The two came directly to the fire. They were out of breath. The circle respectfully opened for them.
"Did we hear right? Is it true, then, sir? Ye found the Red River?" eagerly inquired Sergeant Meek, of the lieutenant.
"Yes, sergeant." And the lieutenant beat his red cap and stamped, to dislodge some of his snow. "That is, the signs are the most hopeful for many a day, and we all have good reason to be inspired of success. Listen, men. The facts are these: Doctor Robinson and I advanced about four miles, out of this defile and into a prairie that lies beyond. There we discovered a fine stream, with all the characteristics of a river. It is some twenty-five yards wide, very swift, in a clearly marked rocky channel, and the general direction of its flow is southeast."
"Hooray!"
"The creek we are now encamped beside evidently joins it. This is all I have to say at present. To-morrow, or as soon as marching conditions warrant, we will proceed, examine the ground more thoroughly, and demonstrate whether or not we may consider ourselves actually at the source of the Red River."
"News like that takes the chill off the air,"
