up a feeble laugh at the alarm and anxiety of those who came to his relief.  He was extricated from his rocky bed, and a messenger dispatched to inform Captain Bonneville of the accident.  The latter returned with all speed, and encamped the party at the first convenient spot.  Here the wounded man was stretched upon buffalo skins, and the captain, who officiated on all occasions as doctor and surgeon to the party, proceeded to examine his wounds.  The principal one was a long and deep gash in the thigh, which reached to the bone.  Calling for a needle and thread, the captain now prepared to sew up the wound, admonishing the patient to submit to the operation with becoming fortitude.  His gayety was at an end; he could no longer summon up even a forced smile; and, at the first puncture of the needle, flinched so piteously, that the captain was obliged to pause, and to order him a powerful dose of alcohol.  This somewhat rallied up his spirit and warmed his heart; all the time of the operation, however, he kept his eyes riveted on the wound, with his teeth set, and a whimsical wincing of the countenance, that occasionally gave his nose something of its usual comic curl.

When the wound was fairly closed, the captain washed it with rum, and administered a second dose of the same to the patient, who was tucked in for the night, and advised to compose himself to sleep.  He was restless and uneasy, however; repeatedly expressing his fears that his leg would be so much swollen the next day, as to prevent his proceeding with the party; nor could he be quieted, until the captain gave a decided opinion favorable to his wishes.

Early the next morning, a gleam of his merry humor returned, on finding that his wounded limb retained its natural proportions.  On attempting to use it, however, he found himself unable to stand.  He made several efforts to coax himself into a belief that he might still continue forward; but at length, shook his head despondingly, and said, that “as he had but one leg,” it was all in vain to attempt a passage of the mountain.

Every one grieved to part with so boon a companion, and under such disastrous circumstances.  He was once more clothed and equipped, each one making him some parting present.  He was then helped on a horse, which Captain Bonneville presented to him; and after many parting expressions of good will on both sides, set off on his return to his old haunts; doubtless, to be once more plucked by his affectionate but needy cousins.

36.

The difficult mountain—­A smoke and consultation—­The captain’s speech—­An icy turnpike—­Danger of a false step—­ Arrival on Snake River—­Return to—­Portneuf—­Meeting of comrades

Continuing their journey up the course of the Immahah, the travellers found, as they approached the headwaters, the snow increased in quantity, so as to lie two feet deep.  They were again obliged, therefore, to beat down a path for their horses, sometimes