g, to help one to succeed," answered Uncle Jeff.

Our guides were under the belief that the only practicable way in which
they could get to the region they had heard of, was by following up a
torrent which, they said, came down from the far-off snowy summits of
the mountains in a succession of cataracts. For some distance we
travelled through a dense pine forest, following the course of a stream
into which we concluded the torrent fell. We frequently had to turn
aside to avoid the numberless fallen trunks, or to dismount and lead our
animals over them. We thus made but slow progress, and were compelled to
encamp in the midst of the forest at a much earlier hour than would have
been necessary in the open country. We kept up a blazing fire, however,
and happily escaped a visit from bears, or any of the savage animals
whose voices we heard round us on every side.

The next morning we moved forward, and looked out eagerly for a torrent.
At length we heard the roar of tumbling waters, and making our way
through the forest we came in sight of a cataract which altogether
surpassed that of our own location. It appeared to be formed of several
streams, which, rushing forth from the snowy heights, joined the main
body, and then came leaping downwards in one vast mass of water, with a
strength sufficient, it would seem, to force its way through the hardest
rock. There could be no doubt that this was the very cataract we were in
search of.

To carry our animals farther, would be impossible; indeed, had they been
able to make their way, they would not have found sufficient grass for
their sustenance in the rocky region we were approaching. We accordingly
encamped on a level spot not far from the cataract. When I surveyed the
wild and difficult region which we had to pass, I regretted that Clarice
had accompanied us, and wished that she had remained with the Indians.
Besides the fatigue which we must undergo, I feared that we might run
short of provisions, and that my sister might be exposed to other
hardships, which she was little able to endure.

[Illustration: THE CATARACT OF THE PASS.]

She laughed at my fears.

"You do not know how strong I am; I shall be able to go through as much
as any of you," she said. "Although I like Maysotta, I should not have
been happy among her savage tribe."

The next morning we sent the animals back, and loaded ourselves with
packs of provisions. Rachel carried as much as any one of us, and