When Deerfoot and the boys stepped out of the boat and came up the low but steep bank, two persons, attired in rough garb resembling that worn by hunters, came forward and cordially received them. The one in advance extended his hand and said:
"I am Captain Meriwether Lewis, and this is my friend, Captain William Clark. We are glad to meet you."
As he spoke he offered his hand to George Shelton, who introduced himself and then his companions.
"This is my twin brother Victor, though he hardly looks it. This is our guide, Deerfoot the Shawanoe."
The two officers welcomed the little party, and Captain Lewis added:
"We should be glad to have you spend several days with us, but you seem to be traveling in the opposite direction."
"Yes," said George, "we are homeward bound, and have been gone so long that we feel in somewhat of a hurry."
"In southern Ohio, at the settlement of Woodvale, near the mouth of the Miami."
"Yes," Victor took it upon himself to remark, "but we have been a good deal farther."
"Far enough to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean."
"That is _our_ destination. We thought we were to be the first white men to make the journey."
"So you will be, for we did not go all the way to the coast. I suppose you will do that?"
"Such are our instructions from President Jefferson."
While this conversation was going on other members of the exploring party gathered round. George had yielded the place of spokesman to his brother, and Deerfoot stood a few paces behind him. He was conscious of the curious scrutiny he was under from several of the members, but he acted as if unaware of it and held his peace. But he, too, was using his eyes and listening to the talk of the leaders, in whom he was much interested.
Victor fancied he detected just a shade of disappointment in the last remark of Captain Lewis, and he hastened to add:
"We amount to nothing. Only two of us belong to your race, and we cannot ask to be considered as men for a few years to come."
"You are husky-looking youngsters," added Captain Clark, from his place beside his associate, as he looked admiringly at the two lads.
"Where did you spend the winter?" continued Lewis.
"In the Blackfoot country, to the northwest. We reached there last autumn and stayed until a few weeks ago."