g
to discourage the men, and reluctantly gave up my intention of
ascertaining the depth, and the character of the bed. There was a
general shout in the boat when we found ourselves in one fathom, and
we soon after landed.'"

* * * * *

We now resume Kit Carson's narrative. When the Indian-rubber boat was
put in order, Colonel Fremont started, taking Carson and three others
as companions. (Their names have already appeared.) The distance from
the main land to the island is computed to be about three leagues,
hence the pull at the oars, for landsmen unaccustomed to such kind of
work, was no small task. However a landing upon the island was safely
accomplished, the boat made fast and the investigations commenced.
After examining most of the island without finding even a spring of
water on it, it was determined to ascend the great hill which was
the highest elevation on it. The party was not long in reaching the
summit, where they found a shelving rock, on which they cut a cross,
their names and the date as signs to after visitors, should any such
follow in their footsteps, that they had been the first persons who
had ever, within the knowledge of man, been on that island.

The day having been far spent in their labors, orders were given to
camp on the island for the night. On the morrow they departed for
the main land. When they had accomplished about one league, being
one-third of the distance, the clouds suddenly gathered and threatened
a storm. Just as this danger impended, the air which acted in giving
buoyancy to the boat, by some accident, began to escape. A man was
immediately stationed at the bellows and it required his constant aid
to supply the portion which steadily escaped. Colonel Fremont then
ordered the men to pull for their lives and try thus to escape the
danger of the impending storm. In this instance, as indeed in every
hour of peril, an all-seeing Providence guided them in safety to the
shore. Soon after they arrived, the storm came on with such fury that
it caused the water of the lake, according to the natural water mark,
to rise ten feet in one hour.

The party soon after recommenced their march and proceeded some
distance up the Bear River. Crossing it they went to the Malade
and thence on until they reached Fort Hall. Here they met with the
division under Fitzpatrick and made a short stay.

Once more Colonel Fremont started with his small party in advance of
hi