y
saw in the distance the Pacific Ocean.

A month later the party went into winter quarters. It rained eternally,
the weather was chilly and their condition for a long time was
miserable in the extreme. The shelter built for themselves was called
Fort Clatsop. There they remained until March 23, 1806, when the
explorers set out on their return journey. They had to face
difficulties, hardships and sufferings again, but they had learned from
experience and were better prepared to do so. They embarked on the
Yellowstone July 24, and ten days later reached its junction with the
Missouri. At this point the men were driven almost frantic by the
mosquitoes. At midday, September 23, 1806, they arrived at St. Louis,
where the whole town turned out to welcome them. There the party was
disbanded, and, passing to their various destinations, the Lewis and
Clark expedition took its place in history.

During the latter part of the chat between Lewis and Clark, Deerfoot
came quietly forward and sat down beside the Shelton boys. He listened
closely to all that was said. When the officers asked questions, the
Shawanoe left the answers to the brothers. But more than once they were
in doubt, and turned to him for aid. His prompt response in every
instance was noticed by the officers, who, after a time, addressed
their questions almost wholly to him.

Finally, at a late hour, the visitors wrapped themselves in their
blankets and stretched out on the ground, with their feet turned toward
the blaze. The explorers always maintained a watch, for though they
felt no fear of the Indians they were subject to unpleasant visits, as
in the case when a bison swam a river and went plunging like a steam
engine through the camp. Moreover, the men had seen enough of the
grizzly bear to hold him in respectful awe, and they did not intend to
have any of the brutes steal a march upon them.

The morning was clear and pleasant, and the explorers were astir at an
early hour. A breakfast was made from catfish and goose, and a cordial
farewell took place. The boys wished Captains Lewis and Clark the best
of fortune, and Lewis complimented them, and especially Deerfoot, for
the information they had given him of the region through which they
expected to force their way. In return, Lewis advised his guests to
bear directly to the south and not to follow the course of the
Missouri, as he and his company had done. In fact, it would have been
absurd for the three