Unfurling his flag, he advanced. The Indians
paused, then dashed for the woods. Lewis tried to tie some presents
round the dogs' necks as a peace-offering, but the curs made off after
their master. The white men had not proceeded a mile before they came to
three squaws, who never moved but bowed their heads to the ground for the
expected blow that would make them captives. Throwing down weapons,
Lewis pulled up his sleeve to show that he was white. Presents allayed
all fear, and the squaws had led him two miles toward their camp when
sixty warriors came galloping at full speed with arrows levelled. The
squaws rushed forward, vociferating and showing their presents. Three
chiefs at once dismounted, and fell on Captain Lewis with such greasy
embraces of welcome that he was glad to end the ceremony. Pipes were
smoked, presents distributed, and the white men conducted to a great
leathern lodge, where Lewis announced his mission and prepared the
Indians for the coming of the main force in the boats.
[Illustration: Indian Camp at Foothills of Rockies.]
The Snakes scarcely knew whether to believe the white man's tale. The
Indian camp was short of provisions, and Lewis urged the warriors to come
back up the trail to meet the advancing boats. The braves hesitated.
Cameahwait, the chief, harangued till a dozen warriors mounted their
horses and set out, Lewis and his men each riding behind an Indian.
Captain Clark could advance only slowly, and the Indians with Lewis grew
suspicious as they entered the rocky denies without meeting the
explorers' party.
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