By
their feet flowed the rapid current of Mad River, a stream ample enough
to admit of the navigation of canoes, and down which they might possibly
be able to steer their course to the main body of the Columbia.
The Canadian voyageurs rejoiced at the idea of once more launching
themselves upon their favorite element; of exchanging their horses for
canoes, and of gliding down the bosoms of rivers, instead of scrambling
over the backs of mountains. Others of the party, also, inexperienced in
this kind of travelling, considered their toils and troubles as drawing
to a close. They had conquered the chief difficulties of this great
rocky barrier, and now flattered themselves with the hope of an easy
downward course for the rest of their journey. Little did they dream
of the hardships and perils by land and water, which were yet to be
encountered in the frightful wilderness that intervened between them and
the shores of the Pacific!
CHAPTER XXXI.
A Consultation Whether to Proceed by Land or Water--
Preparations for Boat-Building.--An Exploring Party.--A
Party of Trappers Detached.--Two Snake Visitors.--Their
Report Concerning the River.--Confirmed by the Exploring
Party.--Mad River Abandoned.--Arrival at Henry's Fort.--
Detachment of Robinson, Hoback, and Rezner to Trap.
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