The next day the rapids were more severe. Wading breast-deep in the cold water and slipping on the rocky bottom, the men scarcely could haul the boats against the current. All the morning was consumed in making six miles. Just at noon, when halt was ordered, for dinner, a figure was seen, ahead, hurrying down along the banks.
It was John Shields, from Captain Lewis. As he approached, he swung his hat.
"Hurrah, boys!" he shouted. "We're all right. This is the trail. The captain's found the falls!" He came panting and puffing into camp. "It's the true Missouri."
"How far up are the falls, Shields?" asked Captain Clark, eagerly.
"About twenty miles, sir. But you can't get to them with boats."
And that was so. The next day the rapids of the river were more furious, and the men were constantly dodging rattlesnakes on the banks. Shields was sent ahead to tell Captain Lewis that the party were on their way. Captain Clark ordered a noon halt near a large spring of sulphur water, to wait for Captain Lewis. The roaring of the falls had already been heard above the noise of the river.
Sa-ca-ja-we-a was carried to the sulphur spring. She drank quantities of it and soon felt much better.
"Now be very careful what she eats, Chaboneau," warned Captain Clark.
