be provided, but no one knew how to knit them[.] We were informed of an old man who used to talk of snow shoes – but this man was blind with age and therefore could not afford us any assistance. The old man remarked that in the days of his youth, he in common with many others made use of the like for walking, and could run with them in those days as fast as the horses run at present[.]

Having been disappointed in our expectations of the old man we went to work ourselves – and made Rackets by passing thongs at right angles one across another, something like a riddle[.] In the morEvening M^r Larocque with the only man we then had remaining took their departure accompanied by a Dog to carry their provisions[.] The journey to the Fort and back again we supposed might require at least twenty days to perform – I was left in charge of all[.] The horses caused me much uneasiness – I was afraid the Indians might take a fancy to them, and carry them off[.]

Being now on the Eve of spring, the Snow began to thaw, the Rills to run, and the natives to cross their effects to their summer residence on the opposite banks of the Missisouri[.] Of this change I was no aware at the departure of M^r LaRocque

therefore

[15]