When we reached the Walla Walla on the 30th of May, as already mentioned, we were at a loss to account for the unusual movement and stir among the Indians, who seemed to be assembling from all quarters in great haste. The mystery was, however, soon cleared up when Mr. Clarke joined us, and related the affair of the silver goblet at the Catatouch camp. What did Stuart and M‘Kenzie say? What could any man say? The reckless deed had been committed, and Clarke’s countenance fell when the general voice of disapprobation was raised against him. The Indians all along kept flying to and fro, whooping and yelling in wild commotion. At this time, Tummeatapam came riding up to our camp at full speed. “What have you done, my friends?” called out the old and agitated chief. “You have spilt blood on our lands!” {226} Then pointing to a cloud of dust raised by the Indians, who were coming down upon us in wild confusion— “There, my friends, do you see them? What can I do?” The chief did not dismount, but wheeling round his horse again, off he went like a shot, leaving us to draw a salutary inference from the words “What can I do?”— meaning, no doubt, that we had better be off immediately. Taking the hint, we lost no time. Tents were struck; some had breakfasted, some not—kettles and dishes were all huddled together and bundled into the canoe, and, embarking pell-mell, we pushed with all haste from the inauspicious shore. We pushed our way down the current, passing the falls, the narrows, and the cascades, without the least interruption, and arrived safe at Astoria on the 14th day of June. And here we shall leave the party to recount to each other their various exploits, while we take up the thread of Mr. Stuart’s adventures from Columbia to St. Louis. {227} CHAPTER XIV[80] Mr. Stuart—Snake River—Trappers—Joyous meeting—Trappers’ resolution— Crow Indians’ troubles—Horses change masters—Mr. Stuart on foot— M‘Lellan left alone—Hardships of the party—Famine—Le Clerc’s horrid proposition—The old bull—The old horse—Pilot knobs—Winter quarters— Unwelcome visitors—Change of quarters—Spring—Travelling at random—An Otto Indian—River Platte—Two traders—News of the war—The Missouri— The old horse given for an old canoe—St. Louis—Mr. Astor—Wallamitte— Falls—Scenery—Habits of the Col-lap-poh-yea-ass tribes—Concourse of savages—M‘Dougall’s letter—M‘Kenzie’s stratagem—Indian disappointment—The ship _Beaver_—Coasting voyage—Mr. Astor’s policy— Captains—Their instructions—Mr. Hunt baulked in his plans—The Boston merchants—Mr. Astor’s conduct—Difficulties of Mr. Hunt’s situation— The ship _Albatross_—All the parties at headquarters.