"We're in a bad box," quoth Sergeant Ordway. "Now we're tied up close to the bank, under direct fire. We may have a hard time casting off."
Strong guards were kept under arms, on all the boats. There was little sleep. Both captains were constantly about, peering through the darkness, and listening. Early in the morning the Tetons were assembled; and while Patrick Gass and a detail were dragging from a pirogue, trying to find the barge's anchor, several chiefs and warriors waded out to the barge and climbed aboard.
The anchor could not be found.
"Never mind," said Captain Lewis. "We'll go on without it. Send those fellows ashore, Will. Sergeant Pryor, take a squad with you and cast off that rope."
The Indian visitors did not wish to go ashore, but Captain Clark ordered them pushed into the pirogue which was to bear Sergeant Pryor and squad. Chief Black Buffalo still refused to go. Sergeant Pryor released the rope from the tree on the bank and returned. The sail on the barge was being hoisted—and at the instant laughter and shouts mingled, both ashore and from the boats.
A number of the Sioux had sat upon the rope, holding it!
Captain Lewis flared into hot rage.
"Take charge of the pirogues, Will," he ordered. "Down behind the gunwale, men. Advance your
