In this way they travelled two nights and a day.

At the end of that time they came suddenly on a small party of nine Indians, who were seated on the ground with their snow-shoes and blankets by their sides.

They had evidently been taken by surprise, but they made no attempt to escape, knowing that it was useless.

Each sat still with his bow and arrows between his legs on the ground ready for instant use.
As soon as Cameron spoke, however, in their own language they felt relieved, and began to talk.
"Where do you come from, and what are you doing here ?" asked the trader.
"We have come to trade with the white men," one of them replied, "and to hunt.

We have come from the Missouri.