is theory about the source of the
Mississippi.--Che-no-wa-ge-sic.--Studying Indian manners and
customs.--Dining with Indian royalty.--Chippewa hospitality.--How
the wife of an Indian Chief entertains.--Souvenir of Flat
Mouth.--Return of Che-no-wa-ge-sic.--A council held.--An Indian
speech.--"No White Man has yet seen the head of the Father of
Waters."--Voyage of exploration.--Launching the canoes 444

CHAPTER XXXVIII

EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY.

Launching the canoes.--Flat Mouth and White Cloud again.--An
inspiring scene.--Farewell to Leech Lake.--Up the Kabekanka
River.--Dinner at Lake Benedict.--Difficult navigation.--A peaceful
haven.--Supper and contentment.--Lake Garfield.--Preparations for
first portage.--Utter exhaustion.--Encampment for the night.--The
cavalry column.--Lake George and Lake Paine.--The Naiwa River.--Six
miles from Itasca.--Camping on the Mississippi watershed.--A
startling discovery.--Rations giving out.--Ammunition gone.--Arrival
at Lake Itasca 454

CHAPTER XXXIX.

DISCOVERY OF THE SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

Short rations.--Empty haversacks and depleted
cartridge-boxes.--Statement of Chenowagesic.--Captain Glazier's
diary.--Vivid description.--Coasting Itasca.--Chenowagesic
puzzled.--The barrier overcome.--Victory! the Infant
Mississippi.--Enthusiastic desire to see the source.--The goal
reached.--A beautiful lake.--The fountain-head.--An American the
first white man to stand by its side.--Schoolcraft.--How he came to
miss the lake.--Appropriate ceremonies.--Captain Glazier's
speech.--Naming the lake.--Chenowagesic.--Military honors.--"Three
cheers for the explorer" 465

CHAPTER XL.

DOWN THE GREAT RIVER.

Voyage from Source to Sea.--Three thousand miles in an open
canoe.--"Pioneers of the Mississippi."--A thrilling lecture.--The
long voyage begun.--Mosquitoes.--Hunger and exhaustion.--The Captain
kills an otter.--Lakes Bemidji and Winnibegoshish.--An Indian
missionary.--Wind-bound.--Chenowagesic bids farewell to the
Captain.--Pokegama Falls.--Grand Rapids.--Meeting the first
steamboat.--Aitkin.--Great enthusiasm.--The new canoes.--Leaving
Aitkin.--Arrival