Volume 1

TONGUE RIVER—A FALSE ALARM. 83
E. for many leagues. The valley through which it runs is
about two miles broad, bounded by high hills which are
practically wooded. It then bends S. E. for about the same
distance, when it turns E. and enters the great level plains,
where its banks are well lined with large wood, to its junction
with Red river, after the confluence of Tongue river,
which comes from the S. W. This takes its waters from'
several branches that are supplied by small lakes on the
Hair hills
;
the streams join about two leagues before they
empty into Red river.
We had a quarter of a mile of strong wood* to pass
through on either side of Panbian river to reach the plains.
Having seen my canoes pass at this place, we proceeded
through a narrow winding path to the open country, when
suddenly we heard the neighing of a horse, apparently in
pursuit of us. Desmarais and myself instantly held a
council. Who could it be? Our Indians had but one
horse and he was gone ahead ; we had seen his tracks
where he had crossed the little river. It must be the
Sioux—there was no time to lose ! We turned off from
the path a few paces and took our stand behind some large
oaks, where we primed our guns and remained in suspense.
But in a few moments we perceived Aupersay coming on
Crow's mare. This was an agreeable surprise. He had
chased a herd of red deer on the S. side of Panbian river,
where he took to the woods in pursuit of them and crossed
the river; but killed none. He came down upon the N.
side to look for us, and observing where we had crossed had
followed us. We three went on together, and soon overtook
the Indians, who were approaching a herd of cows.
Bulls were so numerous that, though we passed them at
about 100 paces, they did not run, but only turned to stare
at us.
For three miles beyond Panbian river the ground is
* A phrase of frequent recurrence in Henry, translating F. dots for ( or dots
forts, which he also uses. It means thick woods, or, as we should say, heavy
timber. Some bands of Indians living in wooded country are distinguished from
others by the same term.