the foot of a white man or Indian had never violated. Frequently,
during the day, clouds had rested on the summits of their lofty
mountains, and we believed that we should find clear streams and
springs of fresh water; and we indulged in anticipations of the
luxurious repasts with which we were to indemnify ourselves for
past privations. Neither, in our discussions, were the whirlpool
and other mysterious dangers forgotten, which Indian and hunter's
stories attributed to this unexplored lake. The men had discovered
that, instead of being strongly sewed, (like that of the preceding
year, which had so triumphantly rode the canons of the Upper
Great Platte), our present boat was only pasted together in a very
insecure manner, the maker having been allowed so little time in the
construction that he was obliged to crowd the labor of two months
into several days. The insecurity of the boat was sensibly felt
by us; and mingled with the enthusiasm and excitement that we all
felt at the prospect of an undertaking which had never before been
accomplished was a certain impression of danger, sufficient to give
a serious character to our conversation. The momentary view which
had been had of the lake the day before, its great extent and rugged
islands, dimly seen amidst the dark waters in the obscurity of the
sudden storm, were well calculated to heighten the idea of undefined
danger with which the lake was generally associated."

"September 8. -- A calm, clear day, with a sunrise temperature
of 41 degrees. In view of our present enterprise, a part of the
equipment of the boat had been made to consist of three airtight
bags, about three feet long, and capable each of containing five
gallons. These had been filled with water the night before, and
were now placed in the boat, with our blankets and instruments,
consisting of a sextant, telescope, spyglass, thermometer, and