uppose that they exist yonder as they do with us, in
some part, at least. If so, yonder are homes for millions now unborn.
Had General Bonaparte known the value of that land, he would have
fought the world rather than alienate such a region."

The President tapped a long forefinger on the map.

"This, then," he went on, "is your country. Find it out--bring back to
me examples of its soil, its products, its vegetable and animal life.
Espy out especially for us any strange animals there may be of which
science has not yet account. I hold it probable that there may be
yonder living examples of the mastodon, whose bones we have found in
Kentucky. You yourself may see those enormous creatures yet alive."

Meriwether Lewis listened in silence. Mr. Jefferson turned to another
branch of his theme.

"I fancy that some time there will be a canal built across the isthmus
that binds this continent to the one below--a canal which shall
connect the two great oceans. But that is far in the future. It is for
you to spy out the way now, across the country itself. Explore
it--discover it--it is our new world.

"A few must think for the many," he went on. "I had to smuggle this
appropriation through Congress--twenty-five hundred dollars--the price
of a poor Virginia farm! I have tampered with the Constitution itself
in order to make this purchase of a country not included in our
original territorial lines. I have taken my own chances--just as you
must take yours now. The finger of God will be your guide and your
protector. Are you ready, Captain Lewis? It is late."

Indeed, the sun was rising over Washington, the mists of morning were
reeking along the banks of the Potomac.

"I can start in half an hour," replied Meriwether Lewis.

"Are your men ready, your supplies gathered together?"

"The rendezvous is at Harper's Ferry, up the river. The wagons with
the supplies are ready there. I will take boat from here myself with
a few of the men. Not later than tomorrow afternoon I promise that we
will be on our way. We burn the bridges behind us, and cross none
until we come to them."

"Spoken like a soldier! It is in your hands. Go then!"

There was one look, one handclasp. The two men parted; nor did they
meet again for years.

Mr. Jefferson did not look from his window to see the departure of his
young friend, nor did the latter again call at the door to say
good-by. Theirs was indeed a warrior-like simplicity.

The sun still