of half a mile from the beach, the depth of water was sixteen feet,
with a clay bottom; but, as the working of the boat was very severe
labor, and during the operation of sounding, it was necessary to
cease paddling, during which the boat lost considerable way, I was
unwilling to discourage the men, and reluctantly gave up my intention
of ascertaining the depth and character of the bed. There was a
general shout in the boat when we found ourselves in one fathom,
and we soon after landed on a low point of mud, where we unloaded
the boat, and carried the baggage to firmer ground."



CHAPTER XXIII.


The Return -- Suffering for Food -- A Royal Feast -- On the Lewis
Fork -- Fort Hall -- Division of the Party -- Arrival at Dalles
-- The Sierra Nevada -- Preparations for the Passage Through the
Mountains -- Fremont's Account.

The explorers remained in camp the next day and boiled down some
of the water from the lake, thereby obtaining considerable salt.
The following morning was clear and beautiful and they returned by
the same route, ascending the valley of Bear River toward the north.

The expected Fitzpatrick and the provisions did not show themselves
and the party began to suffer for food. When their situation became
serious, Fremont permitted a horse to be killed and then all enjoyed
one of their old fashioned feasts.