r, Captain Lewis stood, tall, clean-limbed,
immaculate, facing his men. His beard was gone, his face showed paler
where it had been reaped. His hair, grown quite long, and done now in
formal cue, hung low upon his shoulders. In every line a gentleman, an
officer, and a thoroughbred, he no longer bore any trace of the
wilderness. Love, confidence, admiration--these things showed in the
faces of his men as their eyes turned to him.

"Men," said he, "you are to be mustered out today. There will be given
to each of you a certificate of service in this expedition. It will
entitle you to three hundred and twenty acres of land, to be selected
where you like west of the Mississippi River. You will have double pay
in gold as well; but it is not only in this way that we seek to show
appreciation of your services.

"We have concluded a journey of considerable length and importance.
Between you and your officers there have been such relations as only
could have made successful a service so extraordinary as ours has
been. In our reports to our own superior officers we shall have no
words save those of praise for any of you. Our expedition has
succeeded. To that success you have all contributed. Your officers
thank you.

"Captain Clark will give you your last command, men. As I say farewell
to you, I trust I may not be taken to mean that I separate myself from
you in my thoughts or memories. If I can ever be of service to any of
you, you will call upon me freely."

He turned and stepped aside. His place was taken by his associate,
William Clark, likewise a soldier, an officer, properly attired, and
all the figure of a proper man. Clark's voice rang sharp and clear.

"Attention! Aim--fire! Break ranks--march!"

The last volley of the gallant little company was fired. The last
order had been given and received. With a sweep of his drawn sword,
Captain Clark dismissed them. The expedition was done.

So now they went their way, most of them into oblivion, great though
their services had been. For their officers much more remained to do.

The progress to Washington was a triumph. Everywhere their admiring
countrymen were excited over their marvelous journey. They were feted
and honored at every turn. The country was ringing with their praises
from the Mississippi to the Atlantic as the news spread eastward just
ahead of them.

When at last they finished their adieux to the kindly folk of St.
Louis, who scarce would let them go,