But this supply could not last long, and still they failed to meet
their expected friends. After a time they encountered an Indian who
had killed an antelope, which they quickly purchased and another
feast made every heart glad. By way of dessert, a messenger galloped
into camp with the news that Fitzpatrick was close at hand with an
abundant supply of provisions.

The next morning the two parties united and continued the journey
together. After leaving the Bear River Valley they crossed over to
Lewis's Fork of the Columbia. At night the camp fires of the Indian
twinkled like so many stars along the mountain side; but they were
all friendly and the tired explorers slept peacefully.

Pushing onward they reached the upper waters of Lewis's Fork,
where snow began to fall. However, they were quite near Fort Hall
and they therefore went into camp, while Fremont rode to the fort
and procured several horses and oxen.

The weather continued severe, but Fremont determined to push on,
despite the hardships which he knew awaited them all. As a matter
of prudence, however, he sent back eleven of his men, leaving about
twenty with which he pursued his journey down the river valley in
the direction of the Columbia. The Dalles was reached in safety
where Kit Carson was left in command of the party, while Fremont with
a few companions pushed on to Vancouver Island, where he procured
some provisions. On his return, the whole party united and made
their way to Klamath Lake, in what was then Oregon Territory. When
their observations were completed, they took up their march in the
direction of California.