The party had suffered much during his absence.  They had been pinched by famine and almost starved, and had been forced to repair to the caches at Salmon River.  Here they fell in with the Blackfeet bands, and considered themselves fortunate in being able to retreat from the dangerous neighborhood without sustaining any loss.

Being thus reunited, a general treat from Captain Bonneville to his men was a matter of course.  Two days, therefore, were given up to such feasting and merriment as their means and situation afforded.  What was wanting in good cheer was made up in good will; the free trappers in particular, distinguished themselves on the occasion, and the saturnalia was enjoyed with a hearty holiday spirit, that smacked of the game flavor of the wilderness.

37.

Departure for the rendezvous—­A war party of Blackfeet—­A mock bustle—­Sham fires at night—­Warlike precautions—­ Dangers of a night attack—­A panic among horses—­Cautious march—­The Beer Springs—­A mock carousel—­Skirmishing with buffaloes—­A buffalo bait—­Arrival at the rendezvous—­ Meeting of various bands

After the two days of festive indulgence, Captain Bonneville broke up the encampment, and set out with his motley crew of hired and free trappers, half-breeds, Indians, and squaws, for the main rendezvous in Bear River valley.  Directing his course up the Blackfoot River, he soon reached the hills among which it takes its rise.  Here, while on the march, he descried from the brow of a hill, a war party of about sixty Blackfeet, on the plain immediately below him.  His situation was perilous; for the greater part of his people were dispersed in various directions.  Still, to betray hesitation or fear would be to discover his actual weakness, and to invite attack.  He assumed, instantly, therefore, a belligerent tone; ordered the squaws to lead the horses to a small grove of ashen trees, and unload and tie them; and caused a great bustle to be made by his scanty handful; the leaders riding hither and thither, and vociferating with all their might, as if a numerous force was getting under way for an attack.

To keep up the deception as to his force, he ordered, at night, a number of extra fires to be made in his camp, and kept up a vigilant watch.  His men were all directed to keep themselves prepared for instant action.  In such cases the experienced trapper sleeps in his clothes, with his rifle beside him, the shot-belt and powder-flask on the stock:  so that, in case of alarm, he can lay his hand upon the whole of his equipment at once, and start up, completely armed.