he found out that his favorite
Lieutenant had not broken his parole; but had instead boldly
resurrendered himself, declaring the obligation no longer binding, and
notifying Hamilton of his intention to go away with the purpose of
returning and destroying him and his command. Clark laughed heartily
when this explanation brought out Beverley's tender interest in Alice;
but he sympathized cordially; for he himself knew what love is.

Although Beverley was half starved and still suffering from the kicks
and blows given him by Long-Hair and his warriors, his exhausting run
on the trail of Clark aad his band had not worked him serious harm. All
of the officers and men did their utmost to serve him. He was feasted
without stint and furnished with everything that the scant supply of
clothing on the pack horses could afford for his comfort. He promptly
asked for an assignment to duty in his company and took his place with
such high enthusiasm that his companions regarded him with admiring
wonder. None of them save Clark and Oncle Jazon suspected that love for
a fair-haired girl yonder in Vincennes was the secret of his amazing
zeal and intrepidity.

In one respect Clark's expedition was sadly lacking in its equipment
for the march. It had absolutely no means of transporting adequate
supplies. The pack-horses were not able to carry more than a little
extra ammunition, a few articles of clothing, some simple cooking
utensils and such tools as were needed in improvising rafts and canoes.
Consequently, although buffalo and deer were sometimes plentiful, they
furnished no lasting supply of meat, because it could not be
transported; and as the army neared Vincennes wild animals became
scarce, so that the men began to suffer from hunger when within but a
few days of their journey's end.

Clark made almost superhuman efforts in urging forward his chilled,
water-soaked, foot-sore command; and when hunger added its torture to
the already disheartening conditions, his courage and energy seemed to
burn stronger and brighter. Beverley was always at his side ready to
undertake any task, accept any risk; his ardor made his face glow, and
he seemed to thrive upon hardships. The two men were a source of
inspiration--their followers could not flag and hesitate while under
the influence of their example.

Toward the end of the long march a decided fall of temperature added
ice to the water through which our dauntless patriots waded and swam
f