Chapter XI

The party still pursue their route towards the Kooskooskee on
horseback with Wollawollah guides. Character of the country.
The quamash and other flowering shrubs in bloom. The party
reach the Kinnooenim creek. They meet with an old acquaintance
called the Bighorn Indian. They arrive at the mouth of the
Kooskooskee. Singular custom among the Chopunnish women.
Difficulty of purchasing provisions from the natives, and the
new resort of the party to obtain them. The Chopunnish style
of architecture. Captain Clark turns physician, and performs
several experiments with success upon the natives, which they
reward. An instance of their honesty. The distress of the
Indians for want of provisions during the winter. The party
finally meet the Twistedhair, to whom was entrusted their
horses during their journey down. The quarrel between that
chief and another of his nation, on the subject of his horses.
The cause of this controversy stated at large. The two chiefs
reconciled by the interference of the party, and the horses
restored. Extraordinary instance of Indian hospitality towards
strangers. A council held with the Chopunnish, and the object
of the expedition explained in a very circuitous route of
explanation. The party again perform medical cures. The answer
of the Chopunnish to the speech delivered at the council,
confirmed by a singular ceremony of acquiescence. They promise
faithfully to follow the advice of their visiters. 264