Chapter XIV

The party proceed on their journey with their Indian guides,
and at length agree to divide, to take several routes, and
to meet again at the mouth of Yellowstone river. The route
of captain Lewis is to pursue the most direct road to the
falls of the Missouri, then to ascend Maria’s river, explore
the country, and to descend that river to its mouth. Captain
Lewis, accordingly, with nine men proceed up the eastern branch
of Clark’s river, and take leave of their Indian guides.
Description of that branch, and character of the surrounding
country. Description of the Cokalahishkit river. They arrive
at the ridge dividing the Missouri from the Columbia rivers.
Meet once more with the buffaloe and brown bear. Immense herds
of buffaloe discovered on the borders of Medicine river. The
party encamp on Whitebear islands. Singular adventure that
befel M’Neal. Captain Lewis, with three of his party proceed
to explore the source of Maria’s river. Tansy river described.
He reaches the dividing line of these two streams. General
character of the surrounding country. 329