+paper for record freeing the three, and came out of
+the Court House to receive congratulations wherever
+he went.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew and Jennie were in blissful ignorance of
+their master's intention to liberate them; and Pelton
+had been very careful not to drop a hint of it, acting
+on the principle that the only sure way to keep a
+secret is to say nothing about it to any one.  So now,
+when the long resolution was an accomplished fact,
+he felt a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders, and
+was in a mood of exultation for having performed a
+duty and accomplishing what he had so long
+contemplated.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The first thing to do, however, was to break the
+news to Andrew and Jennie.  He was curious to see
+how they would take it, but was not prepared for
+the surprise that followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"My Gawd-amighty, Massa, what'll I do?" exclaimed
+Andrew.  "You turn me out on the world to
+take care of myself and Jennie and Margie?  I hain't
+got no sense; I hain't got no nothin.  Jennie, honey,
+what'll we do?  Massa, I love you; I dun want to go
+way."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had anticipated a joyous scene to follow the
+news of their freedom, but there was nothing but
+outcries and lamentations.  That was an exceptional
+case, though one like it occurred in the present State
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P109"></a>109}</span>
+of Washington, where a slave refused to leave his
+master; after a lapse of years, during which the
+infamous law debarring the negro from holding land
+was repealed, he was finally rewarded by inheriting
+the property.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the first outburst of grief, and upon Pelton's
+assurance that he could stay with him as long as he
+lived and that no one could take Jennie or Margie
+from him, Andrew shouted with joy and threw his
+arms around his old master to express his ecstasy.
+A new light had shone upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Just before the falling of the leaves in the autumn
+after the departure of Squire Mulhall for Oregon,
+Isaac wrote to Kate a frank declaration of his love,
+and enclosed a certified copy of the court record
+confirming the manumission of the three slaves as stated
+in his letter.  He was restless in the new environment,
+at best only temporary; and counted with impatience
+the days and weeks, and finally the months,
+awaiting a response from Kate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+None came.  After investigating the reported
+wreck of a mail steamer, he became convinced that
+the letter had been lost; and late in the midwinter
+following her departure for Oregon, wrote a second
+one.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Kate, come here," Squire Mulhall said one day
+soon after receiving mail by the semi-monthly
+steamer and pointing to an article in the local paper
+from his old neighborhood in Missouri, "Do you see
+that?"  It read, "Isaac Pelton has set his three
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P110"></a>110}</span>
+slaves free and removed to Harrison County, near
+the border of Iowa."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall was surprised when his daughter at once
+left his presence without making any comment or
+showing interest in the item he had just read.  Kate
+knew that she could not control her emotions, and in
+the solitude of her room gave way to self denunciation
+for her attitude when Isaac visited their cabin
+before they left for the Oregon Country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During all the trials of the long journey over the
+Oregon Trail and the anxieties afterward in their
+new home, the thought of Pelton would become upper-most
+in her mind in spite of all efforts to banish it.
+Now that he was no longer a slaveholder, she could
+cherish a sentiment for him even though unaccompanied
+with hope that they would ever meet again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally, after nearly a year from their parting in
+the Missouri cabin, Pelton's second letter arrived.
+Kate's emotions can better be imagined than
+described.  Her hopes had been all but extinguished;
+and now to have them suddenly revived came almost
+as a shock of pain, though mingled with joy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate did not answer at once; anyhow it would be
+nearly a fortnight before another mail would be
+dispatched to "the States."  A momentous question
+involving the future of her own life was to be decided;
+and as the days passed the task became more difficult.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While in this state of mind, one of the little sisters
+fell seriously ill, calling for her almost undivided
+care; and she felt an increased responsibility for her
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P111"></a>111}</span>
+father and the two orphans.  Finally the letter was
+written and dispatched; but Pelton left for Oregon
+before it was delivered in Missouri, and never
+received it.  The contents remained a secret in her
+own breast, and as time passed brought regret that it
+had been written.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+James Price was an undisguised admirer of Kate,
+but fearing rejection of his suit, had never made
+formal advances, although nothing had transpired to
+either encourage or discourage him.  He was well
+aware that Kate would go to Oregon at all hazards if
+her father did, but rather shrank from the thought
+of accompanying them as a son-in-law in a
+subordinate position.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the Mulhall outfit left, Price berated himself
+for being such a laggard and entertaining a false
+pride; and resolved that he would go to Oregon the
+following year.  Price did not, like Pelton, disguise
+his intention to make the trip or his admiration for
+Kate; so it became common talk in the neighborhood
+that Price intended to go to Oregon to win her
+hand.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A year after the Squire had left his home in
+Missouri, the <i>Gazette</i> published the information that
+James Price had started for Oregon with an ox-team,
+over the route followed by David Mulhall the
+previous year.  It expressed the hope that he might
+succeed in securing a home in the new country; and
+the people of the neighborhood interpreted this by
+adding, in their own minds&mdash;"and what is of equal
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P112"></a>112}</span>
+importance, a wife."  Pelton and in fact the whole
+neighborhood, knew of Price's admiration for Kate;
+and when the item appeared tongues were set to
+wagging that he was "going there to marry Kate."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Price was well out on the way before Pelton became
+aware of it, and the fact that his rival had
+gone considerably disturbed his peace of mind.  He
+believed that the gossip as to what prompted Price
+to make the journey was true, but hardly thought he
+could have any assurance from Kate that would
+warrant the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But suppose Price arrived and should renew his
+suit, what then?" he asked himself.  He knew that
+Kate respected Price, and when convinced that his
+first letter had been lost, was not sure that she would
+receive the second one.  The more he thought of it,
+the more agitated he became.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I'll go myself," he said one day; "I can go by
+the Isthmus and beat him there yet, and I'll do it."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That night he was troubled with the thought of an
+unexpected obstacle.  When he freed Margie, Pelton
+had himself appointed as guardian to safeguard her
+liberty and prevent other parties from depriving her
+of it under the obnoxious law to which reference has
+been made.  Who that he could trust would now
+accept the responsibility?  Any number would be
+eager to secure her services while under age; but
+would shrink from the obloquy that would be
+attached to such a transaction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Besides, there was real danger from the "night
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P113"></a>113}</span>
+riders" that infested the county.  The slavery
+question was in the minds of everybody; only a small
+minority believed it was possible to abolish the
+system, and very few had the courage to freely express
+themselves.  It was before the passage of the
+Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, but the "underground
+railroad" was in full operation.  While not talking much
+openly, the Quakers usually supplied the "stations"
+for the escape of fugitive slaves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Eli Sumner, a staunch "Friend" residing not far
+from the Iowa line, had a large and commodious
+barn, as was the Quaker custom, but lived in an
+unpretentious house.  It was generally believed that
+he maintained an "underground station" on his
+premises, and that escaping slaves could trust him.
+Nothing had been proven, but he had the name of
+being a Free-soiler; and was therefore under
+suspicion by the slaveholding class.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton realized how little time there was to spare
+if he would beat Price to Oregon; but he had fully
+made up his mind to undertake the long race.  Price
+couldn't average more than fifteen miles a day with
+his oxen; and by estimating the distance, Isaac
+believed he had an advantage of about three weeks.
+But he might not make close connections; and
+furthermore, had a journey of nearly a thousand miles
+before reaching New York, a considerable part of it
+by stage-coach.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I'll trust Sumner," Pelton said to himself and
+next morning started off to see him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P114"></a>114}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, thee can bring them up here and I will do
+the best I can for them," the Quaker said after Isaac
+had explained his mission; "but I do not see why I
+should be appointed her guardian (referring to
+Margie), as Iowa is a free State."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, but suppose the night riders should once get
+her across the line; might she not be helpless?"
+Pelton responded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Well, just as thee thinks; they can have that little
+house, and I will give the man employment, or he
+can work where he wills."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A load was lifted from Isaac's mind when he saw
+Andrew and Jennie safely in their new temporary
+home, and Margie under the guardianship of the
+good Quaker.  Depositing a considerable sum of
+money with Sumner for emergencies, and bidding
+farewell to them all, he left with a light heart,
+determined to send for them some day if he secured a
+home in the Oregon Country and won Kate for a
+wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the weeks passed, the great race was progressing
+slowly and even painfully for both participants,
+Price continued steadily on with pleasant anticipations
+of a hearty greeting from his old-time acquaintance,
+Squire Mulhall, and at least a cordial reception
+by Kate.  He knew nothing of Pelton's intentions or
+movements; if he had, it would not have hastened
+his arrival, for his average progress of two miles an
+hour could not be increased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Price had met and overcome the usual difficulties
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P115"></a>115}</span>
+of a trip over the long trail.  Unincumbered with
+dependents or loose stock, and with only one
+comrade selected from among his acquaintances for
+dependable character and aptitude for such an
+undertaking, the cares of the journey were much less than
+with those accompanied by their families.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had a light-weight covered wagon, in which
+they could sleep, and did not a carry a tent.  The
+team consisted of four trim five-year-old steers
+broken during the winter to work under the yoke,
+and two extras trained to be led behind the wagon.
+One day's experiences represented nearly all the
+trip across the Plains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Camp was usually made early; one of them would
+at once take the oxen to water and grass, while the
+other would prepare the evening meal.  Then one
+soon went to bed and the other out with the oxen;
+the next morning an early start was made with the
+night-watcher in the wagon asleep.  Sound and
+refreshing sleep was possible under the circumstances
+and practiced by many, seldom disturbed by the slow
+movement of the ox-wagon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton did not find his journey to Oregon by the
+Isthmus route an agreeable one; quite the opposite,
+with some hardships and a great deal of discomfort.
+Three days were lost in New York waiting for a
+steamer, followed by nine or ten days on the water,
+which passed quite pleasantly, then a crossing of the
+Isthmus&mdash;a difficult matter in those days, with the
+ever-present risk of tropical fever.  Emerging on the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P116"></a>116}</span>
+Pacific side, a second wait of three days ensued before
+another&mdash;and inferior&mdash;steamer could be taken to
+San Francisco, where Isaac arrived after heavy seas
+had blown the ship two hundred miles out of its
+course and added considerably to the delay.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Five days were spent at the Golden Gate before
+an old and clumsy looking hulk left for the northern
+ports; the trip was slow and beset with dangers, and
+the boat narrowly escaped destruction while crossing
+the treacherous bar of the Columbia River.  But at
+last Portland, then a little village of probably not
+more than a thousand inhabitants, was reached; and
+as there was then no regular service to the Puget
+Sound country, Pelton was obliged to take a steamer
+plying on the Columbia River to the Cowlitz River,
+where a stage line operated over wretchedly bad
+roads a considerable part of the way to Olympia, at
+the head of Puget Sound; and from Olympia he
+employed an Indian with a canoe to take him to the
+little village where the Mulhalls had established a
+residence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Up to the last moment his mind was tormented
+with visions of Price.  Had he arrived, and if so,
+how many weeks before?  How had he been received
+by Kate?  The time that Price could have
+arrived had passed by several weeks; and Pelton
+himself had been delayed long after the date he had
+expected to reach his destination.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He soon found the house and walked boldly up to
+it with mingled emotions.  Kate was in the kitchen
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P117"></a>117}</span>
+preparing the evening meal with no thought that
+Pelton was any nearer than 2,000 miles; and when
+she opened the door in response to the knock outside,
+the two stood face to face.  One word from each
+other sufficed, "Isaac!" "Kate!"  They fell into
+each other's arms; the long suspense was over, the
+race won, the goal attained&mdash;and the prize at last
+secured.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+James Price, whom Pelton had feared, was in
+reality no rival at all, so far as Kate was concerned.
+No matter what aspirations he may have entertained,
+she had never thought of being anything more to
+him than an old-time acquaintance.  But the poor
+fellow never reached the end of the journey on which
+he started in the early spring.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While plodding slowly along with his ox-teams, he
+was overtaken on the sage-brush plains of the Snake
+River by cholera, the dread scourge that proved fatal
+to many emigrants in those days; and he was buried
+in the sands of that desert region.  Both Pelton and
+Kate felt a genuine pang of grief at the untimely
+fate of the unfortunate young man.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate said, "Let's have a quiet wedding and invite
+three or four of the near-by neighbors."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"That will never do," Squire Mulhall replied;
+"let's go to the church where everybody that wants
+to can come."  Isaac was neutral, only remarking,
+"you folks settle it between yourselves."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P118"></a>118}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate hesitated to differ with her father, but she
+wanted a quiet wedding; finally the argument ended
+and all agreed to go to the only church in the village,
+and one with a history.  That was the first place of
+worship in the new Territory where now, more than
+seventy years after the events here recorded, stands a
+granite monument to perpetuate a part of its
+interesting record.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was near the holidays when the eventful Sunday
+for the wedding arrived.  The Indian conflict
+was over, but many of the settlers still remained near
+the fort; the village was full of people and the
+saloons were all open.  The clouds hung low, patches
+of fog just lifting in sight.  When the wedding party
+arrived, the church was so filled that the principals
+had difficulty in entering.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Squire Mulhall had insisted that Kate have a
+dress to suitably commemorate the occasion, which
+had been the principal subject of talk among the
+dames of the villages, and the church was crowded
+with them at an early hour.  Many who had seen
+Kate as Deputy Sheriff booted and spurred, with
+pistol strapped to her person, could scarcely believe
+their eyes when they saw the happy, modest and well
+dressed young woman soon to become a bride.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All attending the ceremony had donned their best,
+and some had supplemented their wardrobe especially
+for the occasion.  The church was profusely decorated
+with evergreens so abundant in the recesses of
+the forests, and numerous varieties of beautiful ferns,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P119"></a>119}</span>
+to which were added many flowers still in bloom,
+although it was near midwinter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had made one request of the clergyman&mdash;to
+omit the word "obey;" under existing law the
+phrase was not mere form, but literally interpreted.
+When, immediately after the ceremony, Pelton
+handed the bride a sealed envelope, no one in the
+assembly who saw the incident was more surprised
+than Kate herself.  "Don't open it until tomorrow,"
+he said in a low voice; and the incident remained a
+mystery.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Peltons had planned a quiet evening at home
+with only a very few selected guests; father Mulhall
+had apparently acquiesced, but there were others with
+plans of their own.  Mrs. Pelton&mdash;let us continue
+to call her Kate, which sounds so much better&mdash;wondered
+why her father had bought a barrel of apples
+and some candies, nuts and other delicacies she
+found in the pantry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She suddenly clasped her husband's arm with a
+tight grip as an unearthly noise, such as she had
+never heard before, broke out nearby.  It was no
+longer the Deputy Sheriff, but the timid bride
+looking for protection.  Drums beating, horns tooting,
+guns firing, beating on tin pans&mdash;even the oldtime
+horse fiddle with its unearthly tones to make night
+hideous&mdash;to which was added yells and shouting, all
+combined to startle.  Kate was off her guard for once,
+and fairly trembled with excitement until she
+realized that it meant a charivaree.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P120"></a>120}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Come in, boys," the Squire said, as he opened
+the door.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"No, we want to see the bride and groom," the
+spokesman answered.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At first Kate shrank from going out, but after
+each parley the noise would resume, as it seemed
+automatically; and still the bride would not, as she
+afterwards said, show herself.  Finally a torch-bearing
+party was seen approaching, and sweet singing
+voices were heard&mdash;as much of a surprise to the noisy
+party outside the residence as to those inside the
+house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was the church choir giving a serenade.  The
+old Scotch tailor with his bagpipe was there; the
+glee club of the village rendered its best song; the
+violin and flute added to the music, and with it
+dancing began on the sod.  "Let's go," said Pelton.  "All
+right," answered the bride; and before they could
+realize it, they were dancing with the joyous crowd.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was near midwinter; the falling of the leaves had
+stripped the deciduous timber growth of the valley
+bare, but the evergreens of the tablelands retained
+their color as in the summer time.  The sheltered
+ferns in the deep recesses of the forests were
+preserved in all their delicate beauty, while here and
+there a modest flower peeped from a sheltered nook.
+Grass was green in favored places on the common
+and in the gardens of the village.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton could scarcely believe his eyes as he viewed
+the scene, particularly when it included a ship
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P121"></a>121}</span>
+sailing by; the square rigged sails of the three-mast
+schooner was to him a thing of exquisite beauty,
+moved by some invisible power.  Everything looked
+bright, and he was happy; the girl he had sought
+and won, now his beloved wife, never before looked
+so lovely to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate, no less happy than her husband, pictured to
+herself a quiet home where she could live as her
+mother had done amid the joys of a pioneer life.
+Now, more than ever, she realized her deep love for
+Isaac, and wondered what life would have been to
+her without him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But there was one disturbing element; Bess and
+Sarah were unmistakably jealous of Pelton.  They
+had been accustomed to the undivided love of
+"mamma," as they continued to call Kate, and were not
+easily reconciled to sharing that affection with
+another.  Kate consulted with Isaac, then with her
+father, and finally all three conferred together as to
+how best to convince the little girls that her love for
+them was just as intense as ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Squire suggested that he take the girls on a
+visit to Ben; they would enjoy it, and besides he
+wanted to see the "dear boy" himself.  Pelton
+thought it would be better not to disturb them until
+the close of school, adding that he intended to make
+a trip to see the country and wanted Kate to go
+along if "father" would not be too much inconvenienced
+during their absence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall cordially seconded the suggestion, saying
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P122"></a>122}</span>
+that he and the girls could get along splendidly; he
+would have Clara Laighton, Kate's dearest friend,
+come to prepare the dinners in the evening, while he
+and the girls could get breakfast, and they take their
+lunch to school.  The Squire's evident sincerity,
+bordering on enthusiasm, relieved Pelton and Kate from
+any uneasiness regarding his willingness that the trip
+should be made, and how the little girls would get
+along while they were absent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the question came up as to where they should
+go, how and the length of time they would probably
+be gone.  The conclusion was finally reached to take
+a cruise on Puget Sound; "We can always get plenty
+of clams," Kate said, "when the tide is out."  She
+had utilized clams to feed prisoners in the jail, and
+knew their value; besides it would be jolly to dig
+them and bake them as the Indians did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton was in doubt whether to take a boat or
+canoe; Kate said by all means a canoe, and explained
+their pattern for speed and safety, as exemplified
+by the clipper ships[<a id="chap04fn2text"></a><a href="#chap04fn2">2</a>] which carried the Stars and
+Stripes to all parts of the world.  The marvel of
+shaping these canoes from the body of a large tree,
+guided by the eye alone, remains a mystery to this
+day; the Indians did so, but it is difficult to fully
+understand how.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P123"></a>123}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First, the exterior parts are cut down to a solid
+trunk of wood the size and shape of the finished
+canoe.  Then follows the more intricate labor of
+removing the center, either by chipping off pieces
+with rude tools or burning out the excess.  Coming
+down to what is left for the framework of the canoe,
+the problem is how deep to cut without penetrating
+the outside shell, which seems to be determined more
+by instinct than by measurement.  They are made
+in various dimensions, from the one-man canoe up to
+a size in which thirty Indians go boldly out to sea on
+their fishing excursions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton secured the service of the native Steicca
+and his Indian "klootchman" (wife), who were
+recommended by the Chief Factor of the near-by
+Hudson's Bay Company fort; and hired their five-man size
+canoe.  Steicca was a person of note among his people,
+and had gained the confidence of the men at the
+fort.  He was above the average stature for his tribe,
+popularly designated as the "Fish" Indians, because
+they depended almost entirely upon sea food; his
+klootchman was a comely native from the over-mountain
+tribe known as the "Horse Indians."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She kept herself and clothing clean, in contrast
+with the carelessness or uncleanliness generally seen
+among the women of the tribe to which her husband
+belonged.  Their four-year old boy was likewise
+always neat and tidy; and Kate thought he was one of
+the most likable urchins she had ever seen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had procured a closed tent with complete
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P124"></a>124}</span>
+camping outfit, which included a mirror for Kate
+and a bootjack for himself.  Nothing seemed to be
+overlooked to make her feel at home on their bridal
+trip&mdash;a honeymoon in a Garden of Eden to them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They embarked in the early morning observed by
+many friends and acquaintances, both men and
+women, the latter representing nearly every household
+of the village.  Children were there with handsful
+of rice to shower good will upon the heads of
+their departing friends; Sarah and Bess looked on,
+but could not understand what the throwing of rice
+meant.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P125"></a>125}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-125"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-125.jpg" alt="THE HONEYMOON PARTY IN AN INDIAN CANOE ON PUGET SOUND, AND SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF THE HAIR SEAL; DESCRIPTION ON PAGE FOLLOWING">
+<br>
+THE HONEYMOON PARTY IN AN INDIAN CANOE ON PUGET SOUND, AND SUDDEN APPEARANCE <br>
+OF THE HAIR SEAL; DESCRIPTION ON PAGE FOLLOWING
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+Just as Kate and Isaac were settled comfortably
+side by side in the capacious canoe, Mrs. Steicca&mdash;"Sally"
+let us call her, instead of <i>klootchman</i>, sat at
+the post of honor as both captain and pilot, with
+paddle in hand ready for the start whenever the
+word was given.  This was the usual custom among
+the Indians, who skillfully guided the canoe in rough
+waters and boisterous winds, as well as in the placid
+waters usually prevailing on the bays of Puget
+Sound.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As Steicca pushed off the bow of the canoe both
+paddles were dipped vigorously into the water, and
+the handles struck the sides with resounding thumps,
+while each hummed in harmonious minor key an
+Indian ditty common to the tribe.  The dull sound of
+the paddles knocking against the side of the canoe,
+and the voices in unison, could be heard long after
+the view of the slowly disappearing craft had
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P126"></a>126}</span>
+become dimmed to the assembled villagers, who then
+reluctantly returned to their homes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Propelled by the combined strength of both experts,
+the canoe passed rapidly through the water,
+accelerated by the swift current of an ebb tide.  The
+morning haze had not cleared away and the water
+was of a glassy smoothness&mdash;not a ripple on the
+surface near-by&mdash;though not far away there were slightly
+disturbed patches, when Kate caught sight of what
+appeared to be a human head rising out of the deep
+water in the wake of the rapidly passing canoe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What in the world is that?" she exclaimed as she
+gazed for a moment at the seeming apparition, which
+now quickly disappeared from sight, and excitedly
+grasped the arm of her husband.  Pelton jocosely
+suggested it was a mermaid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Do you believe in that stuff?" Kate asked, to
+which Isaac replied that at least it looked like the
+picture of one; and she admitted it did.  In her
+childhood Kate had read the old-time legends about
+mermaids; and knew that all down the ages, the
+belief in creatures half human and half fish had
+existed among thousands.  And now, was it possible
+that she had a glimpse of one?  Kate was not
+superstitious, but the sight startled and puzzled her;
+and the reader will doubtless also wonder what it
+could have been.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+An old record describing the mermaid states that
+"they have a way of lifting their round heads and
+shoulders from the water with a queer look of almost
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P127"></a>127}</span>
+human intelligence upon their faces;" and that is
+exactly what Kate had seen.  The head that had
+come above the surface only a few rods in the wake
+of the canoe, as if to investigate what had disturbed
+the repose of its abode, was about the size of a
+half-grown girl, with a suggestion of languid eyes and a
+plaintive countenance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Only the face could be seen, and that but for a
+moment&mdash;long enough to indelibly fix the features in
+Kate's mind.  It was the head of a hair-seal, common
+at that time in the waters of Puget Sound.  The
+sudden appearance of these strange creatures has
+startled and puzzled many travelers; and led large
+numbers of people to believe in the existence of a
+real mermaid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the canoe sped on its way, the hills on the east
+shut off the sun, the channel became narrow and
+crooked, and the view of waters ahead vanished,
+leaving only the high elevations, covered with dense
+forests of evergreen fir, in sight on either side.  The
+outlook ahead seemed as if the party had come to the
+end of the waters, with a bold elevation&mdash;almost a
+mountain&mdash;directly in front.  Just then the canoe
+lurched to the eastward, and despite the utmost efforts
+of the Indians, shot off the line of travel; then
+it started as suddenly in the opposite direction, as if
+possessed by an evil spirit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The shadows of the hills bordering the narrow
+passage and a fleeting cloud darkened the view as if
+night was approaching.  A dull, subdued roar
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P128"></a>128}</span>
+comparable to an indistinct echo of a distant sound,
+reached the ears of the party.  Just ahead, the
+waters apparently swelled up above the common level
+and then broke away to form again either to the right
+or left, or both to spread currents running in circles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the sound became louder from the choppy sea
+of broken waves, forming small conical volumes of
+water mounting in the air and falling back to the
+surface.  To make matters worse, the whirlpools
+drew in short bits of driftwood; and some of the
+larger pieces thumped against the sides of the canoe,
+interfering with the paddles.  The canoe had
+encountered a tide-rip&mdash;water roughened by conflicting
+tides or currents, a phenomenon of which neither had
+ever heard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate spoke first; "I wish we were landed, Isaac,
+don't you?"  Pelton felt about the same, but made
+an effort to speak encouragingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was a battle of the tides in a narrow channel
+of the Sound with a swift current due to the tide
+receding toward the sea.  The whirling waters
+extended from shore to shore, while whirlpools of
+varying extent suddenly formed and as quickly vanished,
+all moving rapidly in one direction&mdash;a grand sight
+to the beholder from a safe point of vantage, but to
+Kate an object of terror.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"<i>Tenas alia copet</i>" (it will soon quiet) Sally said,
+more to herself than otherwise, perceiving Kate's
+perturbed state of mind; and pointed the canoe
+toward the eastern shore-line.  A few minutes
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P129"></a>129}</span>
+sufficed to reach an eddy outside the disturbed waters,
+and to shove the nose of the canoe obliquely and
+gently over to a pebbly beach.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sally's boy, named Pete after the great humanitarian,
+Peter Skene Ogden, a courageous and trusted
+Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company, was the first
+one out of the canoe.  He jumped into the water,
+waist deep, and began his pranks in a salt water
+bath, while the mother laughingly scolded him for
+his rashness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and Pelton were glad of relief from their
+cramped position in the canoe, independent of the
+anxiety of their experience with the tide-rips.
+"<i>Tenas in-e-ti sitcum sum Skookum chuck copet</i>" (just
+after noon the current will quiet), Steicca said; and
+suggested that they remain where they were until the
+tide turned.  Kate had learned enough of the
+mongrel Chinook jargon to understand what the Indians
+said; so she and Pelton readily assented.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A steep bluff prevented exploring the nearby
+woods, and there were no trees until near the top of
+the hill.  Steicca at once began preparations for a
+brisk fire with the abundant material in sight.  A
+great mass of driftwood obstructed the shore-line just
+above their landing, some half imbedded in the sand
+and gravel of the beach, and other debris evidently
+having been driven beyond the reach of the highest
+tide by storms of wind and wave.  The dead limbs
+of these derelicts supplied excellent fuel to speedily
+make a roaring fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P130"></a>130}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate noticed the Indian gathering and piling small
+rocks on the fire while Sally dug a small pit, lined it
+with loose rock, and built another fire in preparation
+for a clambake.  As it was near low tide, the clam
+beds were exposed and an abundance of the bivalves
+easily secured for a bounteous meal.  Clams are
+found on the conveniently located sloping beaches,
+and in enormous quantities along the fifteen hundred
+miles of the shore-line of Puget Sound waters; so
+the saying, "dinner is always ready when the tide is
+out," was literally true.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate forgot the apparition of the head and the
+whirls of the tide-rips that had so startled and
+alarmed her when their attention was attracted to
+the picturesque beach, with its many shells and
+pebbles of various sizes, shapes and beautiful colors.
+She at once began to make a collection of them,
+without noticing that Pelton had withdrawn from
+sight.  He had quietly taken his fowling piece and
+clambered along the beach to a nearby lagoon, where
+he soon bagged a couple of fat mallard ducks.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No one visiting that region now can have any
+adequate idea of the vast number of ducks there in the
+early days.  The air was fairly black with these
+game birds; he could easily have taken a dozen, but
+hastened back with the two for dinner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"<i>Nika mamook</i>," Sally said, when she saw the
+birds, meaning that she would cook them; Pelton
+readily assented and joined Kate in her search along
+the beach.  The pit of hot rock was nearly ready for
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P131"></a>131}</span>
+the clams; and Sally soon had the ducks prepared
+for it.  Now the rocks were smoothed off, the pit
+enlarged and the whole covered with a layer of small
+branches of fir twig ends.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The ducks were placed in the middle of the pit and
+the remaining space filled with clams.  As a sudden
+dash of water produced an abundant supply of steam,
+the whole was quickly covered with boughs and ferns,
+upon which a thin layer of earth was laid and topped
+by hot rocks from the larger fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was a clambake by experts.  Before that time
+Kate and Pelton did not know what the term meant,
+but they lived to see it become synonymous with a
+feast.  The "clambake" here supplanted the barbecue
+in Missouri, where the ox was roasted on a spit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As years passed they also witnessed the gathering
+of a thousand or more people at the annual jubilee,
+all partaking of the luscious contents of an immense
+clam pit covered with wagon-loads of unhusked green
+corn.  This institution, the clambake that was for
+many years the central attraction for social gatherings,
+political conventions and even religious meetings,
+is only but a memory.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the time approached for the turn of the tide,
+Steicca became impatient to open the pit.  There
+came an interim when the battle of the waters
+temporarily ceased, as the ebb tide spent its force and
+before the oncoming rush of the flood from the ocean.
+Steicca knew that when the flood regained mastery,
+it would be impossible to stem the force of the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P132"></a>132}</span>
+current in the Narrows and round the point to the large
+bay ahead.  But Sally was unwilling to interfere
+with her well-laid plans for the first dinner served to
+her new friends, the admired lady of the village they
+had left, and the gentleman who had traveled so far
+to win her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Indian women, though occupying humble and inferior
+positions in the life of their tribes, are not
+devoid of imagination or true devotion to their
+husbands and children.  An Indian mother never
+chastises her child, and will seldom run counter to the
+wishes of her husband.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But to open the pit before the contents were ready
+to serve would break her heart.  In this dilemma,
+woman-like, she appealed to Kate, who had watched
+with interest the painstaking preparations for the
+feast and sympathized with Sally in her distress.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Of course," Isaac said when the situation was
+explained by Kate, "I'm willing to stay if you are;
+it's just as jolly here as around the point in the big
+bay."  And Sally was soon made happy by the word
+they would camp and stop over there until the next
+tide.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton desired to make the camp leisurely to try
+his hand, and began to move the outfit from the
+canoe.  Machinery seldom runs smooth on first trial,
+and so it is on a camping trip; several things had
+been overlooked or mislaid and a number of surplus
+articles were found.  The folding cot, stools and the
+stove came out all right.  While Sally was busy with
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P133"></a>133}</span>
+the clambake, Kate was arranging the details of the
+forthcoming meal, for which she had made ample
+provision before leaving home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Steicca had erected their camp, consisting of mats
+fastened to a semi-circle of small poles driven
+obliquely into the ground; such was the usual
+temporary shelter of nomad Indians even in midwinter,
+affording protection from the wind but little from
+the rain.  Sally seemed as proud of the camp as Kate
+was of their new tent and camp equipage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While waiting the opening of the clam pit, Sally
+brought out her knitting for "Siwash" (Indian)
+socks, made of coarse thread from wool carded in
+her own camp and formed into yarn by manipulating
+the crude rolls with the palm of the hand.  Indian
+women are always busy, and seem at a loss to pass
+the time without knitting or weaving mats, making
+baskets or moccasins, while the average Indian man
+is apparently ill at ease when he has something to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sally had some plain shaped plates made from
+the inner bark of the cedar with a shallow rim on
+the outer edge, all water-proof; on these, as we shall
+see later, she served the clams and ducks.  Having
+been busy with her camp work, Sally had forgotten
+to keep watch of her boy Pete; but now he must be
+called in, scrubbed and otherwise prepared for the
+meal.  Frequent calls, Pete! Pete! brought no
+response.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally a track was found up a ravine, leading
+to the discovery of him perched on the limb of a
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P134"></a>134}</span>
+scraggy tree high above the reach of his mother.
+Boy-like, white or Indian, young or old, he had
+gone, in search of adventure, and while looking for
+bird's nests, had ventured too far to easily return.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Did his mother scold him?  Not at all.  Indian
+women do not scold their children or their men, but
+sometimes do each other to the point where words
+fail, and facial grimaces take their place.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The time had arrived to open the pit, and everything
+was in readiness; Sally beckoned to Kate, who
+came over to the spot with Pelton, whose curiosity
+was aroused.  Steicca was on hand to see; and of
+course Pete was there, subdued and hungry.  The
+outer covering of stone, earth and boughs were first
+carefully removed, revealing the inner covering
+through which the steam had percolated.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"<i>Closhe</i>" (all right), Sally said to herself as she
+lifted the inner covering and disclosed the contents
+cooked to perfection.  Both ducks were handed to
+Kate (one of which was promptly returned by
+Pelton), and the plates piled high with clams.  Kate
+divided her own supplies with Sally; and the
+banquet was on in both camps.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the experience of Pelton and Kate in
+their first camp; her diary briefly tells the story in
+these words, "Tuesday &mdash;&mdash;185-, broke camp early;
+encountered tide-rips so strong as to spin the canoe
+in a dizzy whirl.  Sally lost control for awhile, a
+little water spilled over into the canoe; somehow
+wasn't frightened much."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P135"></a>135}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few hours sufficed to bring them into the calm
+waters of a large bay where numerous fishing parties,
+trolling for salmon, were in sight.  Here and there
+glimpses were had of passing canoes, and the thump
+of paddles mingled with songs, loud laughter or talk
+to distant parties.  The beach for miles was lined
+with Indian camps, where some of the men were
+lounging in listless idleness of mind and body,
+seemingly almost too indolent to breathe, while
+others&mdash;and particularly the women&mdash;were industriously
+drying the fish, or busily occupied with their crude
+handiwork.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The catch of salmon was of medium size; sixty-pound
+specimens were taken with nets in shallow
+waters, and there seemed to be no limit to the supply.
+Little did Pelton then realize the tremendous
+commercial value of this product of the sea, amounting
+afterwards to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the far distance a white-topped dome reached
+above the clouds that hung upon the lower levels, all
+reflected in the placid waters of the bay.  Steicca and
+Sally rested from their labors, and floated with the
+tide.  A brief entry in Kate's diary describes the
+scene, "Beautiful beyond my powers of
+description&mdash;unbroken evergreen forests in every direction;
+snow-capped mountains about as far away as the eye
+can see; a thousand Indians in sight on the beach
+and in their canoes."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton planned to go direct to the forty beautiful
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P136"></a>136}</span>
+islands he had been told could be visited within the
+waters of Puget Sound, and to more carefully examine
+the country on their return.  The day's sailing,
+supplemented by four paddles, left the great mountain
+dimmed by increased distance, but brought into
+the far view another of almost equal grandeur, and
+opened to larger channels of waters than any left
+behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A council held in the morning decided that the
+course should lie to the dim outline of a headland
+discernible just above the horizon; wind and tide
+were favorable, and with the aid of the two Indians
+rapid progress could be made.  An alternate course
+would be to follow the shore-line down to the objective
+point, considerably farther and no less dangerous;
+and so the direct route was chosen.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter">
+<a id="img-136"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-136.jpg" alt="HELP YOURSELF">
+<br>
+HELP YOURSELF
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Tons of furniture, trunks, provisions and other
+things were abandoned along
+the Trail, often with a sign like the one shown
+in this illustration;
+see pages <a href="#P42">42</a> and <a href="#P180">180</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap04fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap04fn1text">1</a>] Over nine hundred square miles of territory were ceded,
+reserving only six sections for about nine hundred Indians&mdash;and
+that high ground, heavily timbered and entirely unsuited
+to their needs.  A more outrageous "treaty" was never made
+between the Government of the United States and its Indian
+wards; its terms would be unbelievable were they not
+preserved among the records of the Medicine Creek Treaty,
+December, 1864, in the Archives at Washington.  In less than
+a year conflict broke out, and massacres followed, with losses
+of life to both the U.S. troops and the Indians.  The latter
+were defeated in the field, as noted in the text; but they fared
+better in the subsequent negotiations, for as soon as the war
+ended and the Government was apprised of the wrong inflicted
+by that treaty, suitable reservations were provided.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap04fn2"></a>
+[<a href="#chap04fn2text">2</a>] In 1849, after the discovery of gold in California, it is
+said that more than seven hundred cleared from Atlantic
+ports to San Francisco; many celebrated clippers made the
+trip from the East to the West in the years 1850-51, and very
+fast passages were common from 1850 on.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap05"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P137"></a>137}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER V
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+AN ENCOUNTER WITH PIRATES, AND A FORTUNATE
+DELIVERANCE; BEN FOUND; HIS PROMPT START
+FOR MISSOURI AND UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL; A SON
+BORN TO THE PELTONS.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+Near the noon hour, with the headland yet in
+the distance, Pelton noticed two canoes whose
+occupants were paddling as if speed were a
+question of life or death with them.  Not long
+afterward, another was seen going frantically in the same
+direction, followed closely by two more.  Steicca
+observed the racing canoes, but though evidently
+disturbed as to the cause, discreetly said nothing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+About the same time Kate saw either a boat or
+large canoe coming directly toward them and wondering
+what it could mean, called Isaac's attention
+to it.  Sally had likewise discovered the craft and
+showed signs of uneasiness.  A friend had told the
+story of how, many years ago, her little boy was
+taken captive by the northern Indians, carried off
+into slavery, and had never been heard from since.
+Somehow the appearance of this boat or large
+canoe revived the memory of that occurrence and
+created a fear for the safety of Pete.  Slavery was
+once practiced in her own tribe (though at that time
+discontinued); but she had been told by other
+Indians that the northern tribes were known to still
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P138"></a>138}</span>
+follow the practice, which seemed corroborated by
+the taking of her friend's boy.  As the large craft
+approached nearer, Sally hid Pete under the cover
+of a mat beside her with fearsome admonitions that
+impelled him to lie quiet and not betray his presence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton's suspicions led him to slip his fowling
+piece out of sight, and Kate's trusted rifle was under
+the outfit in the bottom of the canoe.  Isaac directed
+that no sign of fear should be manifested when they
+were overtaken, and all intercourse with the
+strangers be left to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the pirates came alongside they insolently
+threw a line over the bow and stern posts, and then
+lashed the two canoes firmly together; being much
+longer and wider, theirs loomed high above that of
+Pelton's.  It was of the pattern of the canoe in which
+the northern tribes manned with seventy or more
+men went boldly to sea on their whaling excursions;
+while not one of the largest, it would easily hold
+twenty men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Seven were on each side, with paddles in their
+hands, one at the helm and a lookout in the bow,
+sixteen in all stalwart men in size and physical
+condition far above the tribes farther south.  The same
+may be said of their mentality.  In the northern
+tribes were painters and sculptors of considerable
+ability, as evidenced by their totem poles,
+inscriptions on rocks and ornaments of their mammoth
+canoes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There were silversmiths in some of the tribes, as
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P139"></a>139}</span>
+shown by many specimens offered for sale on occasions
+of their peaceful visits to the white settlements.
+Nor were the women behind the men in ability for
+fine work, abundantly illustrated by baskets, mats and
+other articles for ornaments or domestic use.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ethnologists attribute the superiority of these
+northern tribes in part to a mixture of Japanese
+blood from castaways in past centuries, perhaps even
+in prehistoric days; facial resemblances suggest the
+fact, which seems to be confirmed by the remains of
+wrecked junks on the northern coast.  These were
+the people into whose clutches Pelton and Kate had
+fallen on their honeymoon trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The spokesman for the buccaneers began by saying
+that they wanted a tent, one of which was in
+sight, to which Pelton firmly responded that he did
+not have any to spare.  He had noticed a ship beating
+up the Sound against the wind that had tacked
+toward them, and realized that a parley to gain
+time until the ship came nearer would be their best
+chance of escape.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac noticed a silver ring on the spokesman's
+hand and offered to buy it for his bride; for a
+moment the wily savage was thrown off his guard, and
+looked Kate over with evident satisfaction.  Just
+then one of the men said something in a low tone,
+and after several articles had been snatched by the
+robbers, the lines fastening the two canoes together
+were suddenly cast off.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This precipitate action was caused by the near
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P140"></a>140}</span>
+approach of the ship then bearing directly upon them;
+but unfortunately, it tacked and bore rapidly away
+the same moment the lines had been loosened from
+the canoe.  Instantly all four paddles were
+frantically wielded to overtake the ship, until by a
+supreme effort Steicca broke his.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Indians soon discovered their advantage, but
+did not give chase until they observed that the space
+between their victims and the ship was widening.
+Kate then gave her paddle to Steicca and intently
+watched the movement of their recent captors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"As I live, Isaac, they have started to follow us,"
+she said, as the bow of the robber canoe was turned
+toward them, "is your gun loaded?"  "It is not,"
+Pelton answered.  "Then load it quick, and be
+careful," she cautioned, speaking while reaching down
+for her rifle and ammunition so as to be ready for
+action at the crucial moment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Realizing that it was impossible to escape by
+racing their few paddles against fourteen, Isaac
+loaded his gun and deliberately calmed his nerves for
+the contest.  The ship was now too far away to
+render assistance, and the robbers were rapidly
+gaining on them.  While yet beyond rifle shot, Pelton
+directed Steicca and Sally to cease paddling, not to
+make any movement in the canoe other than to
+keep it pointed on its course, and for Steicca to lie
+down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I believe you can reach them now, Kate," Isaac
+said.  "Wait a minute," came the response in a firm
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P141"></a>141}</span>
+voice, while she stood upright in the canoe.  We may
+well believe the aim was deliberate, for the bullet
+lodged in the body of the lookout, who tumbled off
+his perch into the water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It took but a moment to reload the rifle.  Pelton
+could not reach the buccaneers with his fowling
+piece at that distance, and held his fire in reserve.
+The robbers stopped to pick up their dead or wounded
+comrade.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sally and Steicca resumed their strenuous
+paddling as Kate sat down; but when Isaac saw the
+Indians coming toward them a second time, he again
+directed to cease paddling so their craft would be
+steady for aim at the next victim.  Onward came
+the great canoe, again Kate reserved her fire and
+was successful in hitting her target&mdash;this time the
+helmsman.  As the canoe swung off its course to
+within range of Pelton's gun, he disabled two or
+more on her broadside.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this time the ship tacked again and was now
+approaching, while a sloop rounded the nearby point
+and made directly toward the distressed voyagers.
+Seeing these, the marauders drew off toward the
+eastern channel, and were soon out of sight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is unlikely that they ceased the pursuit because
+of their losses, for it is a matter of history
+that once this same tribe had 117 warriors in a
+combat, besides their women and children.  During
+the fight 27 were killed and 21 wounded; but they
+held out stubbornly for two days, when hunger
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P142"></a>142}</span>
+compelled them to yield.  Another historic reference
+illustrating the ferocity of this tribe, the "Haidahs,"
+states that "both ships were attacked by northern
+Indians when off the upper end of Vashon Island; all
+on board, eleven in number, were murdered and the
+ships plundered and burned."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the ship was finally hailed, no explanation
+was required, as the pilot had heard the guns; the
+captain, with the aid of his glass, knew what had
+happened.  As the canoe came alongside, he
+cordially invited all, including the Indians with the
+Peltons, on board; he also took up the canoe, as he
+was intending to cast anchor off the village from
+whence they came.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nothing on the ship was too good for his unexpected
+guests.  The captain had heard of Kate's experience
+as Deputy Sheriff, but not of the wedding.
+His enthusiasm at that news knew no bounds; by
+the time they arrived at the village he insisted that
+the bride accept a silver table service which she
+treasured to the end of her life as the present from
+the big-hearted captain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pete had the time of his life with the sailors, who
+were surprised to see the bright little fellow, up to
+all sorts of pranks as he explored the ship from stem
+to stern and from top to bottom.  He and his mother
+were fairly loaded down with presents; Pete never
+forgot his sailor friends, and in fact became a sailor
+himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The evening after their arrival at the village,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P143"></a>143}</span>
+Kate and Pelton rowed out to the ship, still at
+anchor in the harbor, to offer the old tar sincere
+thanks and leave with him some token of good will
+and appreciation for the opportune way in which he
+appeared upon the scene and rescued them from
+imminent peril of the northern savages.  Capt.
+Pierson was past middle age but in perfect health,
+and an impulsive jollity pervaded his whole being.
+He would not listen to their leaving the ship until
+after dinner, nor to their profuse thanks for his act.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Oh, that's nothing; a man who did not respond
+in such an emergency would be a brute.  I only wish
+I could have chastised the rascals," he said&mdash;and
+meant it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The captain belonged to a class of seafaring men
+(now almost extinct), which once carried the Stars
+and Stripes to the farthermost corners of the
+earth&mdash;free and easy with comrades, but usually a strict
+disciplinarian, though sympathetic with his men.
+He was the aristocratic ruler of the little world
+within the bounds of the ship, their home and castle;
+all were inured to the hardships of long voyages
+without complaint, but every one greatly enjoyed the
+respite of a few days in port.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From time immemorial the "ships that go down
+to the sea" have carried the commerce of the world,
+and planted the seeds of civilization in every clime.
+It is difficult to realize that all this has been changed
+within the range of one span of life.  Only a very
+small number of sailing ships now leave the ports
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P144"></a>144}</span>
+of the United States; and the noble "clippers," the
+pride of the nation at that period, very seldom grace
+the waters of the two hemispheres any more.  And
+the rugged, jolly captains, bronzed and weather-beaten,
+rough in speech and stern in looks though
+usually kind-hearted and generous beneath the
+surface, have almost vanished&mdash;like their ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Seafaring men who navigate the oceans in the immense
+vessels of the present time are entirely unlike
+the old-time sailors in appearance and actions.  The
+modern crew appear upon our thoroughfares in fancy
+uniforms, the officers resplendent in gold braid and
+gilt buttons, and the common sailors in natty uniforms,
+usually without anything to mar their dandified
+appearance.  One can easily tell that reefing a
+mainsail or splicing a rope is no longer part of their
+duty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the old-timers came ashore careless in appearance
+and rollicking in manner, out for a good time&mdash;ready
+for a fight or a frolic&mdash;and usually had it.
+Now they belong to the things that were, and we see
+no more of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Captain Pierson believed the reason the Indians
+did not return the fire was that their spokesman
+wanted to take Kate captive, for they could have
+destroyed the little honeymoon party without mercy.
+The confusion incident to the loss of their
+helmsman, quickly followed by the wounding of several
+of their paddlers, and the sudden tacking of the ship
+so disconcerted their plans that the marauders barely
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P145"></a>145}</span>
+had time to get beyond reach of the howitzers on
+its deck.  It was late when Pelton and Kate fairly
+tore themselves away from the jovial captain and left
+the ship, and long past midnight before the council of
+Kate, Isaac and Squire Mulhall broke up, after
+agreeing upon a plan of action.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had several times spoken about his former
+slaves, Andrew and Jennie, whom he had left in
+Iowa; and could not banish from his mind thoughts
+of the danger that "night riders" from Missouri
+might carry them off into captivity.  Besides, Jennie
+had cared for him with a mother's solicitude after
+the death of his own mother while he was still quite
+young; and Andrew had always been kind to him in
+his boyhood days, as well as faithful to his interest
+in later life.  And that unsophisticated little girl,
+Margie!  Somehow he could not feel easy in his mind
+to leave them where they were; now they were
+separated, he realized that he remembered, and
+appreciated more than ever before, their kind and
+considerate acts toward him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+How to bring them on from Iowa to Oregon was
+a problem with almost insurmountable obstacles,
+which Isaac had thoroughly discussed with Kate,
+taking advantage of that favorable opportunity to
+let her know that he had abundant means in Missouri
+to provide for their trip&mdash;and to her surprise a fairly
+large sum besides.  While Kate had not married for
+money, she was nevertheless gratified to know that
+Pelton possessed a goodly fortune, and sympathized
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P146"></a>146}</span>
+with his laudable desire to expend a part of it to
+better the condition of his former slaves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate resolved to share Ben's secret with both her
+father and husband, and to suggest that the Squire
+should go to see or send for Ben.  She would also
+have her father and Isaac supply him with enough
+money to bring Linda to Oregon with Andrew,
+Jennie and the little girl Margie.  All instantly
+agreed to the plan, and became so enthusiastic that
+they forgot all about their recent escape from death,
+and the cares of pioneer life still confronting them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I will not go until school is out," the Squire
+said, "and then will take the girls with me."  He
+had noticed that they continued to harbor jealous
+thoughts toward Pelton.  Kate reminded her father
+that any considerable delay would make it too late
+for Ben to cross the plains the next season.  Isaac
+advised by all means to avoid the Isthmus route as
+being too uncertain, dangerous and withal very
+expensive.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton announced that he would start at once,
+and search for a claim until he found one that suited
+him; then he would immediately proceed to prepare
+a home, and be away most of the time until
+school closed.  In acceding to this suggestion, the
+Squire said he would take the girls over to Ben's
+claim in the spring, as he intended to care for it
+himself while the young man was making the trip;
+and was anticipating the opportunity to repay Ben
+for his faithful and honest service on the long trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P147"></a>147}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So intent had been the council, that all forgot the
+lateness of the hour; the thought of sleep was
+banished by the excitement incident to the plans made,
+but all felt supremely happy.  Father Mulhall
+suggested that they celebrate a little by an oyster
+supper, even at the unseasonable hour; and Kate, who
+the very evening before had secured some Puget
+Sound oysters from an Indian, instantly seconded
+the suggestion.  Oysters, unlike other shell fish of
+the Sound, were rare and confined to small areas of
+beds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate had learned that though very small&mdash;not
+larger than one's finger nail&mdash;these were very
+delicious; and had provided them to celebrate their
+wedding a month ago to-morrow.  And here it was,
+the date already ushered in, though the sun had not
+risen!  Her celebration was intended as a secret
+to be disclosed as a surprise to her husband and
+father to demonstrate how supremely happy she was,
+not only in the escape from captivity among the
+hordes of northern savages, but as the wife of Isaac
+Pelton.  There was no toastmaster or speeches at the
+little banquet that followed; but a spirit of unalloyed
+cheerfulness prevailed, and all were very hopeful of
+what the near future would bring forth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall's search for Ben proved a short one, as
+the crude records of the self-surveyed Donation claims
+quickly revealed the identity of the nearby
+participants, and the Squire was delayed only a day in
+reaching the location chosen by his young friend.
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P148"></a>148}</span>
+Ben was a short distance from his cabin splitting
+rails from a worm fence to protect the crops of the
+following season, when the Squire arrived; and,
+following the sound of the maul soon came upon Ben
+intently engaged at his task, not dreaming of the
+presence of anyone behind him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mulhall stopped a moment in mute surprise at the
+change that had come over the young man.  He was
+looking at a stalwart frame instead of the slim lad
+who had helped to train the team in the Missouri
+barn-yard; and stood as if fascinated until Ben by
+a change in position became aware that a figure was
+standing near him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Why, father!"  "Why, Ben!" sufficed for the
+greeting, but not so the hand-shakes that followed, for
+the Squire clasped Ben in his arms, while tears of
+joy fell upon his own cheeks.  We may well believe
+that a pleasant visit followed, but it was soon
+interrupted by the important information to be shared
+between them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben listened, as if in a dazed condition of mind,
+to words that seemed to be too good to be true; but
+when he grasped the full meaning of the Squire's
+message, it was Ben's turn to display so-called
+weakness; he threw his arms around Mulhall's neck and
+planted a kiss upon the furrowed cheek of his friend
+and benefactor.  But the Squire considered that all
+he had done, or proposed to do, was only a recompense
+in part for a debt that could never be paid in
+full.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P149"></a>149}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But, father, what am I to do about my claim?"
+Ben asked after taking a little time to think over the
+proposed trip.  "Well, I'm going to stay here until
+you come back with that young wife; and you may
+be sure there will be some crops growing when you
+return," the Squire responded.  So preparations
+were made almost at once for the proposed trip; and
+time began to pass.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No one could tell how long it would take to reach
+the old home, though Ben knew that he must go out
+to sea over a dangerous bar where recently there had
+been a wreck, with the loss of many lives.  Thence
+on to and across the Isthmus and to New York,
+where he would reverse the direction of travel and
+turn his face westward toward their former home in
+Missouri.[<a id="chap05fn1text"></a><a href="#chap05fn1">1</a>]  Parts of the journey would be by railroad,
+stage-coach, horseback and steamboat.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+We cannot record the incidents of the trip, thrilling
+though some of them were; it will suffice here to
+say that on a frosty noonday in February, 185-,
+Ben clasped his surprised mother to his breast with
+the utterance of one word, "Mother."  The story of
+another overland journey from Missouri to the
+Oregon country will be told after we have followed
+the fortunes or misfortunes of David Mulhall, Isaac
+Pelton and his bride, and the two little twin sisters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P150"></a>150}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It will be remembered that when the Squire left
+home to find Ben Hardy, Pelton was preparing to
+look for a claim where he could establish the home
+so long pictured in his mind.  In the course of his
+wanderings, Isaac had some thrilling experiences
+which came near ending in tragedy.  The Oregon
+Country of almost limitless extent&mdash;as one might
+say, a thousand miles each way&mdash;presented many
+and varied conditions to confuse and impel one to
+continued search, with something new almost every
+day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the small corner of the great region which Pelton
+examined there were no roads or provision for
+crossing rivers, and only a few sparse settlements.
+When a cabin was found, he was always assured of a
+cordial welcome and the best it afforded; but at
+length, after a two days' tramp he was virtually
+lost, without blankets or food.  That somewhat cooled
+his ardor; and as he had already overstayed the set
+time, Isaac suddenly abandoned the search and turned
+his face homeward.  He arrived there safely, to the
+great relief of Kate, who had become very uneasy
+at his prolonged absence and non-return at the
+appointed time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton's story of what he had seen and experienced&mdash;wading
+a river nearly waist deep, slipping off a
+log into the water and swimming with his boots on,
+losing the trail and camping in the deep forest
+overnight without fire, blankets or food&mdash;cast a shadow
+over the bright pictures of a home in the minds of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P151"></a>151}</span>
+both; but he had found a magnificent country, and
+intended to go back and try again.  At first Pelton
+resolved not to tell Kate of the mishaps of the trip,
+of the real hardships endured or how he had come
+so near to death's door.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He argued to himself that it would only sadden her
+and do no good.  Then the question as to whether or
+not he was justified in having a secret from his
+trustful wife would come uppermost in his mind.  If he
+now began with one, others would surely follow, and
+the resolve&mdash;a compact with himself&mdash;was made that
+he would have none; so the full story was told to
+her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A month passed and though several trips were
+made, no location was yet found to suit him.  Finally,
+he received information from a neighbor about some
+excellent land not yet taken; and immediately
+starting out to examine the tract, found it even better
+than represented.  After staking his claim, he
+returned and informed Kate of his good fortune in
+finding a location satisfactory in every essential
+respect.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Father Mulhall wrote that Ben had started on his
+long trip, and was now well on the way; and that as
+soon as school closed, he would come after the girls.
+He added that he would plant on Ben's claim and
+stay with the crops until he returned; and as a
+postscript, Wouldn't Kate like to come over with the
+girls, and see Ben's claim and Craig?  In reality the
+Squire was lonesome and wanted his daughter with
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P152"></a>152}</span>
+him for awhile; he also knew that she and the girls
+would enjoy the trip&mdash;besides he had a surprise in
+store for them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton said, "By all means, go; it will be a nice
+jaunt for the girls, though a little rough.  I'll give
+each of them a pony to make the trip horseback, and
+all can have a jolly good time on the way, as well as
+while there."  He was enthusiastic in urging Kate
+to go, while she didn't feel sure of wanting to do so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The fact was, she was more inclined to move out
+on the claim which she had not seen, while Isaac
+planned to wait until he could have a surprise for
+her in the new house he was contemplating.  Kate
+suggested building a cabin, where she could be as
+happy as in a more commodious residence, to which
+Pelton assented with a mental reservation that he
+would build one for Andrew and Jennie.  And if
+Kate persisted, they could live in the cabin while the
+house was being built, though that would defeat the
+surprise party he had in mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Isaac, I believe you want to get rid of me," Kate
+jestingly said one day after making up her mind to
+go with the girls; but lovingly added, "you'll feel
+sorry after I have gone."  However, they understood
+each other and were drawn closer together by the
+thought of temporary separation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton's attention was called to two ponies so
+nearly alike in build, size and marks that it required
+close observation to distinguish "Tom" from "Jerry"&mdash;both
+beauties, with keen bright eyes, lively yet
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P153"></a>153}</span>
+docile, and safe for the girls to ride.  He did not let
+the extra price asked stand in the way of his
+becoming the owner of them; and purchased two new
+saddles and bridles to set them off handsomely.  A
+small riding whip, though not needed in riding, was
+attached to each saddle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the afternoon of the last day of school, the
+ponies were brought by Pelton's direction into the
+front yard before the girls came home.  Their manes
+and foretops were plaited with red, white and blue
+ribbons; and they held up their heads as if proud of
+the decorations.  Before Isaac rode off to the
+homestead to be gone overnight, Kate was enjoined not to
+tell them from whom the ponies came&mdash;only to say
+they were presents, and "lots" might be drawn to
+determine which one of the girls should own "Tom,"
+and which one should have "Jerry."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Who brought these here, Mamma?  Where is
+he?  Tell him to take them away!" was spoken in
+such quick succession as to preclude the possibility
+of an answer until the questions and the exclamation
+had been completed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"The man said they belonged to two little girls that
+live in this house; he left them in the front yard,
+but went away without any explanation," Kate
+replied.  All of this was true, though not all that she
+knew.  Kate and the girls then took hold of the
+halters, and led the ponies outside the garden gate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What did you mean, Mamma, when you said they
+belonged to two little girls that live here?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P154"></a>154}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"That's what the man said when he left them and
+went away."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But you don't mean it?" persisted Sarah.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I only told you what the man said."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, but you don't believe it, do you?" Sarah
+came back in an attitude of cross-questioning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Look on the pummel of the saddle and see,"
+Kate responded; and in doing so displayed evidence
+of knowing more about the case than she had
+intended to reveal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"From Santa Claus to Sarah," the girl read as she
+held in her hand the paper just taken from the saddle,
+unnoticed before.  Then she intently re-read the
+label, and exclaimed, "Oh, I know&mdash;it's from Uncle
+Isaac, as sure as I am alive."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For the first time in her life she had called
+Pelton "uncle"; before it was either "Mr. Pelton,"
+"Sir," or some monosyllable to address or make
+reply.  Sarah had recognized the handwriting on the
+note, and then knew instantly where the present came
+from.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now that she was trapped, Kate gave away the
+whole plan about the intended trip to see father
+and Craig, and have a good time on the trip
+besides.  Sarah fairly worshiped Craig since the
+memorable scene at the lone pine on the Oregon
+Trail.  His promise, "I will mark your mother's
+grave so you can find it the longest day you live,"
+had sunk deep in her memory and fixed in her youthful
+mind the thought that some day she would visit
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P155"></a>155}</span>
+the sacred spot and pay homage to her saintly mother&mdash;the
+germ of a plan that led in later years to a
+pilgrimage to the grave, as will subsequently appear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next morning the ponies were returned to the
+front gate of the garden all ready for a run in the
+country, and with a riding mare for "mamma."  The
+girls had not forgotten their experience of riding
+"Nell" on the plains, but were at first shy of the
+ponies.  Sarah soon plucked up courage to mount
+Tom, while the Indian boy held him; but in a spirit
+of mischief, the boy suddenly let go of the halter,
+whereupon the pony started off on a canter before
+the rider was fairly seated, or could grasp the reins.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Up the village street they went on a gallop, Sarah
+holding onto the pummel of the saddle, with her feet
+dangling in the air outside the stirrups.  Tom stopped
+of his own accord at the hitching rack in front of
+the village store, and Sarah scrambled off the pony's
+back as quickly as possible to be out of sight of the
+idlers there.  Her teacher, happening by and seeing
+her predicament, held Tom until she mounted with
+both feet in the stirrups and reins firmly in hand;
+then with the pony under control, she was soon back
+at the starting place by the garden gate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When all three were mounted, the course taken
+led up the hill and at a more moderate gait until the
+prairie was reached.  A delightful day in the wide,
+open spaces, with a visit to the old camping ground
+and a canter back home in the evening, ended their
+first day of horseback riding in joviality and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P156"></a>156}</span>
+pleasure.  A few days of such practice sufficed to
+prepare them for their long jaunt on the road or trail
+to Ben's cabin beyond the big river, over the prairies
+and through dense forests.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Following a narrow road the third day out, Sarah
+leaned over to avoid the overhanging brush and fell
+sprawling into a sea of mud, the saddle having turned
+to Tom's side.  Seeing her sister's predicament Bess
+laughed, but Sarah rather pettishly said she couldn't
+see anything funny about it, to which sister readily
+assented, but admitted that somehow or other she
+couldn't help it.  The incident had a serious side, as
+her clothes were now spattered with sticky mud from
+head to foot; her shoes were filled with it and even
+her hair bedaubed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was necessary to stop and clean her clothes,
+empty her shoes, gouge the mud out of her ears and
+wash it off of her face.  A few miles further on, it
+became Sarah's turn to laugh when Bess was scraped
+off her saddle and tumbled over Jerry's rump, holding
+onto his tail to lighten the fall; but Bess couldn't
+see anything funny about that!  After numerous
+mishaps, the party finally reached the river steamer,
+where the ponies were comfortably stalled; then all
+the party had a general clean-up on the upper deck,
+and a good laugh together as the adventures on the
+road were recounted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In two days more of tiresome traveling, with the
+glamour of a horseback ride worn off, Ben's cabin
+was reached and father Mulhall's welcoming kiss
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P157"></a>157}</span>
+bestowed.  Notwithstanding the various adventures on
+the trip, all enjoyed the experience, and expressed a
+desire to return the same way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The very next day, Craig came, as he did every
+other Sunday of the month, to make good a legal
+"residence" on his claim.  He was a great favorite
+with the twins, and the reunion that followed repaid
+all the fatigue of their trip.  Toward evening he
+excused himself to visit a neighbor, and withdrew,
+leaving his end of the cabin free to the visitors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Only a week had passed when, to her father's
+surprise, Kate announced that she would start for home
+the next day after the morrow.  He felt hurt that
+the daughter he loved so well should cut her visit
+short; but nothing he could say would alter her
+resolution.  Kate had a reason of her own which she did
+not explain to her father&mdash;but which he would know
+later, and the reader will probably surmise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton was as much surprised at her sudden return
+as the Squire had been upon her hasty departure;
+and his plan of introducing Kate into a finished
+residence, of which he was certain she would be proud,
+was frustrated.  He had all the workmen that could
+be employed to advantage in hastening completion of
+the residence, including hot and cold water under
+pressure in the kitchen, a convenience she had never
+experienced.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac admitted to himself that he was pleased when
+Kate told him she preferred to stay for the present
+in their village home.  But when he returned from
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P158"></a>158}</span>
+the claim on the second Saturday, he found the
+drawer of the dresser locked&mdash;something that had not
+happened before&mdash;and his razor, shaving cup and
+brush outside.  Pelton was becoming conscious that
+Kate had a secret she didn't want to disclose, but
+said nothing about it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Work on the residence progressed apace; and every
+Saturday Isaac came to spend Sunday in the village.
+Somewhat to his relief, Kate had not yet expressed
+a desire to visit the new home; but a month later
+Pelton was ready, and to his delight Kate, still without
+an inkling of the great surprise in store for her,
+said that she was willing to go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One day, after Kate had been at the new home for
+a few weeks, enjoying it with indescribable pleasure,
+a lady and gentleman drove up to the front door.
+Though strangers, she had evidently expected them,
+and promptly directed the man where to stable his
+horses, and then asked him into the house for lunch,
+though it was after the usual hour.  The woman went
+at once to the kitchen and began helping to prepare
+the lunch and to make herself otherwise useful.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac came in later, but expressed no surprise at
+their presence, for he was also expecting them.
+Without ceremony, the lady took charge of the household
+work, while the gentleman sauntered into the library
+and became absorbed among the books in the small
+but choice selection on the shelves.  Thus a week
+passed in quiet expectation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One night a light was left burning in the room
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P159"></a>159}</span>
+up-stairs, and neither of the visitors retired at the
+usual hour.  The nurse remained in the room with
+Kate, and the doctor made frequent visits there,
+finally remaining a considerable length of time.
+Then, in answer to Pelton's anxious inquiry, he said,
+"It's a boy, and a rousing little fellow he is."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When father Mulhall heard that he had a grandson,
+the mystery of Kate's early departure was
+explained; and his slight pique was turned to joy and
+exultation, increased by parental pride in the
+daughter who had always been so loving and helpful to
+him.  As soon as they knew about it, the twins were
+very anxious to see their nephew, and filled with
+childlike pride at the prospect of being called
+"aunt."
+</p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-159"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-159.jpg" alt="BABE IN THE WOODS; SEE ALSO PAGE 188.">
+<br>
+BABE IN THE WOODS; SEE ALSO PAGE <a href="#P188">188</a>.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap05fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap05fn1text">1</a>] The map of the Oregon Trail and the National Road on
+page <a href="#P8">8</a> will give the reader some idea of the principal routes
+traveled to Missouri, either from the Atlantic Coast or the
+Pacific Northwest, during the period covered by this
+narrative.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap06"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P160"></a>160}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER VI
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+THE WEDDING OF BEN AND LINDA; A SECOND
+OVERLAND TRIP; MASSACRE OF NEARLY ALL THE
+COMPANY; BINDING UP THE WOUNDS; THE
+TRIP RESUMED; SURVIVORS REACH THE OREGON
+COUNTRY.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+Ben's hair had grown long, his beard had
+been cropped only with shears, and his face
+was tanned by the fierce rays of a tropical
+sun.  His clothing was begrimed and worn almost
+threadbare; in appearance he was very different
+from the Ben Hardy who had spent the Sunday
+evening with Linda Shaeffer just before starting for
+Oregon with the Mulhall outfit.  It would take
+considerable preparation to call upon Linda in
+presentable clothing; and though very anxious to see
+her, Ben shrank from the impulse to do so at once.
+But his mother said, "Go as you are; Linda will be
+rejoiced to see you."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben Hardy had traversed, in the opposite direction,
+the route that Isaac Pelton took; and for the
+same object&mdash;to secure the girl of his choice for a
+life companion.  The departure from his Oregon
+cabin had been so sudden that there was no time to
+write of the trip; even if he had done so, the letter
+would have gone forward by the same steamer on
+which he sailed.  Although his trials had been less
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P161"></a>161}</span>
+severe than Pelton's and the delays not as great, the
+journey was one of continuous anxiety and fatigue.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His arrival at the old home in Missouri was
+unexpected and a great surprise to all his friends there,
+naturally most of all to Linda.  Ben's last letter,
+received only two weeks before, described his
+progress in establishing a home for them; but gave no
+intimation as to when he would come after her, or
+how she could go to him.  So when Linda caught
+sight of Ben passing through the gate in front of her
+father's residence, she could not at first believe that
+she saw aright, but kept gazing in bewildered wonder
+and trepidation as he approached the house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The change in Ben's appearance had been so great
+that an acquaintance could easily have been mistaken
+in his identity; but Linda, whose quick eye recognized
+his familiar movement, rushed from the house
+and met him on the walk, half-way between the gate
+and the veranda steps.  Most readers have known
+the thrill of such a surprise, though probably few of
+the intensity of this one; nevertheless, out of their
+own experience, they will understand and appreciate
+Linda's joy.  The cordial greetings that followed
+from all the household heartened Ben; no one seemed
+to notice his clothes&mdash;it was Ben, though greatly
+changed, they saw and welcomed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There was one of the household who in her heart
+could not rejoice&mdash;not that mother Shaeffer thought
+Ben unworthy of Linda; but the realization that the
+daughter she loved so intensely would be taken from
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P162"></a>162}</span>
+her, possibly meet a tragic fate at the hands of the
+Indians, and certainly encounter the other hazards
+of a trip to Oregon, overwhelmed her.  Conscious
+that she might be unable to compose herself and
+control her emotions, the good lady withdrew as
+quietly as possible to her own chamber, where she
+gave way to grief that could no longer be restrained.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mothers who have had similar experiences of
+impending separation from beloved and loving
+daughters will sympathize with Mrs. Shaeffer; such is
+life and the story of each generation!  We know
+that joy in a steady, overflowing stream often follows
+grief, which becomes less poignant with the lapse of
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As she left the room, Ben caught the expression
+of distress in Mrs. Shaeffer's countenance.  Could
+it be possible that Linda's mother was opposed to
+their marriage?  The very thought disturbed and
+perplexed Ben.  He did not stay late, though long
+enough to disclose his plans for the trip, taking
+particular care to tell Linda of its difficulties and
+dangers.  Linda firmly responded, "I am going with
+you, Ben;" and with the echo of it in his ears, he
+rode back to his mother's home with a light heart,
+for the moment forgetting the grave responsibility
+now resting upon his shoulders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With only a small amount left from the current
+funds provided for the expenses of the trip, the first
+urgent business was to secure enough money to
+purchase an outfit and allow for the expenditures and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P163"></a>163}</span>
+any emergencies on the way.  Ben had learned by
+experience that the popular fallacy, shared by so
+many, that currency was not needed on the Trail,
+was unfounded; and knew to the contrary.  The
+funds upon which he depended were in three banks
+of three different counties; and one of them had
+suspended payment upon large deposits.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A period of great financial depression had
+recently swept over the country.  Crops were abundant,
+but the few existing markets were at considerable
+distances, and transportation facilities were
+entirely inadequate to move even the portions that
+could be sold.  No railroads had yet been constructed
+in Missouri, and it was also before there
+were a sufficient number of steamers to serve the
+needs of the narrow margin of settlements bordering
+on the two principal rivers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The whole region was without improved roads,
+but had a superabundance of products that could
+not be either consumed or sold at a profit.  A
+wagon-load of corn would hardly bring enough to buy a pair
+of boots; a fat two-hundred pound hog could not be
+traded for a lady's dress, or five bushels of corn for a
+pound of tea or coffee.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such were the conditions confronting Ben in providing
+funds for the purchase of an outfit, with the
+possibility of not being able to do so at all.  Luckily,
+he had some certificates of small amounts which he
+turned over to father Shaeffer, and thus avoided
+direct dealing with the banks.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P164"></a>164}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The political turmoil which a few years later
+brought on the Civil War then scourged the country,
+and added to the distress of commercial depression;
+in fact, was considered by many the greater of the
+two evils.  Advocates of slavery were becoming more
+and more aggressive, while the Free-Soil element
+grew more firm.  The approaching conflict of arms
+led many to emigrate as the best way of escaping
+from the public and private agitation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As soon as it became known that Benjamin Hardy
+had arrived direct from Oregon, and was intending
+to outfit an expedition to return over the Trail the
+following summer, he was besieged by numerous parties
+desiring to join with him, and by a much greater
+throng seeking information.  They came two, five or
+even ten together, and finally a delegation of forty
+from an adjoining county to discuss the trip and
+country with him.  Some offered to form a new
+company under his leadership for the land of mild
+climate and great opportunities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Those importuning strangers became a great burden
+to Ben, and much of his time was taken in
+imparting information, or declining offers to join his
+prospective trip.  To all he expressed the intention
+of going with only two wagons, or three at the most,
+and not more than eight of his friends; but gave a
+truthful report of the dangers and privations of the
+Trail, and a good description of the Oregon Country.
+Father Shaeffer's farm was better equipped for
+assembling an outfit than his mother's; besides the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P165"></a>165}</span>
+"Shaeffer boys"&mdash;all stalwarts&mdash;were eager to help
+him train the teams, and another one for Linda's two
+brothers who had determined to return with Ben
+to Oregon.  At first he had no other thought than
+to assemble the outfit and train the teams at his
+mother's home, for he desired to be with her as much
+as possible while preparing for the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the same time, Ben could but acknowledge to
+himself that he wanted to be near Linda; so arrangements
+were made for his mother to drive over every
+day to help Mrs. Shaeffer prepare for the wedding
+and make clothing for the young couple.  A part of
+the cloth was to be woven on mother Shaeffer's loom
+by Mrs. Hardy.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * * * * * * *<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The wedding was a very quiet affair, with only
+the Shaeffer family, Ben's mother and family, and
+a very few friends to witness it.  Linda was dressed
+in a frock of her own make; she had woven the cloth
+for the very occasion while Ben was more than two
+thousand miles away, but with an abiding faith that
+the time would come for her to wear it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben was dressed in a suit Mrs. Hardy made out
+of "boughten store cloth," as she described the
+material; while not a "tailor fit," the mother was proud
+of it, and all agreed that she did very well.  At that
+time the women not only made their own dresses but
+also the clothes of the men folks; so it was nothing
+out of the ordinary for mother Hardy to make Ben's
+wedding suit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P166"></a>166}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The "boys" all wanted to invite the young folks
+of the neighborhood and "have a good time," but
+mother Shaeffer pleaded for a quiet wedding; and
+in deference to her wishes, all of them gave up the
+thought.  To her the marriage was a solemn occasion,
+and she could scarcely restrain the tears while
+preparations were being made for it.  Ben had come to
+know the real reason and deeply sympathized with
+her; he felt almost a twinge of conscience for taking
+the dutiful daughter from the companionship of a
+loving mother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mrs. Shaeffer had great respect for Ben, believed
+him worthy of her confidence and a suitable husband
+for her daughter; but she wanted Linda to herself.
+In calmer moments she realized the selfishness of
+such an attitude, and how it might affect Linda's
+later life to remain with her; but the premonition
+that something dreadful would happen on the trip
+could not be dispelled.  Ben was not free from the
+thought that disaster might overtake them on
+the long journey&mdash;little dreaming of the source from
+which it would come, a peril not encountered in his
+former trip with Squire Mulhall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+April, the time set long in advance for their
+departure, was near at hand; the teams and outfits had
+already been purchased, the animals were thoroughly
+reliable and well trained, and everything was about
+ready for the start to the far West.  Robert and
+Abraham Shaeffer had also provided themselves with
+a team and outfit, and were equally well prepared;
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P167"></a>167}</span>
+two independent outfits satisfactory to Ben with
+four stalwart and reliable men, were in readiness
+making ten trustworthy adults in the party.  There
+were also three women and four children, with
+Andrew, Jennie and their little girl Margie&mdash;in all
+twenty persons, five ox-teams, one horse-team and a
+matched-mule team for Andrew.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the banks had not yet responded to the extent
+of the full amount needed to defray the expense of
+outfitting, and enough to provide for necessary
+supplies and incidental expenses on the road.  It seemed
+as if they might be held back at the last minute by
+the difficulties of securing the necessary funds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When all the other arrangements had been completed,
+Ben and father Shaeffer rode over to the nearest
+bank; with a determined expression of countenance,
+fire in their eyes and resolute tongues, they
+soon convinced the cashier that the money should be
+furnished to Ben as a matter of right.  Thereupon
+sufficient for all anticipated needs was handed to
+him, and that part of the problem solved.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben had secured a light wagon, with half-springs
+under the bed to shelter Linda night and day, and
+also himself when not called elsewhere during the
+day, or kept out on watch at night.  He had planned
+to take a full share of the duties and responsibilities
+of the trip, no matter how arduous or fatiguing they
+might be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew, Jennie and Margie were ready when
+Ben and Linda arrived.  Eli Sumner, the elderly
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P168"></a>168}</span>
+Quaker in whose care Pelton had left his former
+slaves, provided a span of matched tan-colored mules
+and a complete outfit for them.  All three took an
+affectionate farewell of their benefactor, for Sumner
+had been kind to them&mdash;just as good as "massa,"
+Andrew said; and could not restrain tears of
+gratitude with the last shake of the hand.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The ox-teams had been sent several days ahead to
+the Missouri River crossing, where Ben was to join
+them with Andrew, Jennie and Margie.  A great
+surprise was in store for Ben upon arrival; all the
+teams of his party were awaiting him, but the great
+throng seen there on his first trip was conspicuously
+absent.  Instead of five hundred or more wagons on
+the former occasion, there were now not more than
+fifty besides his own little party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In striking contrast to the pressure of two years
+before at the ferry landing, where a long line of
+emigrants waited their turn to be carried over, now
+all were easily crossed about as they arrived.
+Stirring memories of his adventure on the previous trip
+came vividly to mind.  The sand-bar where the
+wagon-box had grounded with Kate Mulhall in water
+waist deep, was there; likewise the little island in
+front of the ferry landing where the scow upset,
+though since partially worn away by the swirling
+current of the great river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Grass was abundant near-by the camp site, instead
+of being cropped close as he had seen it the first
+time.  Profiting by Mulhall's experience with the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P169"></a>169}</span>
+horse team, Ben determined to provide grain to last
+his horses and mules a long way out on the Trail.
+First he planned to take another wagon and abandon
+it when unloaded, thus strengthening his teams
+with the extra oxen, but under the circumstances, he
+concluded it would be practicable for teams to make
+the return trip; so two wagons were secured and
+loaded with grain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When fully prepared the crossing was safely made,
+and the great trip across the plains started on April
+18, 185-, about three weeks earlier in the season
+than the previous one.  The absence of Indians was
+at once noticed by Ben, who caught sight of a few
+in the distance the second day out; but they did not
+come anywhere near the train.  At the crossing of
+the second river on the fifth day, some of their tepees
+were found on both sides of the Trail, and one
+directly across it at the usual landing place.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There were a dozen or more lodges with altogether
+probably fifty Indians, of which about twenty were
+men.  Ben interpreted their obstruction of the Trail
+as a sign of hostile intent; and after selecting a
+suitable place for defense in case of attack, he at
+once gathered all of his people into camp.  The
+wagons formed a corral, the guns of the party were
+carefully examined and an armed guard sent to the
+grazing ground with the teams.  Every one was
+cautioned not to go near the tepees, but to await
+developments; and although Ben's camp was only about
+fifty yards away, no Indian approached near it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P170"></a>170}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Little or nothing would be lost by waiting, as
+other teams were expected in a few hours; at nightfall
+seven did arrive with eleven armed men.  Their
+wagons helped materially to enlarge the protecting
+circle, while the men increased the strength of the
+guard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At a council that evening it was decided not to
+go near the Indian camp for twenty-four hours,
+unless the red men first came to them; and to show a
+bold front, asking no favor except to be allowed to
+cross the river undisturbed&mdash;and make no concessions.
+The Indians evidently did not want a show
+of arms, their immediate object being robbery under
+the guise of collecting toll; they had discovered that
+only a few wagons were crossing the river, and
+thought they could safely intimidate the smaller
+numbers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Realizing the impending danger, Ben at once saw
+the necessity of forming a larger company, for there
+might be fifty thousand warriors within riding
+distance of the Trail, and still greater dangers ahead.
+That night couriers were sent back to ascertain how
+many men could come up on the morrow; and
+definite information was received that thirty more
+wagons would reach their camp before the next
+night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the Indians saw these reinforcements, they
+silently decamped and left the crossing unobstructed;
+but the incident naturally caused uneasiness in all
+the camps, as the sequel will show.  By later
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P171"></a>171}</span>
+accounts, at least eleven massacres were perpetrated
+along the Oregon Trail by Indians during the
+overland migrations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some of those tragedies were revealed only in part
+by the irons of destroyed vehicles, with not a human
+being left to tell the dreadful story.  Ben concluded
+that it would be unsafe for the two grain wagons to
+return; so he took them over and employed the drivers
+until they could find an opportunity of returning
+with others&mdash;or else continue all the way with him
+to Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Four days more of travel brought the train to
+another river crossing where they saw eleven nude
+men, women and children of a party whose three
+outfits had been burned, all provisions carried off
+and their teams driven away.  Why the Indians had
+spared the lives of the victims none could tell; they
+had not been harmed bodily, but stripped of all their
+belongings.  Ben gave the unfortunates one of the
+grain wagons and a team, while the people of the
+train fed and clothed them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They were now in the buffalo country, and near
+where Ben had gone on the hunt that had been almost
+fatal to him on the previous trip across.  He had no
+desire to duplicate the experience, but there were
+four more to feed than originally provided for, they
+had given the destitute party a month's supplies with
+the wagon; and he now realized the necessity of
+replenishing their stock of food.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the camp was put in order and an organized
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P172"></a>172}</span>
+hunt arranged; teams were sent to bring in the game
+and preparations made to cure it.  In five days the
+wagons returned fairly loaded down with jerked
+buffalo, and the journey was resumed with a bountiful
+supply of meat added to the previously diminished
+store.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So far Ben's horses and the mule team had felt the
+strengthening results of light rations of grain; but
+by this time nearly all of it had been fed out.
+Fortunately, the grass continued to be plentiful along
+stretches where, two years before, it had been eaten
+close to the ground by the large numbers of cattle
+and horses, with here and there a flock of sheep in
+the emigrant column.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Trail crossed a wide, open country inhabited
+by warlike tribes, some of which were off on hunting
+expeditions or in forays against other tribes,
+and a few had not yet returned from their trapping
+expeditions.  To the agreeable surprise of the
+emigrants, very few Indians were now seen, and those
+showed no signs of making trouble.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this had continued for several weeks, vigilance
+was somewhat relaxed and the company began
+to fall apart&mdash;a repetition of what had transpired
+in previous years, often with disastrous results.
+Believing that all danger from Indians had passed,
+Robert and Abraham Shaeffer concluded to try their
+fortune in the California gold mines, and left the
+train.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before he realized what was happening, Ben found
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P173"></a>173}</span>
+himself with the original company, except for the
+Shaeffer boys; but was not as much disturbed about
+it as he would have been a few weeks before.  The
+grass was good, and the abundant feed in the vicinity
+of the camping places relieved the long tedious
+night watches, often far removed from them.  His
+horses, mules and oxen were in good condition; the
+cows gave plenty of milk for the company, and the
+surplus cream made considerable butter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda was enjoying the trip; if this was "hardship,"
+she could have endured more of it without
+complaint.  Andrew, who never tired of entertaining
+the little camp with his violin and quaint plantation
+songs, was happy with Jennie and Margie.  Ben was
+comforted by the thought that they would soon be in
+the cabin home to which they had looked forward so
+long, and began to count the days&mdash;each one bringing
+them so much nearer their destination.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So far the trip had been a surprise to Ben, and a
+marked contrast to the one he had made with Squire
+Mulhall only two years before.  The seasons had
+differed somewhat, but the greatest change consisted in
+the overcrowded Trail in 185-, and the much lesser
+number now.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had been traveling several days in a wide and
+fertile valley, now the pride of a great State, and
+had just crossed the river for the first time to the
+right bank.  The spot was ideal for a camp, with an
+abundance of grass, plenty of fuel and pure water
+for all.  So enticing was the scene that Ben concluded
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P174"></a>174}</span>
+to lay over Sunday to rest the tired teams and the
+weary members of his party as well.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A low perpendicular bluff paralleled the river,
+with a narrow portion of the main valley, which
+promised ample feed for the teams, between them.
+The bluff on one side and river on the other
+prevented the stock from scattering; and for once no
+guard was sent out, as had been customary heretofore.
+A strip of wild grass higher than a man's
+shoulder bordered a dense growth of brush near the
+river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The women took advantage of the stop-over to do
+their washing near the river crossing; and one of
+the men was bagging some of the numerous rabbits
+in the valley.  Andrew spent most of his time
+entertaining others, as usual whenever opportunity
+offered; two of the horses had left the range and
+returned for a bit of bread or lick of salt.  Ben was
+busily occupied with the cares of the camp, and
+planning the next stage of the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the following day two Indians were seen passing
+on horseback along the top of the low bluff; but
+nothing was thought of it, as there had been no
+trouble with them for several months, or for a thousand
+miles along the Trail.  A small train of wagons
+crossed the river during the day and continued on
+to the west; soon afterward an Indian was seen fording
+it at the same place and riding furiously toward
+the east.  About two hours later the same Indian
+returned, his pony exhibiting all the signs of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P175"></a>175}</span>
+continued hard riding; after what followed it is certain
+that he was a scout sent up the Trail to ascertain
+whether or not another train was approaching.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the afternoon two men from a near-by camp
+went out to milk their cows and look after the oxen;
+and to their surprise were unable to find either.
+Following on up the valley they soon came upon sure
+signs of hurried travel, and realized that the cattle
+had been stampeded from some cause not then
+apparent; after continuing along the Trail until near
+dark they were compelled to return slowly to the
+camp.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To their amazement they found it in utter
+disorder, and without a living soul.  Wagons had been
+run together and partially burned; remnants of the
+outfits were scattered in every direction; remains of
+dead bodies were heaped upon the fire and in part
+consumed.  The dreadful fact dawned upon them
+that the camp had been raided by the Indians during
+their absence, and their comrades massacred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda, who had found a near-by refuge, remained
+in hiding until she heard voices in her own tongue,
+and then came out to the desolated camp.  It was
+too dark to recognize the mutilated bodies, but by a
+token on the remains Linda discovered that Ben
+was one of the slain, and immediately lost consciousness.
+The horrors of that long night are beyond
+description, as the fears and alarms of a lifetime
+hovered over the heads of the sleepless survivors.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-175"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-175.jpg" alt="SCENE AFTER THE MASSACRE, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE">
+<br>
+SCENE AFTER THE MASSACRE, AS DESCRIBED ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+This was part of the price which the overland travel of the
+40s and 50s paid that the far Northwest might be settled
+by Americans and made a part of the United States.  At least
+eleven such catastrophes are a matter of record.  It is, of
+course, impossible at this date to recover the graves of the
+marytred Pioneers; but we can&mdash;and will&mdash;erect suitable
+memorials to the Unknown Dead of the Plains.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+But the first duty was to look after the living and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P176"></a>176}</span>
+let the dead rest where they were.  One of the men
+waded the river and started eastward on the Trail
+in search of aid, which he fortunately met within a
+few miles.  Couriers were dispatched east and west
+to warn the emigrants and urge volunteers to
+assemble and punish the Indians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the early morning food and clothing were delivered
+to the stricken victims, and soon a train arrived
+to supply physical comforts to them.  A hundred
+miles of the Trail were traversed by couriers, and
+before night a large number of armed men had
+assembled; time pressed, and none was lost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the day the trail of the oxen was anxiously
+located, so it could be followed at night.  Each rider
+carried his rations in his pouch, or in packages
+strapped to his saddle; there was no thought of
+bedding or camp equipment, as they intended to
+march all night in the hope of overtaking the
+Indians.  It is wonderful what a body of resolute men
+can accomplish when all are of one mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The trail, which led up the valley for some miles,
+was easily and rapidly followed in the night; on the
+table-lands it was dim, but recognized without much
+difficulty.  At break of day a secluded spot was
+selected, the horses tethered and silence enjoined upon
+every one.  A cautious reconnaissance had discovered
+signs of Indians; at midnight the march was
+resumed, and their camps sighted at daylight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Each became his own captain as they descended in
+fury upon the slumbering Indians, and during the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P177"></a>177}</span>
+mêlée that followed neither age nor sex was spared;
+women and children were ruthlessly shot down, and
+no prisoners taken.  The oxen and all except one of
+the cows and two of the horses were recovered, but
+Andrew's mules could not be found.  Orders were
+then given to assemble all the Indian horses possible,
+and shoot them on the spot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The chastisement was swift, severe and long
+remembered by the remnant of the band.  While this
+did not bring the dead to life or heal the wounds of
+the living, some reprisal was necessary to deter the
+savages from again molesting emigrant trains
+following the Trail on peaceful missions of finding
+homes for themselves and their families.  It was
+cruel; but the emergency called for desperate
+measures.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the massacre Andrew, Jennie and Margie
+wandered off listlessly on the Trail leading west, and
+passing scouts found them later a short distance
+from the camp.  The Indians were terrified at their
+first sight of a negro, evidently believing Andrew
+to be an emissary of the evil spirit who could bring
+dire disaster upon them for any harm done to him;
+so he escaped.[<a id="chap06fn1text"></a><a href="#chap06fn1">1</a>]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As Andrew returned to camp, the shock of the
+disaster seemed to awaken him to new duties of
+life; and a vision opened up before him.  "Massa
+Ben" was gone, and only he was now left of the men
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P178"></a>178}</span>
+in the original party.  Up to this time he had looked
+to others for direction, leaning upon them as a child
+upon a parent; but now he must act for and depend
+upon himself.  Without realizing the change,
+Andrew became virtual head of the remnant of the
+party, and quietly assumed the responsibility.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His first act upon returning to camp was to look
+after the comfort of "Missus Linda" and provide a
+place where she might rest, while Jennie prepared
+some nourishment for her.  Others had attempted
+the gruesome task of separating and identifying the
+dead; but they were so mutilated and in such a
+confused mass that all were finally buried in one grave.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew's grief at the funeral was inconsolable;
+falling on his knees at the grave, he offered up a
+prayer expressing resignation to God's will and
+inspiring hopes for the future, that touched the heart
+of every one.  While a surprise to all, it was
+comforting, particularly to Linda; Andrew's thoughts
+seemed to be centered mainly on his young mistress,
+and he spared no effort to encourage and assist her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The burial of the victims preceded by only one
+day the revenge upon the Indians.  Echoes of boasts
+from the returning party that none had been spared,
+children and mothers slain and the wounded
+dispatched without mercy, troubled Linda's gentle
+spirit.  She could not participate in the elation of
+the men, and recalled what Ben had said of the
+"irrepressible conflict" between the Indians and the
+whites, as well as Andrew's prayer to "look for
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P179"></a>179}</span>
+relief from God Almighty," as the fervent negro had
+expressed it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+An exact account of the massacre will never be
+known, for none were left to tell the story.  When
+the attack was made Linda and the three other
+women of the train were washing at the river, only
+a few hundred yards from the camp, though out of
+sight from it.  Hearing the guns and seeing many
+armed Indians near-by, all rushed for the brush and
+high grass, hiding as best they could.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Immediately after the interment Linda retired,
+supperless and disconsolate, to the temporary camp
+Andrew had prepared for her.  The situation was
+indeed very desperate.  Her brothers had gone on
+to California, the last hired man had left them
+three weeks before, and her husband was dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Deep grief, prolonged fatigue and loss of sleep
+finally overcame her, and she sank into a slumber
+where sorrow was temporarily forgotten.  Morning
+brought partial relief; and Linda could then fix her
+mind on the emergency that confronted them.  As
+soon as Jennie knew her "missus" was awake she
+brought some food, of which Linda partook sparingly,
+although it was the first for about thirty-six
+hours.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The wagon and yokes had been burned, and the
+clothing destroyed or carried off with the remainder
+of the outfit; nothing was left but the horses, the
+oxen and one cow.  Linda had the helpless colored
+man, as she still thought of Andrew, as well as his
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P180"></a>180}</span>
+wife and child, to consider; but a new courage took
+possession of her mind and drove away despair.  "I
+have yet something to live for," she said to herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Summoning Andrew to her bedside, Linda was
+surprised to note his confident demeanor.  "Yes,
+missus, I kin drive the oxen, I knows I kin."  "But,
+Andrew, we have no wagon."  "Yes, missus, there's
+a wagon down by the ford; I seen it this mornin."  When
+reminded that the wagon didn't belong to her,
+Andrew responded, "Everybody takes a wagon
+standing on the road, if he thinks it better than
+hizzen."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda remembered the accepted practice of the
+Trail that abandoned vehicles, of which there were
+a great number, became common property; and
+followed Andrew to the ford to see the wagon.  "Yuse
+jest take that; I kin drive it, I know I kin," Andrew
+confidently reiterated.  "Yuse kin take my wagon
+(which had not been destroyed by the Indians),
+Jennie kin ride the mare and take care of the loose
+oxen and the cows, and Margin kin ride in this
+wagon with me."  Evidently Andrew had been
+thinking and planning while Linda slept; the new
+experience awakened his latent abilities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fortunately a considerable part of their money
+was sewed in a dress she wore; and some hidden
+under a false bottom of the wagon-box was recovered,
+much to her relief.  Linda and Andrew managed to
+put together an outfit enabling them to resume the
+journey.  He developed as the necessity required,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P181"></a>181}</span>
+Jennie soon became more than a dependent, and
+even Margie found incidental ways to be helpful.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Several hundred miles of the Trail were still
+ahead of them; but each day brought new experiences
+and increased confidence.  Linda's strength
+gradually returned; and Andrew proved that he
+could drive an ox-team as well as play the violin,
+which had been laid aside unused since the fatal
+Sunday when "Massa Ben" had been killed.  His
+whole ambition centered in the welfare of his
+"missus," and he felt an obligation to see her safely
+in the cabin home.  As they neared the end of the
+journey, Linda became still more self-reliant.  She
+was surprised at the improvement in Andrew and
+Jennie, and finally in herself; and realized in a still
+larger measure that she had something more to live
+for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Just seven months and one day after she and Ben
+drove out of the Shaeffer door-yard in Missouri,
+Linda drew up unannounced in front of the cabin
+which he had built on his claim in the Oregon Country.
+It was late in the evening, while the Squire
+and the girls were at supper.  Hearing a noise
+outside, Mulhall arose and as he opened the door Linda
+was just reaching out to knock for admission; catching
+sight of her, the girls screamed with delight and
+in their hasty greeting nearly upset the table.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Where's Ben?" was the first question the Squire
+asked; but quickly divining from Linda's countenance
+that something had happened, the question
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P182"></a>182}</span>
+was not repeated.  He then turned to greet Andrew
+and Jennie, and after them Margie.  Leaving Linda
+with the girls, Mulhall accompanied Andrew to care
+for the teams, and then learned the dreadful news;
+thus he knew there could now be no joyful reunion,
+and hastened back as soon as possible.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sight of the cabin that Ben had built for their
+home, and the conveniences he had arranged inside,
+revived the dormant grief within Linda's breast until
+she sank unconscious and helpless to the cabin floor.
+Poor woman!  She had fortified herself with a
+resolution to be brave; but her emotion would not down,
+and relief came only in unconsciousness.  When she
+awoke the Squire refrained from asking any questions
+about the tragedy, but talked about the country
+of which she had seen so little, and discussed plans
+for the future.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next morning when Linda's calmness had returned,
+she voluntarily told Mulhall the whole story
+as they wandered over the extensive and beautiful
+Donation claim, a mile in length and half a mile in
+width.  It was an ideal place for a home, nearly all
+fertile prairie with a clump of timber in one corner
+some distance from the cabin, while a rivulet of pure
+water fed by springs on the claim flowed through
+the land.  Small wonder that Ben should have
+written to her so enthusiastically about their future
+home; or that he braved so much to reach it with
+her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He looked forward to a bright future spent in
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P183"></a>183}</span>
+developing and embellishing this choice tract of land
+in a salubrious climate, with the assistance of the
+young wife whom he adored.  But the treacherous
+savages in the wilds of what is now part of the State
+of Idaho put a cruel end to his joys and hopes.
+Unfortunate man!  But not the only one, for many like
+him met a similar fate on the Oregon Trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Craig, who had never before seen Linda, came the
+following Sunday, and was fairly stunned when told
+of the disaster.  He loved Ben for the many good
+traits of his character, and was drawn closer to him
+through their mutual adventures.  "My lady," he
+said in a broad Scotch brogue, "you shall have the
+cabin and all there is in it; and I will move the line
+twenty rods away."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He added something about being able to secure a
+full claim for himself, as there was still vacant land
+adjacent; but made no mention of the fact that the
+new boundary would make his own less valuable.  It
+did not matter very much, for he had long thought
+that Ben should come into the ownership of both
+claims, a mile square in the great fertile valley.
+There were many instances in which the earlier
+settlers had taken up that amount of land in their own
+right, under the law as at first passed; but later
+settlers were restricted to half that area.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Craig at once had a new cabin built to comply
+with the legal requirements of his own residence;
+and then without either ostentation or Linda's
+knowledge, had his will re-drawn in her favor instead of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P184"></a>184}</span>
+Ben's, as the first one read.  We are not sure that
+Ben knew of the first; both acts were characteristic
+of Craig's modesty, forethought and generosity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew wanted very much to see "Massa Pelton,"
+but hesitated to leave Linda; he could not tell which
+he loved best, his old master or the new missus.  Both
+had been good to him, which was more than he could
+say about some others of the white race.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Great numbers, perhaps a majority, of the early
+settlers in the Oregon Country had come from slave
+States, bringing prejudices against the black man so
+intense that at first no negro could live in their midst
+under pain of the whipping post.  Unbelievable! the
+reader will exclaim&mdash;but yet authentic history.  The
+law had been passed by the Provisional Government
+under the stimulus of temporary and unreasonable
+excitement, and without due consideration or
+deliberation; it was never enforced and soon repealed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda asked the Squire if he thought Pelton
+would consent to have Andrew and Jennie stay with
+her through the winter; but at the moment Mulhall
+considered it unlikely.  "Won't I have time to write
+him before you go with Andrew?" she asked.  "I'll
+wait till you do," the Squire answered, as he could
+see the necessity of help for the lone widow, though
+he didn't yet know the principal reason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda wrote not to Isaac, but to Kate.  After
+telling her of the tragedy, she explained that she was
+looking forward to another one to live for, which
+explained why she so much wanted Jennie to be
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P185"></a>185}</span>
+with her.  When Kate told Pelton of the special
+reason he said, "God bless her, yes!  I would almost
+say you should also go and be with her."  But Kate
+had her own household and their own little boy to
+care for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Squire Mulhall was reluctant to leave for home,
+as he had planned to do on Ben's arrival; in fact
+had about made up his mind to stay.  But the girls
+must be taken back before school opened; and he
+did not see how it could be managed unless he made
+the trip with them, even if he returned at once to the
+Hardy cabin.  Imagine his surprise when, two days
+after Linda received Kate's letter telling her that
+Andrew and Jennie could remain with her, Pelton
+knocked at the door and greeted the astonished Squire
+in the cabin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac explained that he wanted to see his former
+slaves so badly that, over-night, he concluded to make
+the trip; besides Kate had a small package to send
+to Linda.  He instinctively knew also that the Squire
+would want to stay longer with her; so on his return
+he would take the girls back in time for school.
+Andrew fairly shouted with joy at the sight of his old
+master; Jennie was no less jubilant, but had a
+different way of showing it; not until sleep overtook
+them, could either restrain their long pent-up
+feelings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The two men counselling together that night agreed
+upon a course of action&mdash;first, that with Linda's
+consent an addition would be built to the cabin, and a
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P186"></a>186}</span>
+one-room cabin put up for Andrew; second, that
+Pelton would return home immediately, taking the
+girls to his home until Kate could make suitable
+arrangements for them in their own home in the village
+near the school; and third, that the Squire should
+stay with Linda for an indefinite time, or at least
+until after the approaching event that was to mean
+so much for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It required only one week to have Andrew's one-room
+cabin ready to move into, and not much longer
+to complete the addition to the main dwelling, more
+than doubling its rooming capacity.  Meanwhile
+Isaac had returned home with the girls ready for
+school.  The two men wanted to build a more
+pretentious residence, but Linda said she preferred to
+live in the humble one that Ben had built with his
+own hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The little conveniences that he had provided
+seemed doubly precious in her eyes; every shelf and
+cooking utensil, the sheet iron stove and even the
+cups he had used all seemed treasures to her.
+Having been planned and built to accommodate Craig
+as well as Ben, the cabin was commodious and very
+comfortable.  She did want an open fireplace, that
+she might enjoy the cheerful glow of the evening fire
+and the pure-health giving air; so a large fireplace
+was built in it.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * * * * * * * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Squire had been busy during the summer, and
+raised a bounteous crop on the fresh plowed virgin
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P187"></a>187}</span>
+soil; to protect it during the winter he had erected
+a "post-barn" large enough to shelter all the stock
+and store the provender.  Trunks of beautiful young
+timber growths up to a hundred feet in length and
+practically any size desired, were easily obtainable.
+A post-barn was constructed by planting posts of
+this timber deep in the ground to support a roof,
+using the ground as a floor; with a shelter on the
+windward side, stock would be comfortable in the
+open air of the mild Oregon winter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Andrew was happy in the thought of staying with
+Linda, without expecting compensation for his labor;
+a wage was something foreign to his mind.  He was
+denied the privilege of owning a home in his own
+right; and what was the use of earning wages, when
+he could not enforce collection in courts closed to
+him?  But these things did not disturb him, as he
+lived in an atmosphere of love for his master and
+missus, Jennie and Margie, and was happy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+December had come, and still the flowers remained
+in bloom and the grass green; Christmas was
+approaching, and the Squire said they ought to
+celebrate.  He hoped to divert Linda's mind from her
+great loss; but was puzzled how to do so.  His first
+thought was to make a present to her, though
+uncertain what would be the best selection.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda did not enter into the spirit of the suggested
+festivities&mdash;not that she was brooding over
+her affliction, for she had regained her cheerfulness.
+When Christmas was only three days away, and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P188"></a>188}</span>
+before the Squire had made up his mind about the
+present and the celebration, a boy of nine pounds
+appeared in the cabin; and all agreed that his name
+should be Benjamin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate&mdash;hereafter Mrs. Pelton now that she is a
+mother&mdash;was delighted when she heard that Linda
+also had a boy; no trace of jealousy tinged her
+thought.  Isaac, her own little son, was the brightest
+and cutest baby in all the world; there could be no
+rival to him, and nothing would excite the remotest
+feeling of envy.  Sincere congratulations were sent
+by Mr. and Mrs. Pelton to Mrs. Hardy with a substantial
+gift for Benjamin, "the future protector of
+his mother and a joy forever."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From some unexplained cause, both mothers felt
+that the two babes were to be drawn close together
+in the experiences of life, as their parents had been.
+Mrs. Pelton, whose wishes seemed almost prophetic,
+freely communicated these thoughts to Mrs. Hardy&mdash;not
+Linda any more.  Prophecies of later days,
+like those of olden times, are often remarkably
+fulfilled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The two "babes in the woods," we might almost
+literally say, grew and thrived amazingly under the
+best maternal care and in the healthful environment
+of pure air and mild climate.  Mulhall zealously
+guarded the supply of pure milk and food for the
+household, and looked after the little one with an
+almost paternal affection.  After putting it off as
+long as possible, he reluctantly informed Mrs. Hardy
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P189"></a>189}</span>
+that he must soon leave for his own home, and at
+the same time lessened her anxieties by saying that
+he would provide for her financial needs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton had reached his own conclusion that Ben
+Hardy's widow needed Andrew more than he; and
+wrote that the colored man could remain with her
+a year or longer&mdash;practically without limit of time.
+That was a sacrifice, as Isaac had planned to have
+his former slaves near-by, where he could make their
+advancing years comfortable and happy; but was
+now convinced that Andrew and Jennie would be
+about as content where they were as in his own home,
+and, realized that they would greatly assist
+Mrs. Hardy.  A second letter, received soon after father
+Mulhall arrived home, so informed Mrs. Hardy, to
+her great joy and relief; she often wondered if it
+would ever be possible to repay this great kindness,
+forgetting that Pelton was already rewarded by the
+consciousness of having contributed materially to
+the welfare and happiness of others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It seemed to the parents an incredibly short time
+before the "babes" of the two households became
+school children.  A few years later they were taking
+courses in the University, and grew into manhood&mdash;the
+pride of their elders and an honor to the State
+which had been developed out of the region in which
+they were born.  Gradually, too, the parents in each
+family realized that they had passed middle life, and
+were approaching old age.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Their eyes were dimmed and hearing somewhat
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P190"></a>190}</span>
+dulled, but their minds were still clear and active;
+aspirations, hopes and even ambitions remained with
+them, while reflections upon past achievements and
+some failures (the ripe experience to which there is
+no short-cut) brought deeper thought and greater
+happiness into their lives.  In both the Pelton and
+Hardy families, the results of successful endeavor,
+intellectual development and independence were
+manifest in an unusual degree.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate&mdash;Mrs. Pelton&mdash;had changed into a motherly
+stature so attractive to her husband and all friends;
+the active, graceful movement and the fire of her
+eye were retained, her complexion was still ruddy,
+and there was a sprinkling of grey hairs to lighten
+the color of the whole.  Pelton continued in excellent
+health; the active outdoor life on his farm had
+developed a sturdy frame, strengthened his muscles
+and quickened his mind.  Like many other pioneers
+with great opportunities before them, he had
+prospered beyond expectation, and was in affluent
+circumstances.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ben Hardy had located on a Donation claim of
+three hundred and twenty acres of such intrinsic
+value that if he had lived, the rise of land values in
+a country of ever-increasing population and
+prosperity would have made him a wealthy man.  When
+the Donation Act under which he took up his claim
+was passed, the law provided that half of it should be
+held by the wife in her own right.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before that date, and for many years afterward,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P191"></a>191}</span>
+a wife could not legally inherit or hold property in
+fee simple except in the Oregon Country, under this
+special act.  Incredible as it may seem, she was also
+denied the right to control her children, sue in the
+courts, speak in public or enter schools of higher
+education.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Linda became Ben's wife, she had no
+property rights except insofar as this special law
+gave her an equal share in the land upon which they
+had settled.  Hardy did not live to return to the
+claim, but after years of doubt and delay, his widow
+came into ownership of half (160 acres) in her own
+right; and by descent her son received the other half.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The experiences of these years, and considerable
+of what may properly be called semi-litigation,
+developed Mrs. Hardy's latent ability to cope with
+business problems as they arose; so she prospered and
+became known as a woman of executive ability.  It
+was in memory of the husband and for the welfare
+of her boy, the younger Benjamin, that she resolved
+that life was worth living; and right well did she
+prove the correctness of the resolution.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Things did not run smoothly during the whole of
+the long period.  Pelton had been compelled to make
+one trip to the old home in Missouri to adjust some
+business matters.  Mrs. Hardy sustained a loss in
+consequence of a heavy snowfall, and met some
+reverses of minor importance; but the steady development
+of the country and consequent increase of land
+values, proved of great advantage to them both.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap06fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap06fn1text">1</a>] A similar instance is recorded in the case
+of York, the slave of
+Captain Lewis of the Lewis &amp; Clark Expedition,
+upon whom the
+Indians looked with superstitious awe mingled with terror.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap07"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P192"></a>192}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER VII
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+LINDA'S HOPE NEVER REALIZED; DEATH OF DAVID
+MULHALL; CRAIG'S PROMISE REMEMBERED;
+LESSONS FROM A TRAIL-MAKING OUTFIT;
+DECISION TO MAKE THE TRIP.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The thread of our story is now resumed at a
+later date, and in a new century.  Linda
+Shaeffer, as we first knew her, for many
+years Ben's widow, has now passed the meridian of
+life; her only child, Benjamin, has grown into
+manhood and assumed the cares of the farm and
+home.  Meanwhile the Pacific Northwest has made
+extraordinary progress, with an increase in
+population and improvements in transportation almost
+completely changing the old-time pioneer environment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the cool evening of a midsummer day, Linda
+Hardy was sitting in front of the ivy covered cabin,
+whose roof was completely overspread with the
+bright green of the beautiful climbing vine.  Nearly
+half of the front side was likewise covered with
+growths from the same vigorous stalk at the corner
+of the cottage; and the foliage on the roof had
+reached to the farther end of the cabin, two rods or
+more from the roots that supported and gave life to
+it.  The sultry atmosphere was filled with perfume
+from a row of sweet peas that lined the front of a
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P193"></a>193}</span>
+small but well-kept flower garden, mingled with
+aroma from a choice variety of roses in bloom, while
+sweet clover and various other flowers added to the
+pleasant fragrance afloat in the air.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A young man with a glow of health in his countenance
+was leaning against the wall of the cabin,
+with his feet on the rung of the chair, and a book
+which he had been reading open upon his knees.  In
+an abstracted mood he suddenly closed the book,
+placed his feet upon the ground and for a moment
+sat upright, looking out into space as if unconscious
+of his surroundings.  Recovering himself and looking
+straight at the matron sitting nearby, he uttered
+one word, "Mother!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What is it, Benjamin?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Only partly aroused from his reverie, he seemed
+unprepared to say just what was on his mind; so
+made no immediate or direct reply.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For some years, the youthful Benjamin Hardy
+had hoped that some day he could visit the spot
+where the remains of his father had been left; but
+any reference to the tragedy seemed always to
+greatly disturb his mother.  He had the subject of
+a proposed trip to the grave on his mind when, half
+abstractedly, he had first spoken to her; now fully
+awake, he hesitated to continue.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What is it, Benjamin?" repeated by his mother
+prompted him to go farther than he had attempted
+heretofore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Do you believe, mother, if you were to go out on
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P194"></a>194}</span>
+the Trail you could identify the spot where father
+was killed?" he asked rather hesitatingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I know I could&mdash;the river crossing, the low bluff
+and the narrow strip of valley are all there.  I can
+see them in my mind as plain as the day it occurred."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But there are probably several crossings now;
+how could you identify the particular one?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It was where the Trail crossed and was worn two
+or three feet deep on both banks of the river; Ben,
+I have seen where it was worn down ten feet deep.
+Yes, I could find the crossing, and even the spot
+where your father was buried."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Mother, I have long wanted to go, find the
+grave and put a monument on the spot."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There was a long silence during which both
+seemed to be pondering the subject.  The mother
+spoke first, "Kate has several times written that she
+would like to visit her mother's grave and wants me
+to go along; but that is nearly a thousand miles, I
+should judge, beyond where your father was buried."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As had been the case before, the conversation
+ended without reaching any conclusion.  Years
+passed, and from one cause or another, the journey
+to visit the grave of Benjamin Hardy, away out on
+the sage-brush plains, was not undertaken.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally, when the Pelton family and Aunt Sarah
+were about ready to make the long-anticipated trip to
+the grave of Catherine Mulhall near the summit of
+the Rocky Mountains, and sent an invitation to Linda
+to join the party, she had to sorrowfully decline.
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P195"></a>195}</span>
+For some time her health had not been good; in
+fact, she had become a prematurely broken-down
+woman without any apparent cause, unless it was
+the silent grief gnawing so many years at her heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was never able to revisit the scene of the
+tragedy where the young husband whom she adored had
+been ruthlessly slain by the bloodthirsty savages;
+but could not forget the cruel blow fate had dealt
+her, and often thought how the bright prospects and
+hopes of her young life had been so irretrievably
+shattered.  Though absent in the flesh, her spirit was
+ever hovering over the grave by the river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac Pelton enjoyed doing things, and from the
+day when he selected a tract for his home until the
+final call, he was a busy man.  He had a worthy
+helpmate in Kate, mistress of the household, who
+was as busy in the cabin as he was in the field.  After
+the birth of their eldest child, a new purpose in
+life&mdash;a bond of union bringing higher aims and
+ambitions&mdash;opened before them; both enjoyed excellent
+health and were supremely happy and contented.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Their thoughts centered on the baby&mdash;Isaac Pelton,
+Jr., and heir to their estate.  Both lovingly
+watched his growth from day to day and were well
+repaid, for the boy grew rapidly in health and vigor
+inherited from his parents and aided by the healthful
+climate and nourishing food of the frontier
+farm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was before the time of the transcontinental
+railroads, and the markets of the world had not yet
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P196"></a>196}</span>
+been opened to that region by the steamship lines
+that came later; so the country developed slowly.
+The mails were tardy in reaching them, but the few
+letters were as welcome and interesting as if delivered
+the day before or even a fortnight earlier; and
+the current literature of the day supplied by the
+newspapers of the period, was abundant and
+furnished subjects for serious thought.  When the
+steamers were delayed by storms or accidents,
+sometimes missing connections that made letters and
+newspapers two or three weeks late, plenty of topics
+were open for study that had only a passing reading
+before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The newspapers occupied the field later taken by
+the conservative magazines; the common practice of
+re-reading articles developed topics for speculative
+thinking and deep study as interesting and often
+more instructive than when fresh from the mails
+with only a light reading.  Neither Isaac nor Kate
+had received more than a common school education,
+which was all that was expected in their childhood
+days.  Little did they realize how they had acquired
+a "higher education" in the broad and thorough
+school of active life; but such was the accomplished
+fact with many pioneers of their day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton never tired of taking their little boy on his
+knee, and reading aloud while the mother plied the
+needle on their garments, or knitted evenings for
+companionship as well as to provide them with
+comfortable clothing.  Another stranger came into their
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P197"></a>197}</span>
+household; and to the great joy of the mother, it
+was a girl.  "Now we're even," said Kate; "and let
+us call the little one Catherine."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She never forgot the grave high upon the mountains,
+the scene of the burial of her mother Catherine,
+or the planting of the little tree upon it; and
+always cherished loving thoughts of her.  Sarah,
+one of the twin sisters, often talked to Kate about it
+and recalled Craig's well remembered words, "I'll
+mark your mother's grave so you can find it the
+longest day you live," which had sunk deep into her
+heart and kept alive the desire to revisit the sacred
+spot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Time passed and another child&mdash;a boy&mdash;came;
+Isaac said the name should be Adam to perpetuate
+the memory of his own father, Adam Pelton.  Next
+a girl was born to them; and Kate selected the name
+Sarah, after her sister who faithfully administered
+to the wants of father David Mulhall to the last days
+of his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There were now in the Pelton household two boys
+and two girls, each in time to share in the intense
+love of their parents, and receive as much care and
+attention as the first-born.  It was in every respect
+an ideal family, held in high esteem by all who
+dwelt in the neighborhood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac and Kate had long wanted the Squire to
+come and share the comforts and joys of their
+household; but he was reluctant to give up his own home,
+and hesitated until the unexpected call came.  "He
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P198"></a>198}</span>
+just went to sleep," said Sarah, who watched by his
+bedside, and died without a struggle, beloved by his
+children, respected by all who knew him, honored
+by his business associates and the church to which
+he belonged.  Sarah, who had never married, soon
+left the village homestead to live with her sister
+Kate, and was a welcome addition to the Pelton
+household.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As time passed, Sarah's thoughts would revert to
+her mother's grave, and the words of Douglas Craig
+kept echoing in her ears.  Even in her dreams the
+fond hope of revisiting that well-remembered spot
+kept recurring, and strengthening the resolution that
+some day and somehow she would realize the hope of
+making the long journey to where the little pine was
+planted and the grave marked by a wagon-tire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac Pelton, Jr. was a precocious child, and in his
+father's mind was destined to be a distinguished
+citizen of the Republic.  He did come to honorable
+manhood, married early and made business connections
+that called him to a foreign land; but died in
+middle age, without returning to America.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His sister Catherine married young, raised a
+family of six children and following in her mother's
+footsteps, filled an honored place in the community.
+While experiencing more of the hardships of pioneer
+or rather frontier life, she was uncomplaining and
+happy.  Adam and Sarah, both unmarried, remained
+at home with their parents, Isaac and Kate&mdash;now
+"the old folks."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P199"></a>199}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the lapse of years, while the events
+recorded in this volume were passing, a great change
+had taken place in nearly all the world's affairs.
+From a retrospective view, the transformation in the
+facilities and conveniences of life and habits of the
+people, the advances in the arts and sciences, and
+growth of religion and political freedom in the
+period from the burial of Catherine Mulhall on the
+high mountains, to the arrival of the pilgrimage at
+her grave, was greater than in the preceding
+thousand years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Within that time, a great Civil War had been
+fought and the Union preserved; slavery had been
+abolished in name, and finally in fact.  After the
+Emancipation Proclamation, no one could any longer
+place men, women and children on the auction block
+like cattle, sheep or any other chattel.  This was but
+one step in the great drama of which it was a part,
+though the United States had become known throughout
+the world as the land of the free, which it was in
+comparison with the majority of other countries.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, had been assassinated,
+but his noble acts and the cruel manner of
+his death had enshrined him in the hearts of the
+liberty-loving people of the world.  Religious
+progress was no less pronounced than political, though
+not by legal enactments.  In the beginning of the
+period here recorded, many orthodox ministers
+taught that all who did not believe in the tenets of
+their church were doomed to everlasting punishment
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P200"></a>200}</span>
+in a lake of fire, portraying a God of vengeance, not
+of love&mdash;driving people into the church through fear
+and not from motives of righteousness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A great step forward was the establishment of a
+uniform common school system, soon to become free;
+though crude at the beginning, it contained the germ
+of the educational development prevailing at the end
+of the period.  The marvelous progress in the arts
+and sciences is beyond question the most far-reaching
+of all, medical discovery increasing the average span
+of life from thirty-four to forty-five years by
+conquering the plagues or epidemics, preventing the
+spread of violent diseases and reducing infant
+mortality in amazing proportions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Applications of electricity for power and light
+have advanced civilization in many ways; but we are
+too near to that era to see it in correct perspective.
+The discovery and rapid improvement of internal
+combustion motors brought the automobile to the
+state of a practical vehicle during the period just
+before the long-anticipated trip to the grave.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sarah Mulhall, who never forgot the words of
+Douglas Craig spoken to her when in deep grief
+beside the freshly made grave of her mother, the
+little tree, the rose bush and the flowers planted there,
+or the inscribed half buried wagon-tire, assured her
+sister Kate&mdash;Mrs. Pelton&mdash;that she could locate the
+spot.  The North Star, the rift in the mountains and
+the marks on the trail would be her guides to it.  She
+was possessed of a competence, more than needed for
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P201"></a>201}</span>
+comfort during a long life; and was willing to expend
+any necessary amount to reach the sacred spot and
+erect a monument to the memory of their mother.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * * * * * * * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+About this time an elderly man who had been
+among the pioneers of 1852, drove slowly over the
+old Trail, erecting monuments as he progressed to
+preserve its identity, and to perpetuate the memory
+of the unknown dead along the way.  Upon completion
+of the Oregon Short Line R.R., paralleling
+much of it, the original track had been abandoned in
+some places, and became known to many as the "lost
+trail."  A national interest had been aroused, and
+two or three of the States through which it passes
+had taken measures to aid the elderly man's work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Isaac Pelton and Kate often contemplated the
+possibility of visiting the grave of her mother, and like
+Sarah, planned to do so.  But while their family
+was being raised, and afterward when the children
+were attending school, circumstances always seemed
+to postpone the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Besides, Sarah could not leave her father who
+wanted very much to go with them, but was prevented
+by the hand of time on his shoulders.  If the
+automobile had come twenty years earlier, the Squire
+and Sarah could and would have done so; but the
+long journey with an ox-team, or even with a horse
+and carriage was thought too much for his strength,
+and he died without undertaking it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam Pelton, the second son, was of an
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P202"></a>202}</span>
+adventurous nature and had traveled in foreign lands as
+well as extensively in his own; he was in the prime
+of life and in good health, a thorough mechanic with
+experience in repairing automobiles.  Returning to
+the old homestead after a long absence, he noticed
+his father's whitened locks, and saw that his steps
+were no longer firm.  His mother had changed
+comparatively little, though now approaching three score
+years and ten.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After passing some weeks at home, consulting with
+his aunt Sarah and observing the health of his father
+and mother, he believed they would be benefited by
+a trip away from the homestead over the old Trail
+to the grave of his grandmother.  "It would be nice
+to make that trip next summer, father," Adam said
+one day while they were strolling over the farm.
+"You would not need to turn your hand over to do
+a thing; sister Sarah says she could drive one of the
+automobiles, if we didn't go too far in a day."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam then counselled with his father, mother and
+Aunt Sarah, and near the end of the talk the mother
+said, "I'm ready to go; and now what do you say,
+father?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I'll think it over tonight," Pelton responded.
+Aunt Sarah spoke up, "I'm ready to go, Adam is
+also, and sister&mdash;here's three to one; let's make it
+unanimous."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For once Pelton wavered; he wanted to go, but
+questioned in his own mind whether he was physically
+able to stand the trip.  "Well, I'll go, unless
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P203"></a>203}</span>
+Dr. Marshall advises against it," he replied, which,
+they all knew the doctor would not; and so the
+momentous decision that the trip would be made in the
+spring, when the maple trees were in full leaf, was
+reached.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next morning at the breakfast table everyone was
+cheerful, and they began planning the outfit to
+convey them, discussing what they would take along,
+when they would start and about how long it would
+take.  Adam said it would require two automobiles
+at least, and perhaps three would be better.  "What
+would you want three automobiles for?" his sister
+Sarah asked in a rather derisive tone.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"The third one to carry the camp outfit," Adam
+suggested and added, "we have three elderly people
+to care for, you know."  "Why not build a wagon-box
+on the running-gears of an automobile like the
+one that went over to mark the Trail?" Sarah
+responded in real earnest.  She had been reading about
+the elderly man's trip in a wagon-box on an
+automobile, where he had a cook-stove, ate his frugal
+meals, and had room for all his outfit, including a
+bed; and thought it a jolly good idea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Well, you may laugh if you please," she said to
+Adam, who at first was not favorable to the idea,
+"but there's more in it than you at first imagine.  He
+had springs to the seat, which could be removed when
+he wanted to make the bed, and slept nice and dry
+away from the lizards, ticks and fleas we hear
+about."  Sarah had read the story how at one place the fleas
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P204"></a>204}</span>
+had attacked Mrs. Whitman[<a id="chap07fn1text"></a><a href="#chap07fn1">1</a>] in such numbers as
+to blacken her dress and fairly crazed the good lady.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nevertheless Adam could not refrain from a
+hearty laugh at the odd expression, "wagon-box on
+the running gear of an automobile," to the
+annoyance of his sister, who well knew of the word
+"chassis" as applied to motor cars.  But an old-time
+wagon-box as an automobile top appealed to her
+imagination, and she carried the simile further in
+her mind to the wagon instead of the automobile.
+After a few more sallies of wit, only part in earnest,
+mother Pelton spoke half reprovingly, "There now,
+children, don't you think you have carried this
+far enough?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though Kate, as we first knew her, now Mrs. Pelton
+a matron of mature age, spoke of them this
+way in pleasantry, in her heart she felt and thought
+of them as her children, and not as a mature man
+and woman.  Many a mother carries that feeling
+to the end of her life; God bless their memories!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam and Sarah had much in common, though
+each held opinions which they would stoutly defend
+when occasion seemed to require it.  They often
+roamed the fields together, and penetrated the forests
+in search of flowers, ferns or shrubs, or to study
+bird and small animal life.  Sarah had a creditable
+collection, particularly of flowers and ferns, while
+Adam mounted his birds and small animals with his
+own hands; both collections, jointly cared for and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P205"></a>205}</span>
+equally prized by each, were in one room of the
+residence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sarah was a pronounced "woman's rights" advocate,
+and a staunch admirer of Susan B. Anthony,
+while Adam did not hesitate to call her a crank, and
+thought a woman's place in the household instead of
+the political arena.  On various subjects they usually
+agreed to disagree; but when it came to the temperance
+question or religious opinions, they were of
+one mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Immediately after breakfast, Adam saddled his
+horse and rode off without telling anyone where he
+was going.  Notwithstanding his jocular attitude
+toward Sarah's wagon-box idea, he had been
+impressed with it and went direct to the automobile
+shop in the city determined to investigate.  "Yes,
+it's perfectly feasible," they all said when he
+explained what was wanted.  One mechanic spoke up,
+"I saw that old man's outfit with his stovepipe
+running through the wagon cover just as if he was in a
+house."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Without consulting anyone at home, he ordered
+the chassis and other fixtures for two automobiles
+without the tops, in due time justifying his
+precipitate action by the explanation that neither Aunt
+Sarah nor his father, or both together, should bear
+all of the expense of the trip, as each had expressed
+a willingness to do.  Adam said nothing that
+evening as to where he had been or what he had done,
+but at breakfast the next morning began teasing
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P206"></a>206}</span>
+Sarah about her wagon-box on the running gear of
+an automobile, to prepare the way for the laugh
+that was on him; and then came out with the whole
+story to the great merriment of all.  He could enjoy
+a joke on himself as well as on another, and joined
+heartily in the laugh that followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Preparations for the great journey progressed
+during the winter, three months before they could
+cross the first mountain barrier without encountering
+snow.  Time seemed to pass slowly, for all were
+eager to start.  Maps were sought, guide-books
+searched and all obtainable literature on or about
+the Oregon Trail read, re-read and studied.  With
+the lapse of years the old track had become famous
+and revered by millions as a battlefield, which indeed
+it was; a traveler who had passed over it wrote a
+description and brief history of it as follows:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Worn deep and wide by the migration of three hundred
+thousand people, lined by the graves of twenty thousand
+dead, witness of romance and tragedy, the Oregon
+Trail is unique in history, and will always be sacred to
+the memories of the pioneers.  Reaching the summit of
+the Rockies upon an evenly distributed grade of eight
+feet to the mile, following the watercourse of the River
+Platte and tributaries to within two miles of the summit
+of the South Pass, through the Rocky Mountain barrier,
+descending to the tide-waters of the Pacific through the
+valleys of the Snake and Columbia, the route of the
+Oregon Trail points the way for a great National Highway
+from the Missouri River to Puget Sound&mdash;a roadway
+of greatest commercial importance, a highway of military
+preparedness, a route for a lasting memorial to the
+pioneers, thus combining utility and sentiment.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap07fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap07fn1text">1</a>] A fragment of history from the life of Marcus Whitman.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap08"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P207"></a>207}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+CHAPTER VIII
+</h2>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+THE START FOR THE ROCKIES; RE-DISCOVERY OF
+THE OLD TRAIL; RECOLLECTIONS OF BURNT
+RIVER; ALL SIGNS OF BEN'S GRAVE OBLITERATED;
+A GRANITE MONUMENT ERECTED NEAR THE
+LONE PINE AND WAGON TIRE AT THE GRAVE OF
+CATHERINE MULHALL; CLOSING SCENES.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+At last the eventful day for the start arrived
+amid auspicious circumstances.  The maple
+leaves were full size, pastures green and the
+grains were coming up with promises of a bounteous
+yield.  Silver tips of new growth ornamented the
+evergreen trees.  Many of the hardier varieties of
+rose were in bloom, some for more than a month;
+the crocus peeped out in March, followed by numerous
+other early flowers.  Birds had nested, and the
+mates were busily occupied in securing food for the
+ones that kept the little eggs warm, and for themselves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The barn on the Pelton homestead reflected the
+sunlight from its new coat of paint, but the residence
+needed no further attention, as a heavy film of sand
+had been blown in with each previous application.
+The garden fence was given a fresh cover of
+whitewash, and everything was looking in the best of
+condition.  Catherine, now a widow with a large
+family, arrived to care for the residence and garden
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P208"></a>208}</span>
+during the absence of the household; and the tenant
+for the year had moved into the old dwelling, the
+first one built, near-by.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the hour set for the start, all the travelers were
+in their places when Adam said that Sarah, whose
+arms were resting on the steering wheel of the
+automobile she was to drive, should take the lead.  Sarah
+replied, "No"&mdash;that Adam ought to have the honor.
+The neighbors who had gathered into a group along
+the roadside to see them off wondered what they
+could be waiting for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finally mother Pelton asked, "Will you leave it
+to me?"  Both almost in one breath exclaimed
+"Yes."  "Go ahead with father, Sarah," was Kate's
+quick answer; and the start was made amidst a flutter
+of handkerchiefs in the assemblage of neighbors,
+the tooting of horns on both automobiles and waving
+of small American flags.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam had displayed real genius in providing a
+convenient outfit.  The automobile with large
+wagon-size top and high canvas cover was turned into a
+living room, with electric lights and a small heater
+for the electric iron or to boil water for tea even while
+they traveled.  Sarah never tired praising Adam for
+the very convenient arrangement, and he in turn
+gave full credit to her for suggesting the wagon-box
+that made it possible.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelton soon began to recognize the route traveled
+on his first trip to Puget Sound, and also when he
+visited Linda Hardy and returned home with little
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P209"></a>209}</span>
+Sarah and Bess.  Where Sarah had pitched headlong
+off the pony's back into the mud, there was now a
+thriving village with brick buildings, a fine Court
+House, two modest but neat appearing churches and
+a commodious hotel.  They passed through five such
+villages on long stretches of road paved like the main
+highways of the eastern States.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the bank of a large river he found an enterprising
+city with thousands of busy inhabitants,
+where at the time of his earlier visits there was only
+a scattered village with temporary shanties, and
+stumps obstructing the streets.  Now there were
+brick blocks several stories high in the central
+business district, and fine residences in the outlying
+sections.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No member of the party had ever seen the rift
+through which this stream flows between the mountains,
+and all were astonished at the wonderful scenery
+on both sides of it.  There were numerous waterfalls,
+one with a perpendicular drop of nearly a
+thousand feet, and patches of snow on a background
+of green, making a vista of surpassing beauty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few days later they came upon the track
+followed by the Mulhall outfit half a century before;
+and Kate quickly recognized the locality as they
+approached a second range of mountains.  Where
+only roving bands of Indians were seen as they
+journeyed slowly toward the west on the first trip, vast
+fields of grain were now growing; and instead of a
+few tepees, the dwellings of civilized people dotted
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P210"></a>210}</span>
+the landscape.  A flourishing village with substantial
+and well-kept surroundings evidenced the thrift
+and comfortable environment of the inhabitants.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The party had just passed through what seemed a
+desert land, bordering on and paralleling the great
+river.  Shifting sands had formed small dunes,
+which disappeared and formed elsewhere as the wind
+changed in direction or velocity.  Not a living thing
+was in sight, except here and there a clump of
+stunted sage-brush or greasewood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Following the stream through this cleft in the
+mountain range, they were soon overtaken by a
+sand-storm driven by the force of the prevailing
+winds, occasionally encountered by travelers now
+as by the pioneers&mdash;at first dimming the rays of the
+sun, and soon entirely obscuring it.  The haze of
+sand and fine dust hung low on the horizon like a
+fog, and darkened one's view of objects even in the
+near vicinity.  Kate called ahead to Sarah to turn
+out of the road, which she quickly did and was
+followed by Adam.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The two younger members of the party had never
+before gone through such an experience, but mother
+Pelton said it reminded her of scenes along the
+Oregon Trail in 185-.  She had forgotten that they were
+on the branch of the Trail which follows the river,
+instead of the one crossing the mountain range, as
+the Mulhalls had done on the first trip.  Before
+Adam and Sarah could place their automobiles with
+the rear ends to windward and close the front covers,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P211"></a>211}</span>
+the sand and dust penetrated their ears and eyes,
+covered their faces, filled their hair and as Sarah
+remarked afterwards, "left us in a woeful condition."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The electric light was turned on, but the dust
+that had worked into the space inside the cover
+prevented cleaning up until the storm abated; this it
+did late in the afternoon, when the journey was
+resumed with the people in the car laughing at the
+appearance of each other, and the surprise of a
+lifetime before all of them.  About sunset a modest
+farmhouse was sighted; as they approached nearer
+an orchard of thrifty fruit trees was observed, and
+soon a large expanse of growing crops spread out
+before them in a panorama of living green.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Neighbor, you have a fine home here so close to
+the desert we have just crossed," Pelton said addressing
+the middle-aged man who, as soon as he saw the
+two automobiles approaching from the west, came
+out through the gate of the front yard to offer a
+friendly greeting.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"You are still in the 'desert,' if that is what you
+call the section you have just passed through," the
+stranger responded.  "What you see here is the
+same, or was when we first came four years ago.
+Won't you come in?"  The ladies at first objected,
+saying they were not presentable.  "Oh, that's
+nothing," continued the homesteader, "it's clean dirt;
+we're used to it here.  Jane (referring to his wife)
+I know will be delighted to have you come in and
+have supper with us."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P212"></a>212}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this time the mistress of the house appeared
+and seconded her husband's invitation.  Observing
+the sincerity of the good dame, mother Pelton was
+the first to assent, quickly followed by the others;
+and in they went&mdash;"Dirty faces and all," as Aunt
+Sarah said later.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While preparations were being made for the appetizing
+meal that followed Pelton expressed surprise
+that it was possible to have such a property in the
+midst of a desert.  "I'll tell you all about that later,"
+said the homesteader, as he repeated his wife's
+invitation, "Come to supper."  After a bounteous meal
+of fresh vegetables, fruits and other farm products,
+accompanied with a bumper of hard cider, the
+travelers were anxious to hear the story of how their
+host came to make his residence in that locality.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"You see," he began, "I saw a small patch of
+reclaimed land with such fine crops that I at once
+felt encouraged to try it on a larger scale.  So we
+bought this tract of 640 acres&mdash;a mile square&mdash;for
+a dollar and a quarter an acre, and in addition took
+up a desert claim, making in all nearly a thousand
+acres of land&mdash;or sand, as you probably think of it.
+Fortunately the river comes in from the south with
+a strong current; my son and I went up far enough
+to tap the water, and dug a ditch from it on our
+land&mdash;now you see the result."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Do you mean to say that when you came here,
+the land covered by the orchard, and where your
+crops are growing was like the desert we've just
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P213"></a>213}</span>
+crossed?" mother Pelton asked.  "Just that," the
+host replied.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Well, it seems to me like a miracle," Pelton
+responded; "and so it does to the others."  There
+were many other surprises in store for the pilgrims
+as they progressed eastward.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, I remember this place," mother Pelton said
+as they descended the second mountain range.
+"Father said it seemed like a big hole in the
+landscape as we looked down upon it from the other
+side; but such a beautiful valley&mdash;the Grand Ronde&mdash;you
+never saw."  A few days later, as their automobile
+ran along a narrow cut in a hillside parallel
+to a small river, she commented, "This was the
+worst road[<a id="chap08fn1text"></a><a href="#chap08fn1">1</a>] on all the old Trail&mdash;right down in the
+stream and half the time over slippery boulders, some
+of them as big as a wagon wheel; two of the oxen
+were down at one time."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Oh, I remember this," Aunt Sarah[<a id="chap08fn2text"></a><a href="#chap08fn2">2</a>] said as they
+came to a crossing; "here's where we ferried over
+on top of two wagon-boxes.  I thought every minute
+we were going to sink, and to this day cannot see
+why we didn't."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Here's where we left one of the wagons, and Ben
+went ahead to get something to eat," mother Pelton
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P214"></a>214}</span>
+said with a sigh, as they were approaching the
+locality where Hardy was killed by the Indians.  Would
+they be able to identify the spot where the massacre
+occurred; and if they did, could they find his grave?
+For some time before that, the tragedy of nearly a
+half century before had been crowded out of their
+minds by the diverting incidents of the trip; but
+now it was their uppermost thought, and the older
+members of the party lapsed into silence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Linda Hardy had so minutely described the river
+crossing and the natural objects in the vicinity of it,
+that all were sanguine of being able to find and mark
+the spot.  They were convinced that the crossing
+had been located, for the approaches on either side
+fitted the description; the unmistakable mark of
+the Oregon Trail was there&mdash;worn deep on both
+sides of the river, as Linda had said.  But all the
+ground from river to bluff was now covered by a
+field of waving grain, without any trace of the
+sorrowful interment which took place there at the
+height of the overland emigration to Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before leaving home, Sarah read a statement to
+her mother that the graves of only a few among the
+twenty thousand who had died along the Trail could
+be identified, and wondered if they would be able
+to find her grandmother's burial place if they made
+the trip.  Mrs. Pelton thought they could; but
+looking over the ground beneath which she felt sure that
+the remains of Ben Hardy, who had saved her life,
+had been placed after the massacre, she continued
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P215"></a>215}</span>
+in silence as Adam started across the river to resume
+the journey along the old Trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They were now traveling up a fertile valley
+divided into farms, extensive green alfalfa and grain
+fields and highly productive orchards, with evidences
+of a happy and thriving people living in peace and
+security.  Several prosperous villages and the capital
+of a State were passed where only sage-brush, grasshoppers
+and jack-rabbits (some of the more destitute
+emigrants subsisting on the rabbits) were seen on
+the first trip of the older people in the party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Recrossing to the south side of the Snake River,
+the travelers were again in a region of shifting sands
+and desolation&mdash;part of what was once commonly
+referred to as the "Great American Desert," and
+considered practically worthless by some of the
+so-called "statesmen" of two generations before.
+Meanwhile vast irrigation projects had been undertaken,
+and in part completed, with a sure prospect of
+developing many rich agricultural areas extending
+as far as the eye can see.  All of these scenes were
+new but immensely interesting to father Pelton.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Three falls, rivaling Niagara in beauty and
+grandeur, were passed in quick succession as they
+continued along that great river; and mother Pelton
+recognized the place where she had taken the thirsty
+oxen down into the canyon and came so near failing
+to get them back, as related in an earlier chapter.
+Sarah's arms became stronger as she drove the
+automobile, and she seemed to be thriving on the dust of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P216"></a>216}</span>
+the plains, the smell of the sage-brush, or both.  All
+doubts of her ability to extend the trip across the
+Continent if need be, were dispelled; and the whole
+party was in good health and spirits.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ascending to a higher altitude and cooler atmosphere,
+they left behind the beet fields and sugar factories,
+the extensive farms, alfalfa stacks and well-fed
+cattle which have taken the place of the now
+almost extinct buffalo.  Farther up the Rocky Mountain
+slope, they entered a region where crops cannot
+be profitably grown; farms and buildings gradually
+disappeared, and the continuous Trail appeared in
+all its primitiveness.  Now and then an antelope
+would cross the track and turn to scan the stranger
+as with a jealous eye, arousing in mother Pelton a
+wish for her rifle, forgetting she might not be able
+to draw a bead as in her younger days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So moderate was the upgrade that the drivers of
+the two cars scarcely realized that they were
+ascending the slope of the Rocky Mountains; and except
+for the granite monument in the South Pass, they
+would probably not have recognized the actual
+crossing of the Great Divide.  Another day's run would
+bring them to the spot they had come so far to revisit.
+Mother Pelton felt confident that they could find it;
+and Aunt Sarah, though a little girl when the grave
+was made a half century before, was sure of being
+able to do so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the road did not look at all familiar, or seem
+natural.  Afternoon came, and there was no sign
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P217"></a>217}</span>
+by which it could be recognized&mdash;nor anything at
+sunset.  It was then necessary to camp, as darkness
+would soon make it impossible to follow the Trail;
+and a sleepless night for all followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mother Pelton thought they might have passed the
+four tracks worn in the ledge of rocks that was to
+be the principal guide in reaching it.  Another sign,
+the North Star, was obscured; and the third help in
+the search, the rift in the mountains so well
+remembered and described by Aunt Sarah, was not visible.
+In the morning it was considered best to drive back
+over part of the Trail they had traversed the
+afternoon before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Hold on," suddenly exclaimed Aunt Sarah after
+a few miles of back tracking; "I know we're wrong
+for I remember that rock."  She pointed to a conical
+pile&mdash;almost a mountain&mdash;and continued, "See, it
+looks almost like a man's head; we passed that the
+next day after we buried mother."  Then the party
+turned right-about, and again started eastward along
+the Trail; after traveling a few miles, Sarah drew
+off to the side of the road and waited for Adam to
+come up.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He arrived a moment later, wondering why she
+had stopped, and called out, "What's the matter?"
+"Nothing is the matter," Sarah answered; "but,
+mother, do you see that old Trail going up the hill?
+Maybe that's the one you traveled when you were
+here before!"
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="noindent quote">
+Photograph from J. L. McIntosh, Split Rock, Wyoming
+</p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-217"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-217.jpg" alt="TRACKS ON THE OREGON TRAIL (SEE PAGES 217 AND 220) MADE NEARLY A CENTURY AGO">
+<br>
+TRACKS ON THE OREGON TRAIL (SEE PAGES <a href="#P217">217</a> AND <a href="#P220">220)</a> <br>
+MADE NEARLY A CENTURY AGO
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Over these four parallel tracks (only two of which show
+in the photograph), worn nearly hub deep in places, all the
+emigrant travel to Oregon, Great Salt Lake and California passed
+during the period covered by this story; and they remain to
+this day a sight of great historical interest across a sandstone
+ledge near Split Rock P. O., in the Sweetwater Valley, Wyoming.
+The early trappers, traders, explorers and missionaries&mdash;Benjamin
+L. E. Bonneville, Nathaniel J. Wyeth, Jason Lee, Marcus
+Whitman, John C. Fremont and many others&mdash;helped to deepen
+these enduring markers in stone, now chiefly interesting as
+evidences of the great westward movement over the Oregon
+Trail.  Inset: a miniature view of the split in the mountain rock
+from which the name of the locality is derived; see also
+Douglas Craig's promise to little Sarah, pages <a href="#P72">72-73</a>.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The track to which she thus called attention was
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P218"></a>218}</span>
+dim, showed no signs of recent travel, and had been
+overlooked as they passed it the previous day.  At
+several places there were parallel trails, one along
+the river with frequent crossings of the stream, the
+other across table-lands high above it, and either over
+or around projecting edges of the adjacent hills.
+Neither Aunt Sarah nor mother Pelton was sure
+which one they had gone over before, but all agreed
+that they should drive out on the abandoned roadway.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This proved not only a tedious but a really dangerous
+task, as the elements had destroyed parts of
+it and cut deep gullies in and across what was left.
+Nevertheless Adam believed they were on the right
+track; mother Pelton thought the same, and said
+that the trail looked more natural to her than the
+one they had traveled the day before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Father Pelton took off his coat and joined Adam
+in some repairs made necessary by the rough going,
+and Sarah appeared on the scene ready to help.
+Pelton was surprised at how well he was able to do
+the unaccustomed work, and greatly relished the
+dinner mother Pelton and Aunt Sarah prepared.  Hearing
+the tinkling of a bell over the near-by ridge during
+the early afternoon, he strolled off toward the
+sound; and soon came upon the bell-wether of a flock
+of sheep, then the flock and herder&mdash;each equally
+surprised at the presence of the other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Where'd ye come from?" the man asked somewhat
+abruptly, and yet in a friendly tone; and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P219"></a>219}</span>
+almost at the same instant Pelton remarked, "I
+didn't expect to find anyone here."  After mutual
+explanations and cordial greetings&mdash;for each was
+glad to see the other&mdash;Pelton mentioned that he was
+one of an automobile party trying to reach the four
+track ruts in the ledge of rock on the old Oregon
+Trail.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I know where it is," the herder responded,
+"down the river opposite the lone pine tree."  The
+reader may well imagine the relief and joy of father
+Pelton upon hearing the three magic words "lone
+pine tree," as he believed they contained definite
+information of the lost grave, which soon afterward
+proved true.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"You can see the tree for miles around, as it
+stands out by itself; everybody wonders how it came
+to be there," continued the stranger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Would you come to our camp a short way over
+the ridge?" Pelton asked.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Sure," the man replied and then spoke in a low
+tone to his dog, which immediately headed off some
+of the flock just starting to cross the ridge.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Wonderful, isn't it?" asked Pelton, half to
+himself.  To this the herder made no reply but again
+spoke to the dog, which he left on watch while the
+two men started off toward the camp.  On their
+arrival, work ceased and all assembled to listen
+eagerly to what the stranger had to say.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, this runs to the four tracks on the Oregon
+Trail," were his first words; "you can reach them
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P220"></a>220}</span>
+another way that's open to travel, but can't get
+through here in a month's work.  Go back about five
+miles till you come to the first river crossing," the
+herder continued, "turn short around on the river
+trail about eight miles till you cross the river twice.
+Then turn to the right on the old Trail about half a
+mile, I should judge, and you will come to the
+tracks."[<a id="chap08fn3text"></a><a href="#chap08fn3">3</a>]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"You can see the lone pine tree from there, and I
+think from the last river crossing," the man
+responded to an eager question from mother Pelton.
+After declining an invitation to stop long enough to
+share with them in the meal then almost ready to
+serve, but accepting a quarter of the pie Aunt Sarah
+had just baked, the stranger started up the slope and
+soon disappeared over the ridge to his flock and
+faithful dog.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"What a life!" sighed mother Pelton&mdash;"with only
+his dog for a companion, no comfort but his frugal
+meal in a lonely cabin and cold lunch on the range."  The
+day was too far spent to move their camp, and
+although impatient to see the lone pine, which all
+believed was the landmark for which they were
+searching, every member of the party was anxiously
+anticipating what the morrow might bring forth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Following carefully the directions given by the
+herder, they approached the second crossing of the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P221"></a>221}</span>
+river early the next forenoon.  At the first point
+from which a comprehensive view of the locality
+could be had, Sarah unexpectedly held out her hand
+as a signal for Adam to stop; and exclaimed in her
+excitement, "There it is, mother!"  In the far
+distance a lone pine tree was sighted; and no one
+in the party doubted that it had grown from the
+small tree planted by Kate Mulhall, Ben Hardy and
+little Sarah half a century before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A short drive brought the two automobiles to
+where the wagon tracks had worn deep in the ledge
+of rock on the old Oregon Trail; but the lone pine,
+still a half mile or so away, was the center of all
+attraction.  Coming nearer, it was discovered that they
+were on the wrong side of the ravine; and although
+not more than a stone's throw from where they
+stopped, no road led across to it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There in lonesome grandeur stood the evergreen
+sentinel over the object of their long search, the
+grave of Catherine Mulhall, mother of two of the
+pilgrims and grandmother of the younger ones who
+drove the cars.  Now a hundred feet high, rising
+above and throwing its shadows over the grave, the
+tree was a thing of beauty, observed by all who
+passed in the vicinity; and had given the very
+appropriate name&mdash;Lone Pine&mdash;to the surrounding
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Retracing their steps to the four tracks and then
+traveling another mile or so, they reached the other
+side of the ravine.  After making several detours and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P222"></a>222}</span>
+removing a number of obstructions, they arrived
+quite late in the day within a hundred yards or so
+of the spot.  As the nature of the ground prevented
+the automobiles from going any farther, they were
+left in the track, and all proceeded on foot to the
+lone pine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sun was just sinking behind the horizon in a
+halo of glory as the silent and solemn members of
+the party reached the hallowed spot.  After so long
+a period of time, the mound of earth had
+disappeared; but wild roses were blooming where Kate
+and little Sarah had planted the roots when the grave
+was made.  Though corroded and rusty, the wagon
+tire which kind-hearted Douglas Craig had placed
+as a marker was still there, but the lettering he
+chiseled upon it had been completely obliterated.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kate and the older Sarah, both now well past
+the meridian of life, stood in mute contemplation of
+that which had been uppermost in their minds for
+so many long years.  Although the poignancy of the
+grief then experienced had been mollified by time,
+yet as darkness came and they turned to leave the
+grave, tears coursed down their furrowed cheeks.
+Camp for the night was made on the nearest suitable
+ground, while a spirit of sadness mingled with a
+feeling of satisfaction that the cherished plan had
+at last been realized, pervaded the little company.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P223"></a>223}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-223"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-223.jpg" alt="THE LONE PINE">
+<br>
+THE LONE PINE
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Marking the spot where Catherine Mulhall was buried
+a half century before
+the scene depicted in the illustration;
+see pages <a href="#P73">73-74</a> and <a href="#P119">119-125</a>
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+Now that the grave had been found, the question
+uppermost with all was what should be done about
+it.  Kate had often expressed a wish that the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P224"></a>224}</span>
+remains be interred alongside her father in the
+beautiful cemetery of a village in the Oregon Country;
+but Pelton formerly considered this impractical, if
+not almost impossible.  However, since the railroad
+had been built within sixty miles of the burial place
+in the mountains, the removal could be made without
+much difficulty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Aunt Sarah said "No"&mdash;-the spot where her
+mother had died was too sacred to be abandoned; and
+what could ever be more appropriate than the one
+under the shadow of this beautiful lone pine?  Then
+tender memories of the planting of the tree, of Ben
+Hardy's unselfish life and Craig's consoling words,
+came uppermost in her mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All agreed that the decision should be made by the
+two sisters who had been present at the burial of
+their mother on the first trip to Oregon.  Adam and
+his sister Sarah looked on in silent awe as the
+situation was discussed; their father also refrained from
+speaking, though he held a definite opinion concerning it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The fatigue of the day, with its exciting incidents
+and long hours, finally prevailed and left the momentous
+question unsettled in physical exhaustion and
+finally restful slumber.  No further decision took
+place, as Kate had been convinced that it would not
+be advisable to disturb the remains, and joined with
+her sister and children in formulating a definite plan
+to care for and commemorate the spot.  Pelton said
+that he would heartily agree to whatever the daughters
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P225"></a>225}</span>
+and grandchildren should decide&mdash;which was
+to leave the grave in its solitary grandeur, but to
+mark it in a permanent and appropriate way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Camp was removed to a more convenient location,
+while the work of transporting a large granite
+boulder from where Pelton had found it in the course
+of a morning walk through the vicinity, to the head
+of the grave progressed for several days, as it was
+necessary to secure additional men and teams from
+a distance.  After the huge stone had been set in
+place to the satisfaction of all, Adam and the younger
+Sarah chiseled upon it in deep sunken letters a brief
+record of the revered grandmother, the planting of
+a small pine tree and beautiful rose vine that adorned
+the last resting place of Catherine Mulhall, the date
+of her burial in 185-, and also of this visit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Two weeks passed from the day the pilgrims first
+sighted the lone pine tree in the distance to the
+inscription of the last letter on the boulder; every
+member of the party felt that the long journey had
+been fully justified, and left the spot with an
+enduring memory of the occasion.  Father and mother
+Pelton and Aunt Sarah concluded to return home
+by rail[<a id="chap08fn4text"></a><a href="#chap08fn4">4</a>]; and a drive of about sixty miles brought
+them all to the nearest railroad station.  Meanwhile
+Adam and Sarah decided to tour the eastern part of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P226"></a>226}</span>
+the United States, and possibly cross the ocean
+before returning to the Pacific Northwest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of the automobiles was loaded as freight and
+way-billed to a small city that had grown up in what
+was once the Oregon Country; and the "old folks"
+were comfortably settled in a westbound Pullman.
+Adam and Sarah waited in their automobile near-by
+the open car window until the train bearing father
+and mother Pelton and Aunt Sarah started westward.
+All of them waved signals of mutual endearment;
+and as the train passed out of sight, the young
+people began their journey eastward.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"A fine boy&mdash;Adam," Kate murmured half-audibly
+to herself; "and a dear girl."  Pelton at her side
+added, "If ever parents were blessed with dutiful
+children, we have been."  At the same time Sarah,
+speeding east in the automobile which Adam was
+driving, could hardly restrain her tears from the
+recurrence of many tender memories of her childhood,
+and the kindnesses of the parents from whom
+they had just parted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a tremulous voice she said, "I almost feel that
+we ought not to have left them;" Adam felt much the
+same way, but hesitating to trust his voice, made
+no reply.  Thus the party separated, the parents
+homeward bound and the young people starting east
+to see more of what was to them a new world, and
+possibly to have some adventures thrown in for good
+measure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon after the train started, the three elderly
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P227"></a>227}</span>
+people went forward to the dining car.  As the meal
+progressed, Kate fell into a reminiscent mood, and
+looking out of the window, opened conversation with
+Aunt Sarah by asking, "Don't you remember that
+sand-storm in this vicinity as we passed through
+in 185-?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Indeed I do," was the prompt response, although
+Sarah had been at the time a child of only seven
+years.  "The sand blown through the tent into the
+dough fairly gritted my teeth when eating the bread
+made from it.  We had no water in the camp that
+night, and slept with dirty hands and faces; my hair,
+ears and eyes were filled with sand&mdash;but let's talk
+of something else."  By the time the first meal was
+finished, they had progressed on their return journey
+about as far as in a whole day on the early trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As night followed, and while comfortable berths
+were being made up for them, Sarah&mdash;notwithstanding
+her admonition to "talk of something else"&mdash;broke
+into oral expression of the thoughts surging
+through her mind.  "I guess there will be no 'ticks'
+in the bed to-night, as we found them when sleeping
+on the ground."  "Or snakes and other creeping
+things," Kate added&mdash;"you of course remember the
+rattler," to which Sarah simply nodded to indicate
+that while she understood, she was not disposed to
+pursue the subject any farther.  Soon all the three
+travelers fell into restful slumber and awoke, greatly
+refreshed, beyond the eastern boundary of what was
+once known indefinitely as the "Oregon Country,"
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P228"></a>228}</span>
+out of which the present States of the Pacific Northwest
+had been created within their own recollections
+of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At breakfast the next morning, while the train
+was speeding by a recognized object, Kate exclaimed,
+"It took us four weeks to travel over the same ground
+that we have now passed through in a single night."  Strive
+as much as they could to banish thoughts of
+the hardships encountered on the early trip, the
+memories of it would not leave them.  Within three
+days they had covered as much distance as in the
+same number of months on the first overland journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alighting from the automobile into which they
+transferred at the station nearest their home, Pelton
+held open the gate for his "sweetheart" (as he often
+spoke of Kate); and she paused just long enough
+while passing in to say, "God bless you, Isaac; you
+did the same when I first came fifty years ago."  "And
+God bless you, Kate," he replied as they
+re-entered their happy home&mdash;lovers as in the early
+days; and here we must leave them to the enjoyment
+of well-spent lives.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+CLOSING SCENES
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam and Sarah continued their travels over the
+eastern half of the grand old and historic route which
+their parents had traversed with ox-teams more than
+a half century before.  Then the tracks of the Oregon
+Trail passed through an Indian country for more
+than a thousand miles from the west bank of the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P229"></a>229}</span>
+Missouri River, where the last vestige of civilized
+life except a few widely scattered trading posts or
+Government forts, were left behind.  Various tribes
+of red men possessed whatever claim there was to
+that vast region; millions of buffalo roamed in great
+herds without restriction over the Plains, while the
+grizzly bear was a source of danger to man and of
+terror to wild beasts in the higher altitudes of the
+Rocky Mountains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From certain points of vantage deer, elk and antelope
+could be seen in large numbers.  Except for the
+wild animals, and an occasional passing throng of
+emigrants, the country was a solitude, generally
+considered unfit for habitation by a civilized race.  But
+on this motor trip the young people saw evidences of
+changes and developments which their parents in the
+slow, westward moving column of the early 50s,
+would have considered beyond the range of possibilities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon after leaving the Sweetwater River, traveling
+east, they passed through pretentious cities and
+prosperous villages with church spires and schools,
+trading centers, paved streets and large numbers of
+comfortable residences&mdash;civilization personified in
+western enterprise along or near-by the old Trail.  Coal,
+oil, gas and other natural resources&mdash;unknown either
+to the passing throng of pioneers, or for many years
+afterward to the outside world&mdash;came gradually to
+the knowledge of adventurers and enterprising
+business men who laid the foundations for a great
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P230"></a>230}</span>
+commercial prosperity in addition to the returns from
+the soil and ranges; and through subsequent developments
+on a large scale have made that region a
+very important national asset.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The waters of the various streams gathered,
+controlled and drawn upon as needed by agriculture,
+wrought the great miracle of irrigation by which
+land formerly believed sterile had been transformed
+into a "garden spot" of the United States, many
+times the area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
+or the State of New Jersey, to both of which that
+term has been generally applied.  Even the rich
+Valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries does not
+exceed in fertility that once thought to be barren and
+worthless Plains, when supplied with water and
+placed under scientific cultivation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam and Sarah saw vast areas of grain, immense
+beet fields with towering sugar factories, extensive
+orchards and alfalfa lands unexcelled in the entire
+country.  The world seemed larger and the nation
+greater as our young adventurers continued along
+the valley of the Platte River on an excellent modern
+highway of imperceptible downgrade toward the
+Missouri River.  Toward evening of the fifth day
+after parting from their parents in the Sweetwater
+Valley, they entered the suburbs of Omaha,
+Nebraska, and soon reached the center of its business
+activities, surrounded by skyscrapers of many
+stories.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sarah, who had never been in a city of that size,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P231"></a>231}</span>
+was amazed and thoroughly enjoyed the sights.
+After an evening walk through the brilliantly lighted
+streets, and a couple of hours at the theatre, both
+were ready to rest in the luxurious apartments of
+the hotel, and slept until late the following morning.
+At breakfast, the question of their future movements
+was discussed, for they were then at the eastern end
+of the Oregon Trail[<a id="chap08fn5text"></a><a href="#chap08fn5">5</a>]&mdash;or would be as soon as they
+reached the great river now in sight about two miles
+ahead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam again fell into a reminiscent mood, talking
+as much to himself as to Sarah, "When grandfather
+passed through here half a century ago on the way
+to Oregon, all on this side of the Missouri was Indian
+country; there was no city&mdash;not even a cabin."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"But they didn't cross the river here," Sarah
+responded.  "Mother said it was several miles farther
+down; and I would like to see the place where she
+was thrown into the water when the scow upset."  "And
+Ben Hardy saved her life," Adam continued,
+but added, "it's no use going there; last evening a
+man told me that the channel of the river is now
+more than a mile away from where it was when
+grandfather crossed."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they concluded to drive over the Missouri to
+the site of the old Mormon camp of Kanesville,
+which they did on a fine modern bridge to Council
+Bluffs, Iowa, occupying the location of the log cabin
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P232"></a>232}</span>
+town that their grandparents saw.  "We must stay
+here to-night," said Sarah, to which Adam readily
+assented, though they had traveled only four miles
+during the day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A two-mile walk brought them to a short portion&mdash;then
+still visible&mdash;of the trail over which their
+grandparents passed when coming into Kanesville
+a half century before, though all vestiges of it within
+the city had been eliminated.  Sarah was reluctant
+to leave the spot, and followed along the abandoned
+track as far as it could be identified.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Talking more to herself than to Adam, Sarah
+said, "Oh, if grandfather could only have come with
+us"&mdash;apparently forgetting that, as the reader
+knows, Squire Mulhall had long since been called to
+his reward; and then said, "Adam, I want to go on
+to the old homestead where mother was born."  To
+this Adam replied, "We will go there if you want
+to."  So they planned an early start on the morrow
+for the old cabin site in Missouri.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Two days sufficed for the trip, which was part of
+the time over hard-surfaced highways, and some dirt
+roads a little rough, but all the way through a fine
+agricultural region with evidences of great crops and
+abounding prosperity.  As they rode along, both
+wondered why their grandparents should have left
+such a country and traveled two thousand miles over
+dusty plains and rough mountains to Oregon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the morning of the second day out from the
+"Bluffs," it became reasonably sure that they would
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P233"></a>233}</span>
+reach the old homestead before nightfall.  Try as
+much as he could, Adam failed to interest Sarah in
+further conversation, for she was in a mood to
+commune only with herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Yes, suh, I knows where the Squire's cabin stood;
+it's all gone now.  The well is there, but the sweep
+is gone too.  Yes, suh, I played the banjo at the
+farewell party the Squire gave before he started for
+Oregon.  Me?  Well, they called me 'Stinson's man'
+then, because I was a slave; but when Massa Lincoln
+made us all free, I stayed with Massa Stinson till
+he died, and never took another name."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Adam had been advised that this negro, whose hair
+was white as snow and who was reputed to be a
+hundred years of age, could show them the old cabin
+site.  He lived in a near-by village, was yet able to
+do light chores for the white people of the
+neighborhood, and thus continued to earn his own living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Stinson's man" was regarded the sole survivor
+of the old slaves of La Fayette County; in fact no
+one else, white or black, could be found who knew
+David Mulhall.  The generation living when the
+Squire left his home for Oregon had passed away,
+except for this aged old negro who still enjoyed good
+health and played the banjo for parties, or for his
+own amusement.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Right here was the front door; I knows it for I
+often stepped it from the well.  Yes, the water is
+good yet, and there's the fire-place."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Here's a piece of broken plate," exclaimed Sarah,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P234"></a>234}</span>
+as she picked up a precious relic, which she believed
+had once belonged to their grandmother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The old barn site was located, and the barn-yard
+where her mother had climbed the fence when "gentle"
+old Star, with the yoke on for the first time,
+broke away from them and ran about with tongue
+out, bellowing like a mad bull.  Sarah's mother had
+often told the story with a hearty laugh, which
+brought merriment as the incident was recalled
+fifty years later, on the spot where it occurred.  Adam
+believed that he had located the old barbecue pit in
+a depression near the spot his mother had described.
+Both were reluctant to leave the grounds, and did not
+until approaching darkness warned them to seek
+accommodations for the night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Adam!"  "What is it, Sarah?" Adam asked,
+thinking that his sister had something on her mind
+she hesitated to mention.  Gathering courage, she
+exclaimed, "Adam, I don't want to go any farther,
+for I ought to be at home taking care of mother.
+You know as well as I do that she is not strong as
+even last summer; and I should be with her."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"God bless you, my dear!  We will start for home
+to-morrow if you say so," he replied, throwing his
+arms around her and imprinting a kiss upon her
+cheek in love of his sister, and of the revered parents
+in the far West.  So our story closes with the sacrifice
+of a trip they had expected to extend to Washington
+City and the Atlantic Coast for the greater pleasure
+of returning home sooner as a filial duty.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap08fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap08fn1text">1</a>] Along the Burnt River in northeastern Oregon&mdash;the subject
+of "Westward Ho!" the painting by Emanuel Leutze in the
+Capitol, Washington, D.C.  While somewhat exaggerated in
+details, it is a fair representation of the difficulties encountered
+by the pioneers on that part of the overland trip in the early
+60s.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap08fn2"></a>
+[<a href="#chap08fn2text">2</a>] One of the little twins in the early chapters of this story.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap08fn3"></a>
+[<a href="#chap08fn3text">3</a>] Those four parallel wagon tracks, worn nearly hub deep
+across a ledge of rock on the Oregon Trail, may be seen to
+this day in the Sweetwater Valley near Split Rock, Fremont
+County, Wyoming; see photograph opposite page <a href="#P217">217</a>.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap08fn4"></a>
+[<a href="#chap08fn4text">4</a>] Which they did at from thirty to forty miles an hour, almost
+continuously day and night, over substantially the same ground
+they had traversed half a century before by ox-teams at two
+miles an hour for an average of about eight hours a day, with
+frequent stops to rest the stock, or on account of bad roads,
+river crossings or other hazards of early emigration.  E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap08fn5"></a>
+[<a href="#chap08fn5text">5</a>] The beginning of the old Trail to the west-bound traveler
+crossing from the Iowa side into the "Indian Country" of the
+60s.&mdash;E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap09"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P235"></a>235}</span>
+</p>
+
+<h2>
+APPENDIX
+</h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+THE MISSIONARY'S STORY
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION; FOUR INDIANS
+FROM THE NORTHWEST JOURNEY TO ST. LOUIS
+IN SEARCH OF THE WHITE MAN'S RELIGION;
+OPENING AND SETTLEMENT OF THE OREGON
+COUNTRY; HISTORIC CHARACTERS&mdash;JASON LEE,
+NATHANIEL J. WYETH, MARCUS AND NARCISSA
+WHITMAN, AND OTHERS; WHITMAN'S RIDE;
+MASSACRE AT THE WHITMAN MISSION; NOTABLE
+INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY MIGRATION TO OREGON.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+A little before sundown a few days after
+the neighborhood party described in the first
+chapter, a stranger rode leisurely up the road
+toward the Mulhall farmhouse.  Seeing the owner
+of the place doing some chores in front of the barn,
+he accosted him and asked if it were possible to
+secure accommodations for himself and mount for
+the night.  The Squire answered, "Well, stranger,
+you can see for yourself that our accommodations
+are none too good; but if you are willing to put up
+with such as they are, you are entirely welcome.  We
+will do the best we can under the circumstances."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It is not necessary to put yourself to any extra
+trouble on my account," said the stranger, "for I
+have led a wayfaring life and am accustomed to
+roughing it in the broadest meaning of that word."
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P236"></a>236}</span>
+Mulhall suggested that he dismount, go to the cabin
+and rest while he would unsaddle the horse and take
+it to the barn.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The stranger replied, "My good friend, I truly
+appreciate your courtesy; but I have always made it
+a point to bestow the first care and attention upon
+the beast that carries me.  Now if you will show me
+where to stable him, I will do the rest myself.  This
+faithful animal has borne me many a long mile upon
+his back, and it is only right that I should repay
+him by devoting a little time to his comfort."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After hanging up the saddle and bridle, he took
+from the saddle-bags a currycomb and brush, which
+he said he never failed to take along, and gave the
+noble animal a thorough cleaning.  Then after seeing
+that the horse had plenty of hay and grain for the
+night, he accompanied Mulhall to the house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this time the owner of the place had surmised
+that his guest was a clergyman; his language was too
+precise and his delivery too easy and natural for
+the ordinary man found in that part of the world.
+This conclusion was verified beyond question when,
+just before leaving the barn, he took a well worn
+Testament from his saddle-bags.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It did not take Catherine and Kate long to prepare
+a good and appetizing meal to which the reverend
+stranger, after asking the blessing, did ample
+justice.  During the supper Mulhall informed the
+guest that he and the family were about to leave their
+little farm for the Oregon Country, where conditions
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P237"></a>237}</span>
+were said to be much more favorable for getting
+along in the world than in Missouri.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the mention of Oregon the stranger's face
+brightened, plainly indicating that the news was
+pleasing to him; and said, "You are doing a wise
+thing, for that is a grand country with a wonderful
+future.  The journey ahead of you is long, difficult
+and more or less dangerous; but if you get safely
+through&mdash;as I hope and trust you will&mdash;you will be
+amply repaid for all the hardships and sacrifices
+endured.  I tell you this advisedly, for I have spent
+many years in that favored region, being among the
+first of our nation to cross the Continent for the
+purpose of carrying the light of the gospel to the
+benighted savages who dwelt there."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After hearing this statement, every member of the
+Mulhall family exhibited the greatest surprise and
+pleasure at having under their roof one able to give
+them first-hand information of the distant region
+where they intended to cast their lot; and begged
+him to tell them all about it.  Heretofore all the
+knowledge they had of Oregon was through one or
+two letters received from parties who had gone out
+there a year or two before; and these contained very
+little information except that it was a good country
+for industrious people, with a mild climate and good
+market for farm produce.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That was more than they had in Missouri; so
+they had already determined to make the venture.
+But with an unexpected opportunity to acquire full
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P238"></a>238}</span>
+and accurate information regarding it, they wished&mdash;if
+he would be kind enough to take the trouble&mdash;to
+hear from his lips everything of consequence
+concerning what was to them a practically unknown
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The clergyman replied, "My good friends, nothing
+except expounding the word of God gives me greater
+satisfaction and keener pleasure than to talk about
+Oregon, and recount the difficulties, tribulations and
+heroic actions of those who were in the vanguard of
+its settlement; it is a subject of surpassing interest,
+and has had a remarkable influence upon the rapid
+development and material welfare of our country.
+The narrative will take considerable time, and
+perhaps tire your patience before I am through; but
+I deem it to your advantage to have a correct outline
+of the principal historical incidents relating to its
+exploration and settlement.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"It certainly affords me greater satisfaction to go
+into the subject thoroughly than to give merely a
+short summary of those very important events.  If
+you are willing, when the meal is ended and everything
+put away, we will gather around your cheerful
+and cozy fireplace; and I will do my best to both
+entertain and enlighten you."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon after supper, the younger children climbed
+the ladder to their sleeping quarters while David
+Mulhall, Catherine and Kate arranged seats in a
+semi-circle before the glowing fireplace where the
+large backlog furnished sufficient heat and light for
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P239"></a>239}</span>
+the little cabin.  There is no place where a good
+story can be as effectively told as before a blazing
+fireplace on a chilly evening in the mellow light of
+the crackling logs, with eager and attentive listeners.
+In such a pleasant atmosphere the itinerant
+missionary now began his recital:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+Half a century ago[<a id="chap09fn1text"></a><a href="#chap09fn1">1</a>] that vast region known as the
+"Oregon Country" had never, as far as any one knows,
+been penetrated by a white man.  It is true that Captain
+Robert Gray of Boston, in the good ship "Columbia"
+entered the mouth of the great river in 1792, crossed
+the dangerous bar and sailed upstream about a dozen
+miles, naming it Columbia's River after his vessel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few months afterwards Lieutenant W. R. Broughton,
+of the British Navy, also entered and proceeded up
+the mighty river about 100 miles.  But nothing more
+was known of the "Far Northwest" until the celebrated
+exploring expedition of Lewis and Clark crossed the
+Continent in 1804-5, arriving at the mouth of the
+Columbia in November of the latter year.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While it would be impossible in this recital to give
+a detailed account of that memorable expedition, or do
+justice to the dauntless courage and perseverance of
+the remarkable men who conducted it, one surpassing
+incident that happened on the journey was primarily the
+cause of bringing all that extensive territory under the
+American flag.  I must crave your patience for devoting
+some extra time to describing this most interesting event.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That exploring expedition, as you doubtless know, was
+conceived by one of our greatest presidents years before
+he came to that high office; but the opportunity for
+carrying it out did not exist until he became President.
+The men chosen to organize and lead the expedition were
+selected with fine discrimination for the stupendous task
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P240"></a>240}</span>
+assigned them, and proved worthy of the trust and
+confidence reposed in them by Thomas Jefferson.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After their departure from near St. Louis in the spring
+of 1804, they spent about a year and a half ascending
+the Missouri River, crossing the mighty "Stony Mountain"
+range and later the yet more rugged and precipitous
+"Bitter Root" Mountains, before reaching the beautiful
+open and undulating country on the Clearwater
+River.  It was a joyful experience for the tired, half
+famished explorers, descending from the rugged and
+inhospitable mountains where game was scarce and
+pasturage scant, to find ahead of them as far as the eye
+could see, rolling hills carpeted with an abundant growth
+of bunch-grass, and watercourses with groves of cottonwood
+and quaking asp along the river bottoms.  They
+also found game quite plentiful, and excellent trout and
+salmon fishing in the streams.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before proceeding very far in this region, they
+suddenly came upon a few native women and children
+picking berries.  Observing the party of strange looking
+beings garbed in unusual attire and carrying weapons
+never seen before, the simple-minded natives were
+terrified.  The women ran, and the children sought refuge
+under bunch-grass and bushes, from what they imagined
+to be supernatural intruders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a short time the men caught up with a couple of
+the squaws, who expected nothing else than swift and
+sure death at the hands of these fierce looking strangers,
+and bowed their heads in anticipation of the fatal stroke.
+By signs and kind words they soon dispelled the fears
+of these women of the Nez Perces tribe, which then
+occupied all that part of the country.  They were
+dismissed with many presents, and told by signs to have
+some of their head men come out to the camp for an
+interview.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a few hours a party of Indians garbed in native
+finery and armed with bows and arrows, arrived; but they
+made no hostile demonstrations, and were evidently in a
+friendly mood.  Cordial relations were soon established
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P241"></a>241}</span>
+between the explorers and the Indians, the latter inviting
+the white men to their village to partake of their crude
+hospitalities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The explorers were fortunate in having with them as
+the wife of Toussaint Chaboneau, their French-Canadian
+guide, a young and handsome Indian woman of the Snake
+tribe&mdash;Sahcajahweah, meaning "bird-woman," commonly
+known in later history by the shortened and simplified
+name "Sacajawea."  By her courage, fidelity, tact and
+intimate knowledge of aboriginal habits, this remarkable
+girl wife assisted materially in extricating the explorers
+from the many almost insurmountable difficulties that
+beset the journey over the Rocky Mountains and Bitter
+Root range.  It is no exaggeration to say that but for
+her, Lewis and Clark might never have reached the shores
+of the Pacific.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the present juncture she was of great assistance.
+Though not understanding the Nez Perces tongue, her
+familiarity with the native sign language enabled her
+to make known to the Indians whatever the white leaders
+wished to communicate, and explain to her companions
+what the former were desirous of expressing.  She
+completely removed from the minds of the red men any
+lurking suspicions they might otherwise have entertained
+as to the motives and purposes that brought the
+white men hither.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The explorers learned from these Indians that the big
+Chief of the tribe was encamped about two days' travel
+down the river, and that a messenger had already been
+dispatched to notify him of the arrival of these strange
+men in his country.  On the following morning the
+party, accompanied by a Nez Perces guide, set out to
+visit the Chief of this seemingly very friendly tribe.  The
+commanders issued orders that the men should polish up
+their accoutrements and make the best possible appearance;
+and that their behavior while sojourning in the
+country of this tribe should be above reproach, as it
+was essential for the success of the expedition to have
+the friendly cooperation of these Indians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P242"></a>242}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the evening of the second day the cavalcade of
+thirty-odd travelers descending from a rolling plateau,
+beheld the many lodges forming the main camp of the
+Nez Perces tribe situated on a willow creek bottom, a
+short distance above where the stream entered the
+beautiful Clearwater River, along whose banks were many
+small groves of cottonwood, interspersed with clumps of
+large willows.  The camp presented a picturesque
+appearance of probably two hundred lodges, scattered up and
+down along the little valley for perhaps a mile with very
+little regularity in formation.  On this occasion it
+presented a very animated appearance, for the occupants
+of each tepee were on the outside anxiously awaiting the
+arrival of the wonderful strangers with bearded faces
+and carrying loud-noise weapons.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In about the center of the string of lodges was one a
+little larger than the rest, in which dwelt the great Chief
+of the little nation, who was now standing in front of
+the lodge entrance arrayed in an elaborate costume of
+Indian finery surmounted by an immense head-dress of
+eagle feather plumage.  He wore a doublet of tanned
+deerskin, fringed and decorated with elk teeth and agate
+stones, and leggings of the same material; his feet were
+encased in moccasins inwrought with the finest
+embroidery done by Indian women.  The Chief, probably
+fifty years old, was a well proportioned man of medium
+size with regular features and well shaped head; he stood
+motionless, with his eyes intently fixed on the approaching
+column of white men riding in single file down the
+gently sloping hillside towards the row of lodges&mdash;a sight
+never before witnessed by any of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Indian guide pointed out the lodge of the Chief
+to Lewis and Clark, who halted the column; and
+dismounting a little distance off, approached it on foot.
+The Chief did not move a muscle until Captain Lewis
+held out his hand with the evident gesture of a friendly
+purpose, whereupon he reached out, grasped the extended
+hand of Captain Lewis and held it firmly for a little
+while, muttering something in a guttural voice which,
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P243"></a>243}</span>
+though not understood, was evidently intended as a pledge
+of friendship.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Each one of the party was then presented to the big
+Chief, who gave every one a friendly greeting even to
+the last, the negro man servant of Captain Lewis, though
+the stoical Indian could not suppress a look of wonder
+as he gazed from head to foot upon the gigantic black
+man.  The Indians were all filled with strong curiosity
+at these strange men with bearded faces and wonderful
+firearms that sent a leaden messenger of death faster
+and more accurate than their most expert bowman; but
+neither the white men nor their guns, strange and almost
+incomprehensible as they seemed, created anything like
+the astonishment aroused at beholding the African, who
+was a continual object of their awe and admiration.
+Little attention was paid to Sacajawea, for she was of
+their own race and a member of a tribe with which they
+were not too friendly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The whole assembled concourse of savage tribesmen
+vied with one another in offering hospitality to the
+newcomers, and exhibited unfeigned pleasure when any of
+them entered their lodges and partook of refreshments.
+Friendly relations between the Americans and Nez Perces
+established so long ago under these peculiar conditions,
+have continued without a break up to the present time;
+and let us hope may never be impaired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lewis and Clark acquired much useful information
+during their sojourn with this tribe.  They were informed
+that it was yet a long distance to the "Big Water"&mdash;the
+goal of the expedition; and also learned that almost
+insurmountable obstacles would prevent continuing all
+the way to their destination on horseback.  It would
+be possible, however, to reach it by waters all flowing in
+that direction, finally uniting in one mighty river which
+was swallowed up by the "Big Water" near the setting
+sun.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereupon the explorers set their men to building boats
+on the banks of the Clearwater; and it was determined
+to complete the passage in that manner.  They also made
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P244"></a>244}</span>
+arrangements to leave their horses with the Indians
+until their return the following spring, when the journey
+towards the "rising sun"&mdash;the land of the white
+man&mdash;would be resumed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While the Lewis and Clark expedition remained on
+the Clearwater, the Indians held their annual rites to
+placate the wrath of their false deity, lest he visit upon
+them dire misfortunes in the form of famine and pestilence,
+which at times fell upon their people with serious
+consequences.  The white men refrained from making
+any comment upon these absurd and pagan ceremonies
+until they were ended.  Then having a council with
+several of the leading men of the tribe, they endeavored
+in the kindest and most inoffensive manner&mdash;through
+the medium of Sacajawea, who by this time had acquired
+a considerable knowledge of the Nez Perces tongue&mdash;to
+point out to the Indians that the white people were in
+possession of a much better method of worshipping the
+Supreme Being who created the heavens, the earth and
+all things therein; and it would be a great blessing if
+they would learn to do likewise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This kindly advice found deep lodgment in the minds
+of those untutored children of the wilderness, and was
+made still more effective by the earnestness and sincerity
+of the "bird woman," who since becoming the wife of
+Chaboneau had already received considerable instruction
+in, the tenets of the Christian religion.  Thus the seed
+that bore such rich fruit a quarter of a century later, and
+actually led to all that vast region becoming a part of
+the United States, was planted in what is now our far
+Northwest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the boats were finished the little band prepared
+to continue its journey by water.  Many presents were
+distributed to the friendly Indians before leaving their
+hospitable village; though trifling in value, these were
+highly prized by the natives, and helped to cement firmly
+the friendship already started between the two races.  In
+return the white men received a liberal supply of dried
+venison and roots to sustain them during the arduous
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P245"></a>245}</span>
+undertaking still ahead of them.  The Nez Perces also
+furnished two guides to accompany the expedition; these
+proved of invaluable assistance to Lewis and Clark,
+particularly in their perilous descent of the Columbia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That historic journey down the river to the Pacific
+Ocean was successfully accomplished; and in the following
+spring the party returned to the Indian encampment
+on the Clearwater, finding all the horses that had been
+left with the Indians in fine condition to re-cross the
+mountain ranges over which they had come the preceding
+summer.  While stopping at the Indian village on this
+homeward-bound route, the subject of the white man's
+religion was again broached by the natives; and once
+more the leaders of the expedition impressed upon them
+the spiritual and temporal advantages of acquiring a
+knowledge of the revealed word of God.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This good and salutary advice sank deep into the hearts
+of the simple-minded red men, who realized that in many
+ways the white strangers were superior to them.  They
+had more effective weapons, their utensils and
+implements were beyond the power of any Indian to make,
+they could find knowledge in books and talk on paper;
+they had far better saddles and bridles, and could kill
+a deer or a bear with their smoke-fire guns.  Surely then,
+it was more than probable that they possessed a better
+knowledge of worshipping the Supreme Being than the
+poor and ignorant Indians&mdash;thoughts about which
+continued to agitate the minds of this truth-seeking tribe
+long after the departure of their good friends, Lewis
+and Clark.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the lapse of many years the subject was again
+brought into prominence by the arrival in that part of
+the country of a small party of full-blooded Iroquois
+and half-breed employes of the Northwestern Fur
+Company from eastern Canada.  All of these had acquired
+a knowledge of the Christian religion, and lost no
+opportunity to impress upon the pagan members of their race
+its superiority over the crude and senseless forms still
+practiced by the native Indians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P246"></a>246}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Coming from people of their own stock, this corroborative
+testimony of what Lewis and Clark had told them
+carried great weight, and aroused an intense desire for
+instruction in the white man's faith; but they could see
+no possible way to gratify it.  How could the poor,
+benighted Indians come into contact with the white
+people, and acquire their way of worship, when there were
+none in any region with which they were familiar?  The
+prospect was indeed gloomy for Indians seeking the
+light.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But conditions soon began to change.  The Hudson's
+Bay Company was securing a firm hold upon the country,
+bringing in white men, half-breeds and Indians from
+Canada to carry on its extensive fur-hunting business.
+Trading posts were established throughout the vast region
+west of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Spanish
+possessions.  The Indians welcomed this great commercial
+enterprise into their country, for it gave them a
+market for what they had to sell, and opportunities to
+acquire by trade many useful articles which had never
+before been within their reach.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some of these new trading posts were established close
+to the Nez Perces country, and the tribesmen soon became
+frequent visitors to them.  Here again they were told
+how superior the white man's religion was to their
+outlandish and foolish ceremonies.  They also learned that
+one of the two leaders of the explorers who visited their
+country many years before was still living and occupying
+a high position, in that department of the Government
+having the management and care of Indian affairs.
+His home was in St. Louis, a city many miles beyond
+the great mountains, a distance that would take many
+moons to traverse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These Indians pondered long and seriously what to do
+under the circumstances; but no matter how great the
+distance, formidable the obstacles or how threatening
+the dangers of traveling through a vast region&mdash;peopled,
+indeed, by men of their own dusky race but known to
+be fierce, warlike and no respecters of persons&mdash;they were
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P247"></a>247}</span>
+determined to make the attempt.  The desire to gain a
+knowledge of the white man's religion had taken
+complete possession of their minds, and they would not be
+content until that object should be attained.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At a joint council of the Nez Perces and Flatheads,
+one Indian of advanced age and a young brave of each
+tribe were selected to go in search of the explorer they
+had remembered during the quarter century since he
+had been among them, and ascertain the truth of the
+reported better religion than their own.  During the
+summer and early fall of 1831, these four delegates
+traversed more than half of the Continent from the far
+Northwest to the junction of the Mississippi and
+Missouri rivers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Arriving at St. Louis after a long, difficult and perilous
+trip of which no account was ever made, they were
+directed to the home of Gen.[<a id="chap09fn2text"></a><a href="#chap09fn2">2</a>] William Clark, who received
+them cordially and during their stay there often
+entertained them in his own house.  As may well be imagined,
+the General was astonished when he learned the purpose
+that brought them from such a distance; and although
+outside his line of duty, he determined to do everything
+possible to assist them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Clark spent considerable time showing them the town
+and its attractions; to those children of the wilderness,
+St. Louis was of course a strange and wonderful place.
+It was at that time the largest settlement in the middle
+West, and the principal outfitting point for travel,
+explorations or hunting expeditions to the Rocky Mountains
+or beyond.  But the greatest obstacle to the progress of
+their mission was the inability of the Indians to speak or
+understand our language.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P248"></a>248}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before they had been very long in St. Louis, one of the
+old men became ill, doubtless from the fatigue of the long
+journey, change of diet and impure water of the Mississippi;
+he soon passed away, and was buried there.  In
+about two weeks the other old Indian followed him in
+death, neither living to know the result of their mission.
+The two younger men remained there during the winter,
+and in the spring started up the river on their way back
+to the far Northwest.  One of them died in the Yellowstone
+region, and the other proceeded to cross the Great
+  ountains alone, finally succeeding, after a long absence,<br>
+in reaching his home and kindred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While they were at St. Louis an Indian agent, William
+Walker, en route to the Osage and other tribes beyond the
+Mississippi, arrived there with a letter from the Secretary
+of War, and called upon Clark for special instructions
+regarding the Indians he was about to visit.  The General
+informed him of the Nez Perces and Flatheads under his
+roof at the time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anxious to see those aborigines from beyond the Rocky
+Mountains, Mr. Walker interviewed them and gives an
+interesting account of their appearance and the reason
+for their coming.  This was published after his return
+from the trip already mentioned; and although he does
+not give dates, it has been established from contemporary
+records that the Indian delegation was in St. Louis
+during the winter of 1831-32.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mr. Walker's letter in the <i>Christian Advocate</i> of March
+1, 1833, at once aroused the greatest interest and religious
+fervor throughout the length and breadth of the land.
+Missionary enthusiasm quickly arose to fever heat, due to
+the fact that a party of Indians had voluntarily come
+more than two thousand miles over mountain and desert
+from near the waters of the Pacific, calling for Christian
+enlightenment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It aroused the apostolic spirit among the churches to a
+height not seen in a generation; meetings were held,
+subscriptions to defray the expenses came pouring in, and
+devoted men offered their services to answer the call.  The
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P249"></a>249}</span>
+first in the field were the Methodists, animated by the
+evangelical spirit of John Wesley, founder of that great
+denomination.  Funds were raised, the personnel of the
+party decided upon, and all preparations completed for
+the journey to the far West in the spring of 1834.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rev. Jason Lee was placed in charge of the expedition;
+and I had abundant opportunity to personally observe
+how well fitted he was mentally, physically and spiritually
+for the serious task.  Arrangements were made for the
+missionaries to accompany Nathaniel J. Wyeth, of
+Boston, who had organized a fur company to carry on that
+business in the Oregon Country; and had some forty or
+fifty men in his party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The journey across the Continent was full of exciting
+adventures&mdash;fording or swimming turbulent and treacherous
+rivers, eluding or repelling small bands of predatory
+Indians, fleeing for safety from the thunderous charges
+of stampeding buffalo, and many incidents of lesser
+import.  But while neither my time nor your patience will
+admit of giving a detailed recital of them, one event which
+happened on that trip deserves more than passing mention.
+After crossing the Rocky Mountain divide, their course
+was northwest until they came to the Snake River.  While
+on an exploring trip the previous year, Mr. Wyeth had
+decided to erect a trading post at a point on that stream
+near where a considerable tributary, the Portneuf River,
+enters it and in the midst of a good fur-producing
+territory, well adapted for his purpose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The party camped at this place and remained there a
+few days.  Besides the men Wyeth had brought from the
+eastern States, who by this time had become genuine
+frontiersmen at least in appearance, he had taken quite
+a number of mountain men and independent trappers into
+his employ at the Rendezvous on Green River, near the
+site where Fort Bridger was located by James Bridger
+in 1843, about nine years later.  There were also some
+nondescript characters with no visible occupation&mdash;altogether
+a motley and extremely picturesque throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Many of the men had buckskin suits, embellished with
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P250"></a>250}</span>
+fringes and decorated with beads; others wore untanned
+deer and bearskin garments of almost every conceivable
+design.  A few had coats and trousers of buffalo hide, and
+one a complete suit of wildcat skins.  All had beards,
+some reaching to the belt line, while others were clipped
+until they resembled bristles; but there was no evidence
+that any man among them possessed a razor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though it was midsummer, many wore fur caps and
+some went bareheaded.  Various kinds and patterns of
+rifles and muskets were in evidence, while a few carried
+Spanish musketoons.  Physically they were somewhat
+above the average stature of men in "the States."  While
+encamped there the men spent most of the time playing
+cards, shooting at targets or swapping yarns.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was not the kind of a crowd you would expect to see
+occupying church pews or attending Sunday School; but
+Jason Lee made an announcement that he would hold
+services on the Sabbath, and desired every one to be on
+hand.  They evidently thought it a good joke for any one
+to attempt to preach Christianity to such a lawless crowd
+of semi-wild and godless men; however, it was a diversion,
+and all promised to be there and hear the reverend
+visitor's message.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Jason Lee was six feet or more in height and slightly
+stooped; his head was large and well-shaped, with an
+undeniable expression of determination and courage.  Yet
+there was a kindly look in his eye; and when he smiled,
+you instinctively knew that beneath his rugged outward
+appearance was a genial spirit tempered with seriousness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Shortly after breakfast he took his Bible and went
+some distance from the camp to the shade of large trees,
+and spent a couple of hours walking back and forth in
+serious meditation.  About 10 o'clock&mdash;the hour announced
+for the services&mdash;he returned to the camp where the
+throng had assembled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some were lolling on the grass, others squatting on
+blankets, a few listlessly leaning against the trees and
+others standing by the tent openings.  There were no
+benches, nor any roof to protect the audience from the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P251"></a>251}</span>
+fierce rays of the summer sun; but that did not matter
+to men who had lived for years in the open, and were
+accustomed to sleep under the canopy of heaven.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-251"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-251.jpg" alt="REV. JASON LEE'S GREAT SERMON IN THE SNAKE RIVER COUNTRY, 1834; SEE OPPOSITE PAGE">
+<br>
+REV. JASON LEE'S GREAT SERMON IN THE SNAKE RIVER COUNTRY, 1834; SEE OPPOSITE PAGE
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+Lee took a stand where all might be within range of
+his voice, cast his eyes over the unusual assemblage,
+opened the Bible and read in a clear and penetrating
+voice a text from the gospels about the crucifixion and
+death of Christ.  Then he requested all to join with him
+in prayer.  Some who had not entirely forgotten their
+early training, did so as best they could, while the more
+hardened sinners nudged each other in the ribs and
+smiled&mdash;as if to say, "What nonsense!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The clergyman was not an eloquent speaker, but forceful
+and impressive; and his subject was well suited to
+call forth all the earnestness of his nature and the
+sincerity of his faith.  He spoke for an hour, and before
+half through had the complete attention of every one in
+the audience; those who were at first inclined to scoff soon
+lost their indifference and listened with profound attention
+to every word.  When at the close of his sermon, he
+quoted dramatically the words, "Socrates died like a
+philosopher but Jesus Christ died like a God," there was such
+a stillness as if all within hearing were spellbound; and
+they were.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I have listened to great orators in the political arena,
+and on various occasions to brilliant ministers of the
+gospel; but have never known one to so thoroughly magnetize
+his hearers as Jason Lee did the trappers, hunters
+and mountain men who composed that audience away off
+in the wilds of the Snake River Country in 1834.  It was
+the first sermon ever preached west of the Rocky
+Mountains; and has probably not been excelled to this day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Wyeth put his full force at work erecting the rectangular
+trading post, more generally known as Fort Hall, for
+his contemplated fur-dealing activities.  Although it
+remained only a short time in the control of that
+enterprising American, and passed into the hands of the
+Hudson's Bay Company upon the collapse of Wyeth's original
+enterprise the following year, that frontier
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P252"></a>252}</span>
+establishment was a very important factor in the great
+emigration to the Oregon Country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A day or so after the Jason Lee sermon, the missionary
+company departed for its intended destination, the
+Columbia River, where a favorable location for a Mission was
+to be selected.  The journey on horseback for several
+hundred miles through rugged and broken country was
+fraught with many difficulties and dangers, all
+successfully overcome.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In September the tired and travel-stained little party
+arrived at Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia, the chief
+trading post and outfitting headquarters of the Hudson's
+Bay Company east of the Cascade Mountains, where they
+were kindly received and hospitably entertained by
+Mr. C. P. Pambrun, the official in charge.  Here it was
+decided to leave the horses and complete the remainder of
+the journey by water; and fortunately a party of
+fur-hunters returning with a cargo of pelts taken along the
+waters of the upper Columbia, was then on the way to
+Fort Vancouver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With these the missionaries were given passage, and
+floated down the great river in their batteaux.  The
+French-Canadian crew were expert boatmen and a happy
+lot to travel with, joking and singing almost without
+intermission; their care-free and mercurial natures never
+seemed to be ruffled, no matter what obstacles interfered
+with their progress.  The annual fur-hunting expedition
+had been very successful; and they were looking forward
+to a genuine celebration upon their arrival at Fort
+Vancouver, a privilege given to them once a year.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I shall never forget the mingled feelings of wonder
+and admiration as our little party approached the mighty
+break in the upper levels of the Cascade Mountains made
+by the river when, in prehistoric time, it forced a passage
+through that gigantic range.  The scenery was superb&mdash;nothing
+grander can well be imagined&mdash;magnificent snow-capped
+mountains, primeval forests clothed with foliage
+of various hues reaching down to the water's edge, and
+numerous sparkling waterfalls leaping over the sides of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P253"></a>253}</span>
+perpendicular bluffs from elevations of two to six
+hundred feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Occasionally immense basaltic pillars, rising from the
+bank of the river to a great height, and some of most
+grotesque outlines, would be encountered.  There is
+nothing of the kind in the United States to compare with
+that scenery of the Columbia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Upon reaching Fort Vancouver we met with a truly
+cordial reception.  That grand old autocrat Dr. John
+McLoughlin had word of our arrival, came out to meet us
+and in the most courtly manner but with unaffected ease
+and dignity, ushered us into his private apartments where
+he said we were to be his guests during our stay.  We
+greatly enjoyed the hospitality of the Doctor, especially
+after our long and tiresome journey; and have always
+looked back with sincere pleasure to the whole-hearted
+welcome given us by the representative of another nation,
+when we might reasonably have been considered in the
+guise of intruders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A day or so after our arrival, Jason Lee unfolded to
+Dr. McLoughlin his plans for establishing a Mission
+among the Flathead Indians.  The Doctor listened patiently
+as Rev. Mr. Lee related the details connected with
+the project; and then while expressing the satisfaction
+he felt at having a Mission located somewhere in the
+country, he pointed out the stupendous task of conducting
+it so far from a base of supplies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Everything for the Mission must come by water around
+the Horn, be unloaded somewhere on the lower Columbia,
+and then carried by batteaux and pack animals a distance
+of five hundred miles up-country&mdash;a very serious
+handicap.  Jason Lee saw it in the same light, but did
+not know what else to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dr. McLoughlin suggested founding a Mission in the
+Willamette Valley near French Prairie, where a small
+settlement of French-Canadians already existed and there
+were Indians in the vicinity needing spiritual as well as
+temporal enlightenment.  Such a point would also be
+reasonably accessible for receiving supplies by water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P254"></a>254}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So convincing were the facts presented by Dr. McLoughlin
+in support of the Willamette Valley as compared
+with the Flathead country for a Mission location,
+that Jason Lee decided to accept his views and followed
+his counsel.  The Doctor also promised to assist it by
+every means in his power compatible with his duties as
+Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company; and kept
+his word.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Mission established in the Willamette Valley was
+conducted successfully until measles and other epidemic
+diseases introduced by the whites almost completely
+annihilated the native population, so that in ten or twelve
+years after its founding there were no Indian children
+to attend its school.  During that time, however, the
+white population increased rapidly by accessions to the
+missionary force, many newcomers brought from "the
+States" by glowing descriptions sent back by earlier
+arrivals, and the even stronger corroboration of the
+surpassing advantages of the new country by men returning
+east for missionary reinforcements.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this again, my friends, I cannot but see the
+interposition of Divine Providence.  Had our Mission been
+established among the Flatheads as originally intended,
+there would have been no such influx of American citizens
+as afterwards followed into the disputed territory
+to offset the prestige of the British claim, because that
+remote interior region offered no such opportunities for
+settlement as the salubrious climate and fertile valleys
+west of the Cascade Mountains.  So I may well say again,
+"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While I have told you, and truthfully, that the Methodists
+were the first to answer the call from the Indians
+beyond the Rocky Mountains, the Presbyterians and
+Congregationalists soon followed.  In 1835 Rev. Samuel
+Parker of Massachusetts, and Dr. Marcus Whitman of
+New York State, were sent out by the Missionary Board
+of that church to examine into the character and disposition
+of the tribes residing in the region from which the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P255"></a>255}</span>
+four Indians made the long journey to St. Louis in search
+of the white man's religion, and report as to the
+desirability of establishing a Mission among them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that purpose in view, Rev. Mr. Parker and
+Dr. Whitman crossed the plains, and in the summer of 1835
+arrived at a point in the Rocky Mountains known as the
+"Rendezvous," a famous place for trappers and Indiana
+to congregate for trading in furs and pelts.  They found
+encamped there several hundred Nez Perces and Flatheads
+just returned from a successful buffalo hunt; and
+through an interpreter learned that they were very anxious
+to have white religious instructors sent out to them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This convinced Rev. Mr. Parker that the field was a
+very promising one.  It was therefore agreed that he
+should accompany the Indians to their homes and select a
+suitable location for a Mission site, while Whitman would
+return east and arrange for a missionary party to go
+out there under his charge the following spring.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Parker impressed upon Whitman the necessity of
+having the company well equipped with everything essential
+for such an arduous undertaking, and above all else to
+provide himself with a good wife.  The Doctor laughed
+and replied, "That is easier said than done; however, I
+may make the attempt."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By their genial manners and evident sincerity of
+purpose, these two advance missionary agents while at the
+Rendezvous won the confidence of the assembled Indians
+to such an extent that they permitted Whitman to select
+two or three young boys to return with him to "the States,"
+remain there for the winter, and accompany him back.
+The Doctor knew that their presence would have the effect
+of stimulating the Board to organize and equip a
+missionary party with the least possible delay; and would be
+tangible proof that the Indians were earnestly seeking
+religious instruction.  Whitman also realized that the
+boys would be of great assistance to the missionaries in
+crossing the plains and mountains in the spring.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Doctor and his wards experienced no serious difficulties
+on the journey back to civilization, and arrived
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P256"></a>256}</span>
+at his home in Rushville, Yates County, New York State,
+early in the winter.  He was dressed in the picturesque
+garb of the mountain men&mdash;buckskin coat and trousers
+decorated with fringes on the arms and legs, moccasins
+and bearskin cap, and had not been shaved for several
+months.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Reaching there late on a Saturday, Whitman did not
+go all the way into the village or make his presence known
+until Sunday, when he proceeded just as he was, and
+accompanied by the young Indians, to the church where
+services were being held; entered, walked up the aisle, and
+became the cynosure of all eyes in the congregation.  At
+first everyone wondered where the uncouth and wild
+looking individual came from, and why he should interrupt
+the services.  After gazing intently at him for a
+moment or two his mother, who was in the audience at
+the time, exclaimed, "Why if there isn't Marcus."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Services were immediately suspended, and all gathered
+around to welcome the intrepid Doctor back from the
+wilderness, where he had gone as a soldier of the Lord.  He
+was the hero of the hour, and every community in that
+part of the State made an effort to honor him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But there was one locality where he seemed to relish
+the attentions paid him more than in any other, and a
+house to which he made the most frequent visits.  It was
+not because of the genial hospitality of the host&mdash;which
+was proverbial in the vicinity; nor altogether the fascination
+of his conversation, though he was a man of culture
+and refinement, to whom it was a treat to listen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The admonition of Rev. Mr. Parker was uppermost in
+the Doctor's mind, and beneath that roof dwelt the
+charming daughter of the household he had known and admired
+for a long time, and who he hoped entertained more
+than a passing regard for him.  He now determined to
+press his suit with all the energy of his forceful nature.
+But before telling you the results of his efforts in that
+direction, I should give a brief sketch of the early life
+of Narcissa Prentiss, a noble character whose life and
+deeds will always occupy a very prominent place among
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P257"></a>257}</span>
+the pioneers of the Oregon Country&mdash;more so, indeed,
+than any other woman.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was the daughter of Judge Stephen Prentiss, a
+highly respected and well-to-do citizen of the Lake Region
+in New York State.  Careful attention was bestowed upon
+her early education and training, and every possible
+advantage given her within reach of people in moderate
+circumstances in that part of the country at the time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In her early teens she is described as about the average
+in height, the possessor of an unusually fine and
+well-rounded form, with blonde hair and blue eyes.  She had
+winning manners and a remarkably sweet, well trained
+voice which naturally made her a popular leader in the
+church choir and singing circles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A romantic incident in her early life greatly impaired
+her happiness in after years, as will subsequently appear.
+While attending the village school one of the pupils, a
+boy her senior by a few years, became enamored of her
+beauty and sprightly manners.  He sang in the same
+church choir, was a diligent scholar, had a good voice
+and was generally acceptable; thrown together in this
+way, they became very good friends.  On her part this
+meant nothing more than congenial companionship, but
+with him it ripened into a master passion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this frame of mind, he asked her to make a solemn
+promise to become his wife as soon as circumstances would
+permit him to assume the responsibility of providing
+suitably for her.  She laughed heartily at his boyish
+assurance, and said that she was entirely too young to
+even think of such a thing; besides, when she did, he
+would not appeal to her in that light.  Even after this
+rebuff, he still hoped that by making no further advances
+for the present, and abiding his time, she would
+gradually come to look more favorably upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A few years later Narcissa Prentiss had become one of
+the most attractive young women in that portion of the
+State&mdash;not only beautiful in person, but with a sweet
+and lovable disposition that endeared her to all.  She also
+had a serious turn of mind, and was foremost in every
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P258"></a>258}</span>
+activity connected with the church of which her family
+were members.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Narcissa had almost forgotten the school boy proposal
+when most unexpectedly the young man, then about
+to be ordained for the ministry, again appeared upon the
+scene.  When he called at the Prentiss home, she received
+him in the usual friendly manner and treated him with
+the greatest cordiality, for they had been pleasantly
+associated in the choir, Sunday School and religious
+activities of various kinds, never having had any serious
+disagreement&mdash;unless the incident already mentioned might
+be so considered.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After conversing pleasantly for some time on general
+topics, he said, "Narcissa, I have called upon you at this
+time for a special purpose.  You know that I am now
+about to become a minister of the gospel, may be sent to
+distant parts and separated from all my friends of
+boyhood days.  This is not a pleasant prospect; but I could
+bear up under all those things, sustained by the knowledge
+that it is in the service of the Master, were it not
+that I would be leaving behind to me the most precious
+thing on this earth&mdash;you, Narcissa, the idol of my
+affections.  Won't you accept the offer of my hand and heart,
+and be my helpmate through life?"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Narcissa, who thought she had firmly squelched the
+earlier fancy, and that he had long forgotten to think
+seriously of ever winning her hand, was dumfounded.
+But now in far more earnestness than ever, he had
+renewed the effort, apparently under the delusion that he
+might be successful.  In an instant her mind was made
+up what to say and how to act; she must let him know
+once for all that such a proposal was unwarranted and
+repugnant to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Arising and standing before him in all the dignity of
+her womanhood, she asked, "Have I ever acted toward
+you in a way you might construe that I entertained any
+affection for you, or given any grounds for you to hope
+that I might have anything more than just a friendly
+feeling towards you?  If I have so acted, I'm not aware of
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P259"></a>259}</span>
+it.  Now bear this in mind&mdash;never under any circumstances
+would you be considered in the light of a lover or
+husband for me!"
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A cloud passed over the brow of the young man as he
+felt the sting of her reply, and it is generally believed
+that a vow of eternal animosity against what he deemed
+a haughty and insolent young woman who had repelled
+his well-intentioned proposal was made by him.  "Some
+time you may regret this," he remarked, or words to that
+effect, and took his departure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Narcissa, kind hearted and reluctant to hurt the feelings
+of anyone, regretted having wounded his vanity and
+pride so deeply; but thought that was the only way his
+persistent suit could be stopped for all time.  This
+happened some four years before the return of Dr. Whitman
+from the Oregon Country to his home in New York State.
+About a year after his rejection by Narcissa Prentiss,
+Rev. Mr. Spalding was married to Miss Eliza Hart, a
+very estimable young woman, and sent west to engage in
+missionary work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Marcus Whitman, although making frequent visits to
+the Prentiss home, and received on every occasion by the
+Judge and his family as a welcome guest and intimate
+friend, did not attempt as yet to play the role of suitor
+for the hand of Narcissa.  He must first know that all
+arrangements for the projected missionary expedition
+were satisfactorily completed before committing himself
+in any personal way that might later prove embarrassing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was a matter of considerable importance for the
+Missionary Board to assemble and outfit a sufficient
+number of persons for such an undertaking; and many
+investigations and calculations had to be made before a
+complete organization was effected.  It was considered
+necessary to have an ordained minister, and difficult to
+find one willing to go.  But in the early spring the
+personnel of the party was decided upon, and the animals,
+wagons and supplies purchased so that the westward
+movement could begin as soon as the season was far enough
+advanced.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P260"></a>260}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whitman now decided that the auspicious moment had
+arrived to take the important step that had been
+uppermost in his mind since his return from the Rocky
+Mountains.  He was of a sanguine temperament and optimistic
+by nature, with supreme confidence in his ability to
+overcome obstacles; in the vital matter now in hand he
+felt confident of success, but was anxious to know what
+the result would be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this purpose in view he mounted his horse and
+rode hurriedly to the Prentiss home, finding the Judge out
+but Narcissa there.  Entering the sitting room, he took
+a seat and without any preliminaries remarked, "Well,
+Narcissa, everything is arranged and the party will start
+for the great undertaking in just one month from now.
+I said the party was complete, which is not quite correct;
+there is yet one vacancy and I have come, Narcissa, to
+ask you to fill it by becoming the wife of Marcus
+Whitman, leader of the party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"I need not tell you that you hold a higher place in
+my estimation than any other living mortal; your
+womanly intuition has long ago made you aware of that.
+I also believe that you entertain for me a feeling of
+uncommon friendship, at least&mdash;if not more.  Am I right
+or wrong?  Answer me, Narcissa."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+"Marcus, this is so abrupt you almost take my breath
+away, but I will be just as frank," she replied.  "I will
+go with you."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Taking her hands in his and gazing into the depths of
+her beaming blue eyes he exclaimed, "I felt in my soul
+that you would."  Drawing her nearer and enfolding her
+in his arms, he imprinted a seal of affection on her lips.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Both were naturally well fitted for the task of
+bringing the light of the gospel and the advantages of
+civilization to the Indians.  Marcus Whitman was strong
+and rugged, with an unlimited capacity for work; and
+although a physician, the missionary life appealed to him
+much more than the practice of his profession, due
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P261"></a>261}</span>
+probably to natural inclination and his early training.
+A knowledge of medicine was a valuable aid in a region
+without professional men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Narcissa Prentiss was in full health and vigor, capable
+of enduring the privations and hardships incident to such
+a life, and of an intensely religious temperament.  She
+left home, friends and every association dear to the
+majority of womankind, and set forth on a tremendous
+journey across deserts and over mountain ranges&mdash;the
+way beset by difficulties and dangers&mdash;in order to lend a
+helping hand in carrying the "tidings of great joy" to
+the natives of the far Northwest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A great deal of spoken and written eulogy has been
+bestowed upon the devotion to duty, courage and fortitude
+of Marcus Whitman&mdash;unquestionably in great part well
+merited.  So far, little has been said in praise of the
+noble qualities of head and heart possessed by his wife
+and coworker in the Lord's vineyard.  But as time goes on
+I have no doubt that historians and poets will exalt her
+virtues and sing her praises.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The marriage ceremony in the Presbyterian Church at
+Angelica, N.Y., in February, 1836, was very quiet and
+simple, as both were opposed to any undue publicity.  But
+when the members of the congregation became aware
+that the missionary party was about to start, it was
+arranged to have a farewell party and services on the eve
+of its departure.  The little church was crowded to
+capacity; not only was nearly every member present, but
+many who were not affiliated came to bid farewell and
+Godspeed to this universally beloved member of the
+community, which had been the home of the Prentiss family
+since 1834.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She took her usual place as leader of the choir, while
+the eyes of all were riveted upon the pleasing countenance
+and attractive form of the one who was about to leave
+them&mdash;perhaps forever.  After the services and singing
+of appropriate hymns, a time for greetings was
+announced; and the whole congregation surged forward,
+each anxious to grasp the hand and say a personal word
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P262"></a>262}</span>
+to her whom they loved so well and were reluctant to let
+go.  Before being dismissed, all were asked to join in a
+parting hymn selected for the occasion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Narcissa led the singing, and when the last verse&mdash;beginning
+with the words, "Yes, my native land, I love
+thee"&mdash;was begun, audible sobs were heard through the
+audience.  Before it was finished the pent-up feelings of
+the assemblage were unloosed, and the genuine feeling of
+sorrow became contagious; handkerchiefs were pulled out,
+and there was scarcely a dry eye in the audience.  Only
+the voice of Narcissa carried the words all the way
+through; but she never faltered until it was finished,
+when she also gave way to the prevailing emotion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rev. Henry H. Spalding and his wife were selected by
+the American Board of Home Missions to accompany
+Dr. and Mrs. Whitman.  For some time past the Spaldings
+had been engaged in missionary work in the State of Ohio
+from where, upon the arrival of the Whitmans from New
+York State, the four proceeded to Liberty, Missouri, the
+point at which final arrangements for the western
+journey were to be completed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Board of Commissioners probably did not take the
+precaution of consulting Dr. Whitman as to his choice
+of companions for the great task they were entering
+upon; could Narcissa have had any voice in the matter,
+the Spaldings would certainly not have gone with them.
+It is to be regretted, for the good of the cause, that such
+an appointment was made, as subsequent events will
+explain.  W. H. Gray, a mechanic, was also designated
+by the Board to accompany the missionaries.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rev. Mr. Spalding was a stockily built man of medium
+height, with a large head and rather high forehead; and
+was a voracious reader, especially of books on religious
+and controversial topics.  Although rated, even by his
+admirers, as a "peculiar" man, he accomplished commendable
+results in the mission field for nearly 40 years.
+Mr. Spalding died August 3, 1874, in his 71st year, and is
+buried in the Nez Perces country a few miles from
+Lewiston, Idaho.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P263"></a>263}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His wife, Eliza Hart Spalding, was rather tall and
+angular, and though not possessing regular features, had
+a kindly and intelligent expression that won many
+friends.  She had the gift of knowing how to gain the
+respect and confidence of the Indians, and was conspicuously
+successful as a teacher among them.  Gray was a
+self-important person, with quite a smattering of learning,
+but inclined to be self-willed and even insubordinate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These men and women established the first Indian
+Missions in the vast region between the Rocky Mountains
+and the Cascade Range, nearest the tribes who had
+sent the delegation to St. Louis in 1831, seeking a
+knowledge of the Christian faith.  About the time the
+missionaries arrived at Liberty, a number of hunters and
+trappers in the employ of the American Fur Company,
+under the leadership of two experienced frontiersmen,
+Milton G. Sublette and Thomas Fitzpatrick, were
+assembled there preparing to leave for the Rocky Mountain
+region on a trading and fur-hunting expedition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this good fortune, the missionaries were able to
+travel in the company of a well-equipped outfit, without
+fear of molestation by roving bands of Indians on the
+way.  But not everything required for the long journey
+had been secured in time to start with the larger party,
+which set out two days in advance.  Whitman determined
+to catch up with the fur hunters before reaching
+the most dangerous part of the route, which he did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Many days were consumed in traversing the bad roads
+of western Missouri, which in the spring in those pioneer
+days were full of ruts and mud-holes; and the Doctor was
+the only one of the party with any previous experiences
+in that kind of travel.  Early in May they were on the
+west side of the Missouri River with their wagons, horses
+and cattle all in fairly good shape, but on the south side
+of the Platte near its mouth.  The latter was nearly a
+mile wide, and the crossing of it a very formidable
+undertaking; but it had to be done, for the Trail continued
+westward on the north side.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That might be termed the real starting point on the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P264"></a>264}</span>
+expedition, as there every vestige of civilization was left
+behind, and immense plains and great mountain ranges
+inhabited only by Indians and wild animals, extended
+far out before them.  It was a perilous trip in those days,
+even for men fond of adventure and thoroughly accustomed
+to hardships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But in the company were two refined and educated
+women leaving friends, kindred and the comforts of
+civilized life to undergo the discomforts and face the
+hazards of the long journey.  It was a noble courage, and
+heroism of the rarest type.  Their names should be held
+in high veneration by the Christian people of this land
+for all time to come; and I believe they will be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The crossing of the Platte was difficult and wearing;
+and the burden of it fell upon Dr. Whitman, as
+Rev. Mr. Spalding was ill and unable to help.  Mrs. Whitman
+and Mrs. Spalding were taken over in a "bull boat," a
+contrivance made by stretching a buffalo hide over small
+willow growths.  In the process of making, the larger
+ends were stuck in the ground, and the smaller ones
+interlapped, after which a fresh hide was fastened over them
+and allowed to dry.  Then the ends of the willows were
+pulled out of the ground, it was turned upside
+down&mdash;and called a "boat."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though a very risky affair in which to cross a wide
+river, there was no other available conveyance; so they
+entered it, at least with a show of confidence, and were
+carried safely over.  An entire day was required to get
+the outfit to the other side; Whitman was obliged to swim
+back and forth several times, and by evening was
+completely exhausted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Early the next morning a start was made and the
+animals were urged forward at the utmost speed under
+the circumstances, to overtake the fur-hunters before
+the Pawnee villages were passed, as unfriendly Indians
+might be encountered beyond.  I will not enter into a
+detailed account of the many events of interest on their
+way over the great plains, but cannot refrain from
+mentioning a few outstanding features of the journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P265"></a>265}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When they came within sight of the Elkhorn, a tributary
+of the Platte, it presented a very menacing appearance
+at the height of the flood-water season.  Arriving
+first at the river, the Indian boys Whitman had taken
+back with him the preceding winter saw a skin canoe on
+the farther side; completely stripping, they wound their
+shirts around their heads and swam over, returning with
+the canoe by the time the rest of the party came up to the
+bank.  A rope was then stretched across, and the goods
+hauled over in the canoe without much difficulty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Those Indian boys were very useful to the missionary
+party in driving the loose stock, herding, guarding at
+night and in many other ways.  They seemed more than
+willing to render assistance whenever the occasion called
+for it; and in initiative were equal if not superior to
+white youth of the same age.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+About a hundred miles east of the "Rendezvous," the
+party fell in with a large number of Indians belonging to
+tribes west of the Rockies who came over the mountains
+every year to hunt buffalo.  Some of them had met the
+Doctor on his previous trip, and remembered his intention
+of bringing missionaries to instruct them in the white
+man's way of worshipping; now they manifested great
+pleasure at meeting the little party on the way to fulfill
+the promise made the year before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The ladies especially aroused the curiosity and wonder
+of the savages, who now for the first time beheld a white
+woman.  No sooner had Mrs. Whitman alighted from
+her horse than a number of the native matrons came
+forward to welcome her; each one of them shook hands
+with her, and at the same time placing the left hand
+affectionately upon her shoulder, gave her a hearty kiss.
+Mrs. Spalding was greeted in a similar manner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Both were deeply moved by the cordiality and sincerity
+of their welcome by those Indian women, and greatly
+surprised to learn from this experience that they have about
+the same manner of salutation as their civilized white
+sisters.  It goes to show that regardless of climate or
+color, human nature is about the same the world over.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P266"></a>266}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of the chiefs present when the ladies arrived soon
+took his departure, and returning in a short time with
+his wife, introduced her to both of them&mdash;with a wave of
+the right hand towards his squaw and the left towards the
+white women, at the same time bowing politely.  When
+the tents were pitched and occupied by Mrs. Whitman and
+Mrs. Spalding after the fatigue of the horseback ride,
+some of the Indians, with unabated curiosity, remained in
+the vicinity and were occasionally bold enough to peep in
+and then grin with astonishment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Arriving at the "Rendezvous," a long-to-be-remembered
+sight was presented to their eyes.  There were assembled
+hundreds of trappers, hunters, traders and packers&mdash;in
+fact all kinds of mountain men&mdash;some of whom had not
+seen a white woman in more than twenty years; and there
+must also have been some fifteen hundred or two thousand
+Indians who had traveled there to trade with the American
+Fur Company.  All of them, white men and Indians
+alike, were intent upon having a good look at the first
+two white women who had ever penetrated that far into
+the wilderness, and were to traverse another thousand
+miles or so of rough country before reaching their
+destination.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mrs. Whitman thoroughly enjoyed the novelty and
+excitement of the strange situation.  Some of the
+mountain men ventured to approach her and offer some kind
+of a compliment, which amused her exceedingly; but she
+always answered them with gracious and cordial bearing,
+and thus became very popular with these semi-wild and
+reckless frontiersmen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mrs. Spalding was more interested in the appearance of
+the natives among whom she had come to teach, and
+anxious to acquire a knowledge of the Nez Perces
+language.  Somewhat from anxiety to see how she would
+act, the Indians gathered around her while she tried
+as best she could to converse with them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Before the departure of the missionary company for
+the Columbia River, a grand reception and display was
+planned in its honor.  On the appointed day, the Indian
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P267"></a>267}</span>
+warriors formed a procession in gala dress at one end of
+the plain, each of the four tribes being represented by a
+company in fighting costume&mdash;which was breech-clout,
+with plenty of paint and feathers.  All were mounted on
+well-shaped Indian horses, which though not large were
+spirited and active.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These fighting braves carried their weapons, and in
+addition many had drums, horns and other noise-making
+instruments.  When everything was in readiness the
+command was given, and there burst forth from every
+painted warrior such a wild and terrifying yell as only
+aborigines can utter; then, joining in a mighty chorus
+of barbarous song, the cavalcade charged down the valley
+at frantic speed, brandishing their weapons and beating
+drums.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Reaching the farther end of the valley, they whirled
+around and dashed back with equal impetuosity, afterwards
+performing skilful evolutions in front of the
+missionary tents.  The whole maneuver was conducted like a
+preconcerted military movement, the force of six or seven
+hundred Indians obeying the signals of the leaders with
+machine-like precision.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All members of the missionary party had assembled
+in front of their tents before this torrent of furious
+savages approached and swept by them with wild gesticulations.
+Their bronze bodies glistened in the summer sun
+and quivered with the great excitement under which
+they labored in this mimic attack upon an imaginary foe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In front of the rushing columns rode a huge warrior
+of the Snake tribe, known as "Big Foot," more than six
+feet tall and well proportioned.  His horse was much
+larger than the ponies of the other Indians (most of whom
+rode bareback); and he had a saddle of the Mexican
+pattern, probably secured during a foray into the settlements
+of New Mexico Territory.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He raised in his stirrups, whirling a Spanish musketoon
+and yelling like a demon, his voice being heard above
+all the din and uproar.  The whole performance was so
+realistic that before it ended the nerves of the women
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P268"></a>268}</span>
+were severely tried; and at its conclusion the Indians
+crowded around the tents to further gratify their
+curiosity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The missionaries rested for a few days at the Rendezvous
+on Green River and then set out for Fort Hall with
+only one wagon, the other having been abandoned by
+necessity farther east.  At the fort, then owned by the
+Hudson's Bay Company, they were very kindly received,
+but told that it would be virtually impossible to travel any
+farther with the wagon.  However, on account of
+Mrs. Spalding's delicate health, Whitman determined not to
+give it up until absolutely necessary.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Owing to the deep sand and large sage-brush about
+twenty miles below American Falls on the Snake River,
+and the extremely rocky surface of the hills, he was
+obliged to leave the box and rear wheels there, converting
+the remainder into a cart which he managed to take as
+far as Fort Boise, where that also was abandoned.  With
+the wagon-box was left something far more valuable to
+Narcissa Whitman&mdash;a little trunk which she dearly prized
+as a present from her sister Harriet.  Here is the way
+she laments the loss of it:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+Friday evening
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+Dear Harriet:
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The little trunk you gave me has come with me so far, and
+now I must leave it alone.  Poor little trunk!  I am sorry to
+leave you.  Twenty miles below the Falls on Snake River shall
+be thy place of rest, x x x x.  Narcissa.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+My good friends, before proceeding farther with my
+story I must tell you that about three years ago I visited
+the home of Judge Prentiss in New York State; and the
+fine old gentleman accorded me the great privilege of
+copying the voluminous correspondence written by his
+daughter on the journey across the Continent and during
+the years spent at the Mission station until her unhappy
+death.  I will at times quote her exact words describing
+events intimately connected with her missionary labors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She possessed the rare gift of expressing in the most
+lucid language the condition of her feelings regarding the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P269"></a>269}</span>
+many trials and afflictions it was her lot to bear during
+their life at Waiilatpu.  I have with me copies of all these
+letters; and will now read her description of the crossing
+of Snake River, as must be done more than once in your
+own journey to the "Promised Land":
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Preparing to cross Snake River.  The river is divided by two
+islands into three branches, and is fordable.  The packs are
+placed on the tallest horses, and in this way we crossed without
+wetting.  Husband had difficulty with the cart, which was
+turned upside down in the river, and the mules entangled with
+the harness.  The mules would have been drowned but for a
+desperate struggle to get them ashore.  Then after putting two
+of the horses before the cart, and two men swimming behind
+to steady it, they succeeded in getting it over.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+I once thought crossing streams would be the worst part of
+the journey.  I now do so without fear.  There is one manner
+of crossing&mdash;take an elk skin and stretch it over you, spreading
+yourself out as much as possible.  Let the Indian women put
+you on the water, and with a cord in the mouth they swim and
+draw you to the other side.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+In four or five days more of travel they arrived at Fort
+Boise, where the Snake River had to be recrossed.  Again
+I will quote Mrs. Whitman:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+22nd.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Left the Fort yesterday, came a short distance to Snake
+River; crossed and encamped for the night.  The river has
+three branches divided by islands.  The first and second places
+were deep but we had no difficulty in crossing on horseback.
+The third was deeper still.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+This being a fishing post of the Indians, we found a canoe
+made of rushes and willows.  Mrs. Spalding and myself placed
+ourselves and our saddles in it, and two Indians on horseback
+with a rope towed us over.  The canoe is made of bunches
+of rushes tied together and attached to a frame made of a few
+sticks of small willows.  It was large enough to hold us and
+our saddles.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The cart which had been brought from the Falls of
+Snake River especially for the accommodation of
+Mrs. Spalding was abandoned here and the remainder of the
+trip to Fort Walla Walla made on horseback.  No serious
+mishaps befell the little party on this part of the journey,
+although it was an exceedingly rugged and difficult region
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P270"></a>270}</span>
+to traverse.  They were tendered a very kindly reception
+at the fort by the employees of the Hudson's Bay
+Company, and a boat was secured to convey them down the
+magnificent river to Fort Vancouver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At forts Hall, Walla Walla and Vancouver, where the
+missionaries were guests of the great fur company, all
+were greatly interested in the two refined and educated
+American women who had the pluck and hardihood to
+undertake such a long and hazardous journey.  Upon
+reaching the head of the rapids above The Dalles of the
+Columbia, Mrs. Whitman gives an interesting account
+of what had to be done to pass safely that formidable
+obstacle to their progress.  She says:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+8th.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Came last night to the Chute (above The Dalles), a fall in
+the river not navigable.  There we slept, and this morning
+made the portage.  All were obliged to land, unload, carry our
+baggage and even the boat for half a mile.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+I had frequently seen a picture of Indians carrying a canoe,
+but now saw the reality.  We found plenty of Indians here
+to assist in making the portage.  After loading several with
+our baggage and sending them on, the boat was turned over
+and placed upon the heads of about twenty of them, who easily
+marched off with it.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+September 9th.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+We came to The Dalles just before noon.  Here our boat
+was stopped by two rocks of immense size and height, all the
+water of the river passing with great rapidity between them
+in a very narrow channel.  We were obliged to land and make
+a portage of two and a half miles, carrying the boat again.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The Dalles is a great fishing resort for Indians of several
+tribes; we did not see many, however, for they had just left.
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-270"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-270.jpg" alt="DR. JOHN McLOUGHLIN, CHIEF FACTOR OF THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY, WELCOMING MRS. MARCUS WHITMAN AND MRS. HENRY H. SPALDING AT FORT VANCOUVER ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER, IN THE FALL OF 1836: SEE OPPOSITE PAGE">
+<br>
+DR. JOHN McLOUGHLIN, CHIEF FACTOR OF THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY, WELCOMING <br>
+MRS. MARCUS WHITMAN AND MRS. HENRY H. SPALDING AT FORT VANCOUVER <br>
+ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER, IN THE FALL OF 1836: SEE OPPOSITE PAGE
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+At Vancouver they were also cordially received and
+hospitably entertained by that grand old man, Dr. John
+McLoughlin.  It was a never to be forgotten sight for me
+to observe this representative of the all-powerful English
+fur company, of towering stature and knightly dignity,
+standing with hat in hand at the portal of the fort
+graciously bending to salute and welcome the two first white
+women to set foot upon the immense territory over which
+he then held undisputed sway.  It was not a mere formal
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P271"></a>271}</span>
+greeting, but a genuine expression of satisfaction to see
+devoted men and women coming into the territory to
+improve both the spiritual and temporal condition of his
+Indian wards, in whose welfare he was deeply
+interested&mdash;for McLoughlin was by nature benevolent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In consultation with Whitman, he advised the latter to
+establish his Mission somewhere east of the Cascade
+Mountains, for the reason that the Indians of the interior
+were mentally and physically superior to those near the
+coast, as well as more likely to adopt the rudiments of
+civilization and accept Christianity from the missionaries.
+Thereupon Whitman, Spalding and Gray returned up the
+Columbia to the vicinity of Fort Walla Walla for the
+purpose of selecting a site, while the women remained at
+Fort Vancouver as Dr. McLoughlin's guests until a
+Mission House could be erected.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After looking over the country for several days they
+decided that a point called Waiilatpu, on the Walla Walla
+River about thirty miles from its mouth, would be a
+desirable location for a Mission, as it was convenient to
+the habitat of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes and
+reasonably near the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay
+Company for that vicinity, in case trouble should arise.
+Work was immediately begun upon the construction of a
+comfortable log dwelling roofed with poles covered with
+straw and dirt thrown upon the top, which very well
+suited the purpose for which it was intended.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A site for another Mission to be in charge of
+Rev. Mr. Spalding was located among the Nez Perces on the
+Clearwater River about 100 miles northeast of Waiilatpu.
+Mr. Spalding then returned to Fort Vancouver for the ladies,
+while Dr. Whitman continued work on the dwelling.  In
+about three weeks Mrs. Whitman arrived at Waiilatpu,
+and the Spaldings went on to the Clearwater.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At this isolated and unattractive Mission in the midst
+of uncivilized and unappreciative aborigines, practically
+shut off from people of her own race and tongue, Narcissa
+Whitman spent eleven long weary years in the prime
+of her young womanhood, endeavoring to enlighten the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P272"></a>272}</span>
+minds and improve and elevate the morals of the savages,
+with no hope or prospect of being rewarded in this life,
+except by the consciousness of doing the utmost for her
+fellow mortals, and that her work might be pleasing in
+the eyes of God.  The sacrifice of her own life was her
+only visible reward.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In 1839 a great sorrow fell upon the Whitman household.
+They had a beautiful little girl, an only child who
+was suddenly snatched away from her loving parents,
+without the slightest inkling of approaching danger or
+cause for apprehension.  The poignancy of Mrs. Whitman's
+grief was intensified by the peculiar circumstances
+surrounding them at the time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She was in a wilderness inhabited by cruel and treacherous
+Indians, cut off by nearly three thousand miles
+from the old home and her own family, with only
+Dr. Whitman to lend a helping hand or console her with a
+loving voice; and he was overwhelmed with pressing
+duties.  Her anguish was beyond description, but with
+true Christian courage and exalted faith she bowed to
+the Divine will.  What sublime resignation!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I have a copy of the characteristic letter she wrote to
+her father on that sorrowful occasion, from which I will
+now read:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+Waiilatpu, Sept. 30, 1839.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+MY DEAREST FATHER:
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Doubtless before this you have heard through the Board of
+the melancholy death of our most precious and only child,
+Alice Clarissa.  That we loved her most ardently is true, and
+we feel keenly the severe pangs of a separation from her.
+Yet it is the Lord that hath done it, and He has dealt with
+us as a tender parent deals with the children He loves.  O,
+how often have I felt and thought what a privilege it would
+be, if I could see and unburden to my dear parents the
+sorrows of my broken and bleeding heart since we have been
+bereft of our dear, sweet babe.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Although deprived of this inestimable consolation yet, dearest
+father, I desire to ask you to unite with us in praise and
+gratitude to God who has so mercifully sustained me, and that
+when crushed to the earth because His hand lay heavily upon
+me, His grace was manifest to preserve and sustain my soul
+from murmuring or repining at His dealings with us.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P273"></a>273}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+This unspeakable consolation is ours, that our daughter is
+at rest in the bosom of Him who said, "Suffer the little
+children to come unto me, for of such in the kingdom of
+heaven."  Young as she was, we could plainly see a manifest relish and
+enjoyment in singing and worship; the last month of her life
+she commenced learning to read, and improved rapidly.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+I would describe to you if I could her bright, lively
+appearance on Sabbath morning, the day of her death.  She had
+always slept with me until just a week before then, and
+that night she proposed, of her own accord, to sleep on the mat
+on the floor.  This gave me a very strange and singular
+feeling, for I never before could persuade her to lie away from
+me, not even in her father's arms * * *.  It being very warm,
+and because she preferred it, I let her sleep on the floor all
+night&mdash;but did not sleep much myself.  Ever after this I made
+a bed for her by the side of mine, where I could lay my hand
+upon her.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Her appearance at worship in the family was deeply interesting.
+For some time she had been in the habit of selecting
+the hymn she wished us to sing, and that morning her choice
+was "Rock of Ages Cleft for Me."  Oh, if dear father and
+mother could have seen with what animation she sang, and
+how her sweet voice soared above ours!
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * * * * * * * * * *
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Dear father, when you sing this hymn think of me, for my
+thoughts do not recur to it without almost overcoming me and
+bringing fresh to my mind how she appeared when she last
+sang it.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+NARCISSA.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+That letter bears the impress of having been written by
+a superior woman suffering the keenest pangs of a mother's
+grief, yet bearing it with all the fortitude and
+resignation of the early Christian martyrs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The tragedy happened on a Sabbath morning, while
+Dr. and Mrs. Whitman were reading the scriptures.  Alice
+Clarissa went to bring some water from the river which
+flowed near-by the Mission House, as she had done many
+times before.  She went from the house with a cup in
+each hand, bounding down to the river bank to fulfill her
+errand, and returned no more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+How it happened is simply conjecture, as there was no
+witness when the cold waters of the Walla Walla River
+fanned out the precious life of this first white American
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P274"></a>274}</span>
+child born west of the Rocky Mountains.  The little mound
+that marked her grave not far from the house was kept
+green and bedecked with flowers until the day of the
+massacre and destruction of the Mission.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The missionaries&mdash;particularly Rev. Mr. Spalding and
+Dr. Whitman&mdash;never worked in harmony after their
+arrival in the Indian country.  It is said that the
+bitterness of Mr. Spalding against Mrs. Whitman continued
+from the time he was a suitor for her hand; and that the
+rankling of it led at least to a lack of co-operation on his
+part with his successful rival, the Doctor, in carrying on
+the Mission work.  I will read a letter of Mrs. Whitman
+to her father, which throws a flood of light upon the
+subject:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+  Waiilatpu, Walla Walla River,<br>
+  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oregon Territory, Oct. 10, 1810.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+MY DEAR FATHER:
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The missionaries' greatest trials are but little known to the
+churches.  I have never ventured to write about them for fear
+it might hurt.  The man who came with us ought never to
+have come.  My dear husband has suffered more in consequence
+of his wicked jealousy and great pique towards me than can
+be known in this world.  Not he alone but the whole Mission
+suffers, which is most to be deplored.  It has nearly broken up
+the Mission.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The pretended settlement with father before we started was
+only an excuse; and from all we have seen and heard, both
+during the journey and since we have been here, the same
+bitter feeling exists. * * *.  I never did anything before I left
+home to injure him, and nothing since; and my husband is
+cautious in speaking and thinking evil of him or treating him
+unkindly; yet he does not, nor has he received the same
+kindness from him since we have been missionaries together.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Every mind in the Mission that he has had access to he has
+tried to prejudice against us, and did succeed for awhile,
+which was the cause of our being voted to remove and form a
+new station.  This was too much for my husband's feelings to
+bear, and so many arrayed against him for no good reason.
+He felt as if he must leave the Mission, and no doubt would
+have done it had not the Lord removed from us our beloved
+child.  This affliction softened his feelings and made him willing
+to submit to the will of the Lord, although we felt that we
+were suffering wrongfully.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+The death of our babe had a great effect upon all in the
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P275"></a>275}</span>
+Mission; it softened their hearts towards us, even Mr. S's for a
+season. * * * The Lord in His providence has brought things
+around in such a way that all see and feel where the evil lies.
+Some of them are writing to the Board; and it may require his
+removal or return to effect it, not so much for his treatment
+towards us as some others also.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+* * *.  I have long desired to have some few judicious
+friends know our trials, so that they may understand better
+how to pray for us.  If this Mission fails, it will be because
+peace and harmony does not dwell among its members.  Our
+ardent desire and prayer is that it may not fail.  It is this
+state of things among us that discourage us.  When we look
+at the people and the providence of God, we are more and
+more encouraged every year.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+As ever, I remain, your affectionate daughter,
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote2">
+NARCISSA WHITMAN.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+During the early days of the Mission the Whitmans
+devoted themselves almost exclusively to the difficult task
+of inducing the Indians to receive instruction in both
+spiritual and temporal matters.  The Doctor was rough
+and ready in his manner, outspoken in his opinions and,
+particularly, vigorous in his actions; when the Indians
+did not do exactly as he thought they should, he openly
+showed his disapproval and scolded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This helps to explain why the Mission was not as
+successful as it might have been; but Whitman was
+nevertheless a thoroughly sincere and honest man, always
+prompted by high motives.  Due somewhat to the lack of
+harmony in the establishment there, the Board finally
+concluded that Waiilatpu should be abandoned.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Very different indeed was the disposition of the
+lovable and sweet-tempered woman, Narcissa Whitman, his
+helpmate in the work.  By kindly manner and tactful
+methods she endeared herself to those in her special
+charge, and was eminently successful in the care and
+management of children.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+WHITMAN'S RIDE AND THE MASSACRE
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having learned that the Board had ordered the abandonment
+of two stations, including the one at Waiilatpu,
+Whitman asked the missionaries to convene at that place
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P276"></a>276}</span>
+for consideration of what steps should be taken to have
+the order rescinded.  Upon arrival of some of them, he
+called the meeting without awaiting the arrival of those
+coming from a greater distance, as he deemed the matter
+too urgent to be postponed even a day.  It was decided
+to have the Doctor proceed immediately to the East to
+lay the whole matter before the Board.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Accordingly Whitman, accompanied by A. L. Lovejoy,
+left Waiilatpu October 3, 1842, on the long and afterward
+famous horseback ride over the Rocky Mountains and
+through the vast prairie country during the winter.  He
+was the kind of man no dangers or difficulties could
+deter; and although he underwent great privations,
+successfully completed the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His reception by the Board was by no means cordial;
+but in a forceful way he showed the serious consequences
+that would follow the abandonment of the Missions.
+Finally convinced by his logic, the Board rescinded the
+order, which action was the object for which the ride was
+undertaken.  After that he visited his old home in New
+York State.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Westbound during May of the following year, Whitman
+overtook the 1843 emigrants somewhere along the
+Platte River and traveled with them as far as Fort Boise
+on the Snake River.  Worried about affairs at Waiilatpu
+after so long absence, he then went on ahead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From that time on the affairs of the Mission were still
+more unsatisfactory; and the Indians gradually became
+alarmed at the number of immigrants arriving in the
+country, bringing the measles and other diseases generally
+fatal to the natives.  Whitman was very successful
+in treating his own people, but the great majority of
+affected Indians succumbed to the diseases contracted
+from the whites.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The more superstitious ones began to imagine that the
+Doctor was using "bad medicine" to kill them off so that
+his white brothers could have their lands, an idea which
+became an obsession with them.  It did not bear fruit for
+awhile; but as time went on and conditions showed no
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P277"></a>277}</span>
+signs of change, the foolish natives determined to destroy
+the station and kill the missionaries.  The latter had been
+forewarned more than once by friendly Indians to be on
+their guard, as something desperate might happen; but
+they did not take it seriously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On Monday, November 29th, the first of the fatal blows
+fell.  Whitman was in the sitting room talking with
+Mrs. Osborne who lived in an adjoining room.  An Indian
+came to the door, knocked and asked to see the Doctor
+about some medicine; he stepped into the outer room
+where several were assembled, and talked with them about
+their sick.  While thus engaged one of them suddenly
+drew a tomahawk from beneath his blanket and delivered
+a crushing blow upon Whitman's head.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then pandemonium broke loose, and with frightful
+yells the savages began the slaughter of the defenseless
+inmates.  In only one instance was any resistance offered;
+when attacked by an Indian with a knife, the school-teacher
+grappled with his assailant and struggled for his
+life until dispatched by another of the natives.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mrs. Whitman was shot through the breast by a renegade
+half-breed, Joe Lewis, and afterwards beaten over
+the head and face with clubs until life was extinct.  She
+was the only woman slain, the others being made captive
+and confined in one of the Mission houses.  The reign of
+terror continued through Tuesday, Wednesday and
+Thursday, with several other murders of the white people.
+Two seriously ill men were dragged out of their beds and
+clubbed in a most barbarous manner until they expired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is surprising that, wrought up to such a high state
+of frenzy against the Mission and its inmates, the
+Indians did not also massacre the fifty or more women and
+children who fell into their hands.  Through the untiring
+efforts of Peter Skene Ogden, Chief Factor of the
+Hudson's Bay Company, the latter were ransomed after a
+few weeks' captivity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Whitman Massacre was one of the saddest and most
+revolting episodes in the annals of missionary effort in
+North America.  It cast a shadow over the land, and
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P278"></a>278}</span>
+caused those who were active in the movement for the
+regeneration of the red men to almost abandon it in
+despair.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No doubt you think it strange that in telling you
+about the Oregon Country, its exploration and early
+settlement, I should have devoted so much time to the
+expeditions, labors and sufferings of the missionaries.  But it
+was owing primarily to the initiative from those sources
+that the Pacific Northwest, with all of its wonderful
+resources and possibilities, became known to the people of
+"the States"; large numbers were thus encouraged to
+emigrate to it, aiding materially in bringing all of that
+vast region under the flag and within the dominion of our
+beloved country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Otherwise the choicest portion of that territory would
+in all probability have passed into the possession of a
+foreign power.  Is not that a good reason for occupying
+so much time in recounting their efforts and exploits?
+I will now give briefly a few of the outstanding incidents
+since the migration to the Oregon Country began in the
+wake of the missionaries.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the spring of 1843, a kind of Provisional Government
+for the Oregon Country was organized at a meeting
+of settlers held at Champoeg in the Willamette Valley.
+Previous attempts had been made for that purpose, but
+owing to divergent views, they had ended in failure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, however, at a gathering in March, 1843, called
+ostensibly for the purpose of taking steps to protect the
+settlement from predatory animals and known as the
+"Wolf Organization," a resolution was introduced and
+carried to appoint a committee of twelve to formulate a
+plan.  At the meeting held on May 2nd attended by both
+British and American partisans, the vote was very close,
+the advocates of a Provisional Government winning by a
+slight margin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was so close that there was difficulty in determining
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P279"></a>279}</span>
+which side had the majority; so after one or two
+unsuccessful attempts to decide by a <i>viva voce</i> vote, an
+agreement was reached to have a division and count&mdash;those in
+favor of the proposal going to the right, while those
+opposed went to the left.  Joseph L. Meek, a man of
+splendid physique and the hero of many adventures in the
+Rockies, clad in the garb of the mountaineers, with
+sparkling eyes, a voice of command and the air of a
+Major General, stepped to a niche in history as he strode
+to his position crying out, "Who's for a divide!  All in
+favor of the report and organization follow me."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The hunters and trappers who were present followed his
+lead, and so carried the day for the proponents of the
+measure.  More than half the Americans present voted
+against it, because they (wrongfully) believed it a scheme
+of the Mission party to secure control of the organization.
+Were it not that quite a number of French-Canadians
+favorable to self-government voted in the affirmative,
+it would have lost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the following day, May 3rd, the Provisional Government
+was duly organized&mdash;a date and event long to be
+remembered.  That government was ably and wisely carried
+on for a term of six years, until the United States
+assumed jurisdiction in 1849.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dr. John McLoughlin recognized it, as he never would
+have done were it not worthy of respect.  It demonstrated
+that the Oregon pioneers were capable, resourceful and
+not mere imitators of other men.  Their deeds should be
+admired and their names venerated.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I might add that the entire white population of the
+Oregon Country at that time was only a little more than
+two hundred.  But the tide had set in, and nearly five
+times that number were already assembled at different
+points on the Missouri River preparing to start overland.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+THE 1843 MIGRATION
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was in many respects the most remarkable and
+important migration that ever left the Missouri River
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P280"></a>280}</span>
+for the far Northwest.  Although numerically far below
+those of the following years, it was the first company
+regularly organized to go out to that territory with the
+sole object of making permanent settlements, and growing
+up with it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The people composing it were not influenced to any
+considerable extent by the evangelical movement, but
+mostly farmers, tradesmen and mechanics determined to
+find and make the best of opportunities for improving
+their material condition.  It was the first migration to
+succeed in taking wagons beyond Fort Hall to the banks
+of the Columbia and down along the south side of that
+river to The Dalles, thence by batteaux or rafts to Fort
+Vancouver and the Willamette Valley, thus blazing a
+trail for future thousands to follow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Among those emigrants were several men of unusual
+ability and forceful character, who were subsequently very
+successful and attracted wide attention.  Peter
+H. Burnett&mdash;keen, alert and ambitious, the possessor of an
+almost inexhaustible fund of information and anecdote&mdash;became
+the first Governor of California, 1849-51.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Another one was J. W. Nesmith, witty and brilliant,
+later United States Senator from Oregon.  Jesse
+Applegate, one of the men who came over the Oregon Trail
+in 1843, was a versatile writer, forceful speaker and a
+leading worker in the ranks of every progressive movement
+in the Pacific Northwest during his long and useful
+life there.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These men had the hardihood to attempt a feat
+considered utterly impracticable by those who had passed
+and repassed over that route on horseback for many years.
+When asked for his opinion as to the feasibility of taking
+the wagons to the Columbia, Richard Grant, the Chief
+Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Hall, made
+this characteristic and undoubtedly honest reply, "I will
+not say that Americans cannot do it, but for myself I
+cannot see how it would be possible."
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The news that a large company of home seekers had
+succeeded in driving their teams and four-wheeled vehicles
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P281"></a>281}</span>
+all the way through by that route caused widespread
+rejoicing throughout "the States," and virtually settled the
+question as to which nation the region should belong.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+THE UNFORTUNATE SAGER FAMILY
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Of the many tragic and pathetic incidents along the
+Trail during the early migration to Oregon, none
+surpasses that of this most bereaved and sorely afflicted
+family.  Mr. Sager, a blacksmith, went in 1838 from Ohio
+to Missouri; in the fall of 1843 he moved to St. Joseph
+in that State, and in the spring of 1844 joined the
+Gillman party bound for the Oregon Country.  He was
+accompanied by his wife and six children, the eldest a
+boy of fourteen (a seventh was born on the road), making
+five girls and two boys.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While crossing the Platte River one of his wagons in
+which Mrs. Sager was riding, overturned and so seriously
+injured her that she never entirely recovered from it.
+Near Fort Laramie the oldest girl fell under the wheels of
+the wagon and was rendered helpless during the remainder
+of the journey.  At Green River, Mr. Sager died leaving
+an invalid wife, a crippled daughter and six children,
+the youngest a baby only a few weeks old.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the party was an unmarried German doctor of a
+benevolent disposition who, seeing the straits to which
+the family was reduced, volunteered to drive and care
+for the oxen and assist the unfortunates to their destination.
+Mrs. Shaw, a kind hearted woman of the train, took
+the infant in charge.  At Fort Bridger the greater part
+of the property brought that far by the emigrants, among
+them the Sagers, had to be abandoned, making their lot
+still harder, for henceforth they must travel in a cart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Notwithstanding all that could be done to alleviate the
+sufferings of the ill and weak mother, she could no longer
+endure the hardships of the journey; and gave up her
+spirit in the wild and forbidding region of the Snake
+River.  Delirious at the time, she called upon her dead
+husband to take good care of their little ones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P282"></a>282}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mr. Shaw went to the Whitman Mission to see if Dr. and
+Mrs. Whitman could be prevailed upon to assume the
+care and custody of the orphans.  Though prompted by
+their natural inclinations to do so, the Whitmans
+hesitated to assume the additional responsibility.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While in this uncertain frame of mind, the two-wheeled
+vehicle with its cargo of six ragged and travel-stained
+children appeared upon the scene.  It was utterly
+impossible for those kind-hearted people to resist that
+appeal.  When the question of the infant came up, the
+Doctor could not see how it could be managed; but
+Mrs. Whitman turned to him and said, "I would like to have
+the baby most of all."
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p class="capcenter quote">
+<a id="img-282"></a>
+<br>
+<img class="imgcenter" src="images/img-282.jpg" alt="ARRIVAL OF THE SAGER ORPHANS AT WAIILATPU, THE WHITMAN MISSION IN THE OREGON COUNTRY, FALL OF 1844: SEE OPPOSITE PAGE">
+<br>
+ARRIVAL OF THE SAGER ORPHANS AT WAIILATPU, THE WHITMAN MISSION <br>
+IN THE OREGON COUNTRY, FALL OF 1844: SEE OPPOSITE PAGE
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<p>
+The arrival of the cart load of orphans at Waiilatpu
+presented a sight worthy of the brush of some great artist
+to transfer it to canvas, for such a combination of
+circumstances seldom occurs in real life.  All that then
+remained of their once complete outfit was in the foreground;
+and the emaciated, nearly exhausted oxen dropped
+down to rest as soon as they were unyoked.  John, the
+oldest boy, was seated in the front end of the cart, his
+ragged garments covered with a heavy coating of grey
+dust from the sagebrush plains, while his woe-begone
+countenance and tear-stained cheeks clearly indicated his
+supreme anguish.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Francis, the younger boy, was leaning on one wheel of
+the cart, his head resting on his arm and sobbing audibly.
+On the near side, the three little girls were huddled
+together bareheaded and barefooted, looking at the boys
+and then at the house, dreading whatever might happen.
+Close to the oxen stood the German doctor with his whip
+in hand and kindly eyes viewing the scene with suppressed
+emotion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The baby member of the family was in the care and
+custody of Mrs. Shaw, whose husband somewhat
+thoughtlessly asked Mrs. Whitman if she had any children of
+her own.  Stopping at the threshold, the good woman
+pointed to the little grave on the side of a small mound
+easily seen from that point, and replied, "The only child
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P283"></a>283}</span>
+I ever had sleeps yonder."  In the tone of her voice and
+the expression of her face there was unspeakable sadness.
+Only a few years later John and Francis were brutally
+murdered at the same Mission House by infuriated
+Indians, and all the girls taken into captivity.  That family
+certainly was tried in the crucible; and never in my
+experience have I found a parallel to it.
+</p>
+
+<p class="thought">
+* * *
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Up to the present time fully nine-tenths of the
+emigrants going to the Oregon Country have settled in the
+Willamette Valley&mdash;a very large and fertile valley, probably
+seventy or eighty miles long by some ten or twelve in
+width.  It is flanked on either side by ranges of heavily
+timbered hills, and traversed by the large Willamette River,
+which is fed by numerous streams issuing from the adjacent
+mountains on its course northward to join the mighty
+Columbia.  The climate is remarkably mild and entirely
+free from extremes of temperature; and its very fertile
+soil produces small grains such as wheat, oats and barley,
+in great abundance.  Vegetables of every kind grown in
+the temperate zone do remarkably well, while fruits such
+as apples, pears, plums and cherries are not only raised
+in great quantities, but are generally superior to the
+same varieties in the Atlantic States.  Fish and game
+are also quite plentiful.  Since the discovery of gold in
+California, that region has been an excellent market for
+everything raised at fancy prices; if this condition
+continues, the Oregon farmers will soon be more prosperous
+than the California gold miners.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There is also a vast region north of the Columbia,
+heavily timbered but interspersed here and there with
+numerous fertile valleys, which in recent years have been
+receiving many immigrants who claim to see a great
+future ahead.  Even in the eastern portion of the territory,
+which is still occupied almost exclusively by Indians,
+shrewd men see possibilities of large settlements
+springing up within the next few years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is a wonderful country to which you are going, and
+you will probably never have cause to regret the decision.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap09fn1"></a>
+[<a href="#chap09fn1text">1</a>] As this narrative was told in the early 1850s, "half a century
+ago" refers to the period shortly after 1800.&mdash;E.M.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+<a id="chap09fn2"></a>
+[<a href="#chap09fn2text">2</a>] Companion of Capt. Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis &amp; Clark
+Expedition of 1804-6; 1st Lieut. U.S.A., Jan. 31, 1806
+(resigned Feb. 27, 1807); appointed Brig.-Gen. of Militia by
+Thomas Jefferson, March 13, 1807; Governor of Missouri
+Territory 1813-21, and afterward,
+including the time of the visit of
+these Indians, Superintendent of Indian Affairs at St. Louis
+until his death in 1838.  Brother of Gen. George Rogers Clark.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p><a id="chap10"></a></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P284"></a>284}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="hang2">
+THE WORK BEGUN AND CARRIED ON FOR TWO
+DECADES BY EZRA MEEKER TO BE
+CONTINUED ON A LARGER SCALE BY THE
+OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION,
+INC. OBJECTS: PLAN: MEMBERSHIPS:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+More than twenty years have elapsed since the
+author started, January 29, 1906, on a return
+trip over the Oregon Trail, which he had traversed
+with an ox-team when just past 21 years of
+age, accompanied by a brave young wife and a babe,
+nearly fifty-four years before.  The first journey was
+in search of a home in the Oregon Country, of which
+he has now been a resident for over seventy-three
+years; and the second one to rescue from impending
+oblivion the memories of the Pioneers by rediscovering
+the Trail they followed, and erecting permanent
+monuments to honor their heroic achievements.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A third trip was made with the ox-team in 1910 to
+continue and enlarge the effort; a fourth one with an
+automobile in 1915 to enlist the co-operation of the
+motoring public in the great work, and finally a fifth
+by aeroplane in October, 1924, when he looked down
+from the air at a speed of 100 miles per hour upon the
+route previously followed at an average of about two
+miles an hour by a migration of at least three hundred
+thousand, of whom not less than twenty thousand gave
+up their lives on the way.  Although a total of nearly
+two hundred monuments and markers have been
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P285"></a>285}</span>
+placed along or nearby the old tracks, the plan as a
+whole is still incomplete; and the desirability of
+carrying it forward beyond the limitations of a single life,
+unquestionable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On January 9, 1926, the OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL
+ASSOCIATION, INC. was organized under
+the laws of the State of New York, for the following
+specific purposes:
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+1.  To search out, identify, suitably and permanently
+mark the line of the Oregon Trail, in so far as possible
+at this time, with or without visible marks of the old
+tracks.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+2.  To erect suitable monuments or memorials on or
+nearby the sites of historical forts, trading posts or
+other important landmarks along the Trail, such as
+Fort Kearney, Fort Laramie, Fort Hall, Fort Bridger
+and others of distinct historical interest.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+3.  To restore the Whitman Mission in the County
+of Walla Walla, State of Washington, as the same
+existed at the date of the Massacre, November 29,
+1847; to establish, or promote the establishment of, a
+park or other memorial to appropriately commemorate
+the sacrifice of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and
+the other victims of that historic tragedy; also to
+identify other localities where massacres are known to
+have taken place, and to suitably mark them.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+4.  To promote, encourage or portray in moving
+pictures, vividly recording the historic scenes on the
+great emigration over the Oregon Trail, with a
+reproduction of the characteristic scenery along the route,
+for use in the schools of the Nation, teaching exact
+and truthful history by such methods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+5.  To collect and preserve written accounts, objects
+of interest and other things pertaining to the history
+of the winning of the Pacific Northwest; to deposit
+same with the historical societies, preferably in the
+States where found, or to designate a Museum or
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P286"></a>286}</span>
+museums to preserve such records, relics or objects
+of interest as may be donated or otherwise acquired;
+and erect a suitable memorial to the Pioneers, most
+appropriately in the City of Washington.
+</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+Membership consists of two classes&mdash;Annual and
+Life.  Any citizen of the United States, of adult age,
+shall be eligible for membership by the payment,
+annually, of two dollars ($2); or for a Life
+Membership by one payment of fifty dollars ($50).  No
+assessment of members shall be made; nor shall
+membership involve any financial obligations beyond
+the stated fees or dues to the Corporation.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>
+The considerable number of men and women who
+have already become identified with the organization
+are devoting their time and money to perpetuate the
+memory of the Pioneers, all but a few of whom have
+gone to their reward, and to preserve the history of
+the great overland migration which was the principal
+factor in advancing the northwestern boundary of the
+United States to the Pacific Coast.  Work will be
+started in the field as soon as sufficient funds are
+secured to enable it to be carried forward on the high
+standard outlined.  Success in accomplishing these
+objects depends upon public confidence and support;
+and the reader of this volume is invited to become
+a member.
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+  OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION, INC.<br>
+  Ezra Meeker, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rev. David G. Wylie, D.D., LL.D.<br>
+  President &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary<br>
+  18 Old Slip, New York City<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum">{<a id="P287"></a>287}</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+WORKS BY EZRA MEEKER
+</p>
+
+<p>
+LOVED BEFORE SEEN (1874), a Story of Pioneer Life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+WASHINGTON TERRITORY WEST OF THE CASCADE
+MOUNTAINS (1870), a descriptive pamphlet, out of
+print and rare; as high as $100 has been paid for single copies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+FARM AND HOME, an editorial series of 52 numbers,
+1884-6; newspaper publication only.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+HOP CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES (1883);
+rare and out of print.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+PIONEER REMINISCENCES OF PUGET SOUND,
+AND THE TRAGEDY OF LESCHI (1905); 550 pages in
+two volumes under one cover, silk cloth binding, $15.00.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+SHORT STORIES FOR CHILDREN, each with a moral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+THE LOST TRAIL (1911-12-15), a booklet of 32 pages,
+of which several editions totaling a hundred thousand copies,
+have been issued.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+THE OREGON TRAIL, VENTURES AND ADVENTURES,
+revised and republished under title of THE BUSY
+LIFE OF EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS (1916); 400 pages, $1.65,
+postpaid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON
+(1915); 400 pages, $5.00 postpaid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+KATE MULHALL, a Romance of the Oregon Trail
+(1926); this volume, $2 postpaid, with the usual discounts to
+the trade.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In active preparation (1926): A CENTURY OF BUSY
+LIFE&mdash;the biography, varied experiences as pioneer, farmer,
+author and traveler, including four years in Europe, and the
+"homespun" philosophy of Ezra Meeker, 1830-1930 (borrowing
+a few years from the future, through which the author
+confidently expects to live, and thus justify
+the title chosen for this
+work), amplifying and carrying forward THE BUSY LIFE
+OF EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS in more definite historical
+retrospect.
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br><br></p>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78040 ***</div>
+</body>
+
+</html>
+
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+This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #78040
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78040)
author	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-02-25 13:33:36 -0800
committer	www-data <www-data@mail.pglaf.org>	2026-02-25 13:33:36 -0800
commit	1fe927725bfa80ec5ecfa659ec5a46f219d99ef3 (patch)
tree	021696adce92b74186a7836093094f13173bbf1f