stream. With their horses, and without large boats, they could not
utilize the current, unless perhaps after descending a long distance
they were able to construct a large raft.

This plan, which would have taken them through the hunting grounds of
the Assiniboines, was changed, and they turned to the southeast, having
been told that that course offered less difficulties to them. They gave
up their former plan because of their wish to enter a moderate climate
as soon as possible. Although spring was well begun, they had a good
deal of snow and ice to encounter, and were likely to meet it for weeks
to come. This was shown on their second day, when a driving storm of
snow and sleet forced them to seek shelter for themselves and horses,
and another day passed before they could resume their journey.

The most trying difficulty was that of crossing streams, which were
more numerous than they had supposed. Some were mountain torrents of
only a few yards width, others deserved the name of rivers, and the
current of each was of icy coldness. More than once they saw blocks of
ice grinding and tumbling over one another as they plunged rapidly
onward. It was so dangerous at times for the horses to attempt to swim
across, and so hard and disagreeable for the youths, that hours were
spent in hunting for a fording place. Fortunately they were always able
to gather enough fuel to make themselves comfortable at night; grass
became more plentiful and no trouble was had in procuring game. This
generally consisted of bison, but it was a great improvement when they
were able to bring down a Rocky Mountain sheep. This animal does not
bear wool, but hair like that of the deer, and is larger than the
largest domestic sheep. The horns of the males attain great size,
starting from just above the eyes, though not touching at the bases,
and curving over so as to include all the space between the ears. The
meat at certain seasons is very palatable and held in high favor. The
animal is generally known by the name of the "big horn," and is so
skilful a climber and so alert that it is quite a feat for a hunter to
bring down a specimen. Deerfoot was the only one on this return journey
who was able to bag the game, which never failed to elude George and
Victor Shelton.

CHAPTER XXII.

A MEMORABLE MEETING.

If you will examine the map of the State of Montana you will note that
the central county bears the name of Fergus, while one of the