The sight inspired almost a frenzy of delight.  Roused to new ardor, they forgot, for a time, their fatigues, and hurried down the mountain, dragging their jaded horses after them, and sometimes compelling them to slide a distance of thirty or forty feet at a time.  At length they reached the banks of the Immahah.  The young grass was just beginning to sprout, and the whole valley wore an aspect of softness, verdure, and repose, heightened by the contrast of the frightful region from which they had just descended.  To add to their joy, they observed Indian trails along the margin of the stream, and other signs, which gave them reason to believe that there was an encampment of the Lower Nez Perces in the neighborhood, as it was within the accustomed range of that pacific and hospitable tribe.

The prospect of a supply of food stimulated them to new exertion, and they continued on as fast as the enfeebled state of themselves and their steeds would permit.  At length, one of the men, more exhausted than the rest, threw himself upon the grass, and declared he could go no further.  It was in vain to attempt to rouse him; his spirit had given out, and his replies only showed the dogged apathy of despair.  His companions, therefore, encamped on the spot, kindled a blazing fire, and searched about for roots with which to strengthen and revive him.  They all then made a starveling repast; but gathering round the fire, talked over past dangers and troubles, soothed themselves with the persuasion that all were now at an end, and went to sleep with the comforting hope that the morrow would bring them into plentiful quarters.

31.

Progress in the valley—­An Indian cavalier—­The captain falls into a lethargy—­A Nez-Perce patriarch—­Hospitable treatment—­The bald head—­Bargaining—­Value of an old plaid cloak—­The family horse—­The cost of an Indian present

A tranquil night’s rest had sufficiently restored the broken down traveller to enable him to resume his wayfaring, and all hands set forward on the Indian trail.  With all their eagerness to arrive within reach of succor, such was their feeble and emaciated condition, that they advanced but slowly.  Nor is it a matter of surprise that they should almost have lost heart, as well as strength.  It was now (the 16th of February) fifty-three days that they had been travelling in the midst of winter, exposed to all kinds of privations and hardships:  and for the last twenty days, they had been entangled in the wild and desolate labyrinths of the snowy mountains; climbing and descending icy precipices, and nearly starved with cold and hunger.